LEARNING that Leslie David Allison, one of the most dedicated and hard-working employees of Miracle Corporation had collapsed and died on the job in September brought about an immediate and very devastating feeling for Richard Lee, chief executive officer (CEO) of the company.

Allison, who was an operations manager, died of a massive heart attack on September 27. He worked with Miracle for a period of 10 years. He was father to one son.

At his thanksgiving service Sunday at Stadium Seventh-day Adventist Church in St Andrew, Lee told the Jamaica Observer that Allison’s sudden passing on the job highlights the importance of giving high priority to the promotion of good health practices among employees.

Lee shared that plans are being put in place to ensure that the mental health and general wellness of his employees are taken care of. He has already started talks with a nutritionist and counsellors to have them come in and engage staff.

“His passing comes very suddenly, and it shows that we all have to give high priority to our health because we really don’t know what possible underlying conditions we may have. It is a stark reminder that we must respect and care for our family and friends because we don’t know at what time our lives can be taken from us — as was the very unfortunate situation with Leslie Allison,” Lee told the Observer.

The CEO shared that Allison’s death devastated the entire company, and said operations had to be shut down for an entire day when he passed.

“When we got the news that he had passed, I immediately made my way down to the company to speak with the staff, who were totally distressed by his passing. It was a difficult speech for me to deliver because the moment was very emotional. I immediately had to close the company for the day as a mark of respect for Allison, but also because no one was in a position to work. Everyone really loved Allison. He was a great man who will be tremendously missed,” said Lee.

“He will be tremendously missed by everyone. And indeed we extend, once again, our sincere condolence to the family for the sudden passing of such a great, friendly, comical father and co-worker. My memories of Allison was that he was always willing to do what was necessary, above and beyond what anyone would expect as being normal course of duties at the company.“

Tiffany Perrin, a co-worker of Allison, described their relationship as very close.

“He was a very humble young man. Funny enough, Allison, even though he may not want to do something, he would still do it. He was someone you could count on…”

Close pal Robert Vaughn said Allison was the embodiment of a true friend.

“He will be truly remembered by many. He was a brother and a hero. He shall live on in our memories,” Vaughn said.

Best friend and drinking partner Romanthia Matteson said Allison was a very kind person who was loved by adults and children.

“Whenever I called on him he was always ready. My children loved him. He was a kind person. When my children heard that he died, they cried. My last daughter really loved him. She was his favourite.”

And Charmaine Peterkin described Allison as kind, ambitious, amazing, and the most wonderful and hard-working friend she ever met.

“He was ambitious, and that’s what I loved about him. He was my motivation,” she said.