Rasbert Turner, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Donna Reynolds, daughter of the late Lancelot Fitzgerald Reynolds, receives the urn bearing his remains from the Reverend Dr Webster Edwards at the service of thanksgiving for the life of Reynolds, held at the Saxthorpe Methodist Church on Constant Spring Road in St Andrew, yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

THE GROUNDS Of the Saxthorpe Methodist Church in St Andrew were transformed into an array of colours, as relatives and friends of the late Lancelot Fitzgerald Reynolds turned out to pay their last respects, following his recent passing.

'Lanny', as he was affectionately called, was former general manager and a director of the Jamaica National Building Society, and was instrumental in its becoming the largest building society in the Caribbean. The thanksgiving service, for Reynold's life was largely cheerful, with several tributes by way of songs, poems and speeches. There were several high moments, such as Cecil Cooper's singing, and the Jamaica National Chorale's splendid rendition of popular songs.

hard-working individual

In his tribute, Earl Jarrett, who succeeded Reynolds as CEO of Jamaica National, described the deceased as a hard-working individual who went the extra mile to pave the way for the company to achieve its present status. "He was always looking at ways and means of empowering the staff, and as such, we benefited tremendously," said Jarrett.

In delivering the remembrance, Donald Reynolds, brother of the deceased, described him as a gentleman who was charismatic, hard working and who lived by the mantra 'Knowledge is power.'

Although funerals are customarily sad occasions, the farewell to Reynolds was an occasion cherished by many, including Jamaica National's chairman, Oliver Clarke, Mining Minister Derrick Smith, Mike Fennel, and other dignitaries.

There were glowing tributes also from representatives of the accounting fraternity; the Kingston Technical High School, Reynolds' alma mater; and a great number of people, too many to mention. "Lanny gone too soon," were the sentiments of those who attended the service.

Reynolds was born in Montego Bay, St James, on October 6, 1934. He passed away on July 10. He left to mourn Elsa, wife of 45 years; children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.