Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
Gweneth Munn, eldest daughter of the late Keble Munn, holds the urn bearing the ashes of her father's remains. Standing beside her are her two sisters, Liza (left) and Jodi (right), following the funeral at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St Andrew, yesterday. In the background are other relatives of the deceased.

Michelle-Ann Letman, Gleaner Writer

Family, friends and colleagues of Keble Aubrey Munn, a man who many hailed as the 'coffee king' bade him farewell at a thanksgiving mass held yesterday at the Sts Peter and Paul's Catholic church in St Andrew.

Politicians and other dignitaries came out in their numbers to pay final respect to a man many called a father, friend and employer.

Senator Norman Grant, who is the managing director and chief executive officer of Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, previously owned by Munn, in his tribute remembered Munn as an advocate for the agricultural sector and for small farmers in Jamaica.

Emotional

"He was committed to the agricultural sector", Grant said.

Occasionally in his tribute, Grant became emotional, sniffling every now and then in his handkerchief.

"He was more than an employer to me, he was a father", Grant said.

He added: "I remember he used to refer to me as his black son."

Grant also credited Munn for being the first person to directly export the premium coffee bean to the Japanese market in March 1953.

Active member

Grant disclosed that Munn was a lover of coffee and that it was no coincidence that he was the first Jamaican to become a certified coffee cup tester in 1946.

Former prime minister, P.J. Patterson, in his tribute recalled the days when Munn was an active member of the People's National Party.

"He was a team leader and often times went beyond the call of duty", Patterson said.

"I remember when he was called upon to serve as minister of national security, though it was something he did not ask for or want, he did not hesitate to serve", Patterson said.

Tearful remembrance

Munn's three daughters, Gweneth, Liza and Jodi gave short and tearful remembrances.

They remember their father as humble, never forgetting where he came from, and a fighter, never fearful of death, and as a loving father.

Also present at the service were his widow Yvonne Murray, son Gordon and members of the extended family.