SANDY BAY, Hanover — “Trust me, I don’t know which doctor I am going to trust like how I trust Dr Stair,” lamented Dorothy Davis from Montpelier in Sandy Bay, Hanover, as she reacted to news of the death of custos rotulorum for Hanover Dr David Norman Adolphus Stair on Wednesday.

On Thursday when the Jamaica Observer visited Sandy Bay Health Centre, where Stair worked as a part-time doctor, Davis said she was at the facility to collect the results of a test that he had ordered.

Davis, who believes that she was wrongfully diagnosed in the past, said Stair earned her trust after he questioned why she was being treated for a particular illness without the relevant tests being done. She heard of the doctor’s death on Wednesday night.

“He had motivated me so much. It is the first time that I have ever been to a doctor, and they sit and talk about the things that I want to know. And, trust me, I dearly miss him,” declared Davis.

The sudden passing of one of Hanover’s favourite medical doctors sent shock waves through the parish and the country.

Stair was found dead at his Pond Piece home in Hopewell by co-workers who went to check on him after he failed to show up for work.

His body was found in the bathroom.

On Thursday, the nurses at the clinic extended condolence to the family and shared experiences of the man they knew and loved.

Registered midwife Charlene Hilton Blake said she had known the custos for the past 12 years. Hilton Blake said she first met Stair when she was a secretary at the main clinic in Lucea.

“He is a warm-hearted person. He is very jovial and loved his clients. He was very passionate about healthcare and healthcare workers,” stated Hilton Blake, who said the doctor also loved caring for plants.

Hilton Blake said some people are having a hard time processing the fact that he has died.

She told the Observer that the clinic could do well with more staff and Stair’s death “will leave a huge dent in healthcare” in the parish.

Another colleague, midwife Tashi Williams, was equally devastated by Stair’s passing.

“The clients loved him, and even though we worked briefly, he was always warm-hearted and welcoming. It is very sad to know that it happened so suddenly,” stated Williams who shared that she was shocked and in disbelief when she heard the news of the doctor’s death on Wednesday night.

Sandy Bay Health Centre is located within the Sandy Bay Division, which is represented by Deputy Mayor Andria Dehaney Grant (People’s National Party), who is also a justice of the peace.

Dehaney Grant said she had a long-term working relationship with Stair.

“The level of commitment to the health centre and the healthcare of our people in this parish has not gone unnoticed and we will really, really, miss him,” said Dehaney Grant as she sent condolence to Stair’s family on behalf of the people of Hanover.

“I know that whoever is coming as his successor will have a big shoes to fill because his commitment and level of volunteerism in this parish are incomparable. In going forward, whoever comes as a new custos we will indeed work with them for the betterment and to work on the legacy of our former custos,” Dehaney Grant added.

Immediate past president of the Lay Magistrates’ Association of Jamaica, Hanover Chapter, Reverend Glenroy Clarke said while the death of the custos has left the Hanover community saddened and in mourning, his life and work should be cherished.

“We extend condolence to his wife and his extended family as they go through this period of bereavement. We pray for the strength of God to be with them in this most difficult time.

“So, on behalf of the Lay Magistrates’ Association of Jamaica, Hanover Chapter, we celebrate his life, cherish his memories and work in the parish. We extend heartfelt sympathies and condolence to his family,” said Clarke.

Stair was installed as custos on May 7, 2009, succeeding Mavis King.

He, alongside Clarke, was on the Hanover Mediation Board and the board of Rusea’s High School.