Pall-bearers leaving the auditorium with the casket of Reverend Veron Kinkead after the service of thanksgiving. - George Henry

The Richard Roper Auditorium at Munro College in Malvern, St Elizabeth was packed to capacity and mourners spilled over into the grounds around that facility, as they showed their respects to the late hardworking and dedicated servant of God Reverend Veron Sylvester Kinkead, who passed away on September 14 after an illness.

There were tributes in abundance for a man who touched thousands of lives in Jamaica, the Caribbean and other parts of the world, while serving God and humanity. The atmosphere did not take on one of a funeral service, but was instead one of praise and adoration to God for a life well spent on earth.

Glowing tributes rang out for Kinkead who was well loved and respected by thousands, especially the poor and destitute. Persons from every walk of life sang praises for a man who was known for crying for persons who were unable to care for themselves, but who would not stop until help could reach them through his efforts.

In his tribute, Reverend Winston Mullings, general secretary for the Assemblies of God Church in Jamaica, hailed the late minister as a man who left a legacy for others to benefit from. He said Reverend Kinkead's life cannot be summed up in words.

Mullings said the late pastor for the Junction Assemblies of God Church in St Elizabeth impacted many lives in Jamaica and Cuba with his work. Kinkead, he said, was a man who knew long suffering, he was humble, kind and a true man of God.

"He was a motivator who made an invaluable contribution to the work of God; and he served with distinction at the feet of Jesus," said Reverend Mullings.

For Reverend Leigh Goodwin, assistant director of missions in the Assemblies of God in the United Kingdom, the late Reverend Kinkead was a significant life in Jamaica, the Caribbean and Britain. He described the late servant of God as a man who had a passion to serve God, and he had a passion for evangelism while serving as an evangelist in his country.

Reverend Conrod Pitkin, director for the Assemblies of God Bible College in Christiana, Manchester, said the late pastor touched his life for more than 30 years. Kinkead, he said, had a contagious smile and warmth which was encouraging.

"Reverend Kinkead was a real man, a friend, father, apostle and mentor who was loved and respected. He had a passion for the training of young men and women for the work of God. He was a father who was kind and caring, but he was a firm disciplinarian. He was a man of principle who believed in helping the poor," remembered Reverend Pitkin.

Member of Parliament for South East St Elizabeth, Richard Parchment, in his tribute to the late church leader, said Reverend Kinkead was one of the best citizens the parish has ever produced. He said Kinkead had a heart for the poor and dispossessed.

For Deacon Ronald Burgess of Food for the Poor, for whom the late minister was coordinator for the parish, it was a privilege serving alongside Reverend Kinkead. Burgess hailed his late friend as a true man of God who was a great example by which pastors can measure their life.

In his remembrance of his father, David Kinkead said he learnt a lot from him as a son. He added that his dad taught him how to be a real carpenter, and that he was a very supportive father of his children.

"Daddy was very compassionate to the poor and would even cry for those who were in need. He wanted his children to experience the joy of giving. He was not known as one who turned away the needy whenever he was approached for help," said David Kinkead.

The reverend has left behind to cherish his legacy, his widow Claire, sons David and Paul, daughter Christelle, brothers, sisters, other relatives and numerous friends and associates. Following the thanksgiving service his body was laid to rest at the Bethlehem Moravian Church Cemetery in Malvern.

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