Sajoune Rose, Gleaner Writer

Melanie Neita (right), daughter, and Elaine Neita, widow of former managing editor and legal adviser to the Gleaner Company, Clifton Neita, sing during the service of thanksgiving for his life at the Saxthorpe Methodist Church in St. Andrew, yesterday. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/ Staff Photographer

'Mr. Personality' is what Melanie Neita, daughter of the late Clifton Neita, dubbed her dad when she was around the age of four or five.

This is the name she gave to the man she said "walked, talked, smiled and loved personality". This was the innocent view of a child based on a 1950s song.

Mr. Neita, retired managing editor and legal adviser of the Gleaner Company Limited, was remembered as a man who rose to the pinnacle of his profession.

His service of thanksgiving took place yesterday at the Saxthorpe Methodist Church, St. Andrew.

His daughter said he was someone who wore many hats. To some, he was an attorney, a colleague, a brother, a critic, a complete journalist; to others, a spelling master and a writer.

Most important, he was a friend. His daughter recalled that he valued many other things, but friendship outranked them all. She said he "revelled in the sweetness of friendship".

She said he loved and was very committed to his country and served as its ambassador. He was also remembered as a man who loved music and similarly words, and "had an inimitable command of them".

A great impact

Barbara Gloudon, a former co-worker and friend, said Mr. Neita had a great impact on her life.

She remembered that this "big, broad man" had great respect for people and helped her to develop her passion and love for Jamaica. Mrs. Gloudon, like Ms. Neita, also pointed out that he was passionate about the development of the country.

She said she was very grateful that she knew this man because he shaped who she was today.

Being the leader of the team, which introduced Jamaica to the Ten Type One beauty contest, Mrs. Gloudon said he "conducted this thing with great sincerity".

Mr. Neita was a Jamaican stalwart who, in the words of his daughter, "made his mark in this small corner of the world and also further afield".