Stair remembered at funeral as champion of justice, integrity, healthcare

Western Bureau:

Late Hanover Custos Dr David Stair was last Friday remembered by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen as a remarkable public servant, who served with passion and distinction, during his funeral at St Mary’s Parish Church in Lucea in the western parish.

“His interest went beyond his profession (a medical doctor), selflessly serving the parish of Hanover, carefully selecting justices of the peace, and upholding the principles of justice,” said Sir Patrick. “He led the drive for justice with dignity, grace and an unwavering commitment.”

According to the governor general, who was among a host of dignitaries in attendance for the funeral, including former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall, Stair’s passing has left a great void in Hanover and the wider Jamaica.

“He worked tirelessly to organise the justices of the peace in Hanover, fostering unity and ensuring that they carry out their responsibilities with integrity, guided by the Custos Rotulorum Act,” continued Sir Patrick.

“His sudden passing is a cruel twist of fate, leaving a deep void in the lives of those who he inspires, the patients he healed, and the causes he championed, we grieve not just his loss, but the rarity of men like him, leaders with unwavering principles,” he said.

Stair was found dead at his home, on February 5, by his co-workers from the Sandy Bay Health Clinic, who went to his Pondpiece home, in Hopewell, also in Hanover, in search of the custos after he failed to show up for work and calls to his telephone went unanswered.

Retired High Court judge, Justice Seymour Panton, another distinguished native of Hanover and Stair family friend, in delivering the eulogy, outlined Stair’s life from his birth on May 24, 1955, through to his graduation as a medical doctor in 1982, and his installation as the custos of Hanover on May 7, 2009.

Panton described his friend as “polished, caring and quite a gentleman”.

“He will surely be missed not only by his wife and family, but by all who knew him,” said Panton, who expressed his profound appreciation to the hundreds of persons who showed up to pay their respects.

Among the attendees were Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck; Lucea Mayor Sheridan Samuels and Deputy Mayor Andria Dehaney Grant; Dave Brown, member of parliament (MP) for Hanover Eastern; and Tamika Davis, MP for Hanover Western; Andrea Purkiss, the People’s National Party’s (PNP) prospective candidate for Hanover Eastern; and the PNP’s prospective candidate for Hanover Western Heather Miller; justices of the peace, co-workers, and scores of former patients.

Stair, who died of natural causes, was also seen as a strong advocate for the rights of ordinary citizens.

His body was laid to rest in a plot reserved for his family at Animal Hill in Lucea.

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