OF the many adjectives used at the service of thanksgiving for the life of Kenneth “KP” Lawson, those that stood out most were “trustworthy and affectionate husband; giving and guiding father; doting and insightful grandfather; revered police officer; and faithful Christian”.

But even more touching was the revelation that his wife of 65 years, Emily, was with him as he made his transition, providing comfort, smoothing his hair, holding him in a loving, gentle embrace as she met his request to lie beside him.

The mood inside Trinity Moravian Church was sombre but celebratory as family, friends and associates reflected on the life of the man who, in December 1957, joined the Jamaica Constabulary Force which he served for just under 32 years.

After leaving the Police Training School in Port Royal in 1958 he was stationed in May Pen, Clarendon, where he first laid eyes on the very elegant Emily Silburn who worked near the police station.

Lawson was instantly smitten, and after a few months of relentless persuasion on his part, they went on their first date.

In 1960 he was transferred to Hunt’s Bay Police Station in St Andrew but no distance could keep him away from his beloved, so as often as his duties allowed, he travelled to May Pen to spend time with Emily. On one of his visits he asked her parents’ permission to have her move to Kingston to be with him so that they could plan their wedding.

Her mother granted his wish with the proviso that, “Missa Lawson … if you and Emily cyaan gree…nuh lick har…just send har back.”

On June 26, 1965 they got married. The union produced two gorgeous girls, Sandra and Charmaine, who were the apple of his eye. His colleagues in the force used to tell his daughters that they all knew about Sandra and Charmaine before they actually met them, as when anyone suggested anything underhanded or illegal for him to participate in he used to ask if they believed he would allow them to make Sandra and Charmaine grow up without a father.

In addition to being a man who cared for his family, Lawson was remembered for the importance he attached to personal grooming — his shoes had to be properly cleaned and polished, and he insisted that his daughters and grandchildren follow that example.

Similar to how he prepared himself for work, he prepared for church — suit, tie, and socks would be chosen and coordinated, with his wife’s help, from Saturday night.

Sunday morning the entire Lawson family would make their way to church. And he was not just a mere worshipper, he participated fully in various areas of church life.

Lawson also loved to cook and, as the congregants heard, “his beef soup on Saturdays was something to be experienced”.

“Popsie”, as his children called him, was witty and sharp right up to his last few hours.

He was also a principled man who would not have his children stand at the gate in conversation with their friends.

“He would say, ‘If they are not the types of friends whom we can invite inside, then they are not people with whom we should be friends,” his daughters shared.

He transitioned as he lived: secure in love, surrounded by persons who cared for him.