GERALD Ashley Webber, a late driver of Banks Trucking Limited who passed away on August 9, was remembered as a champion driver who took his career seriously and mastered the art of delivering products safely across the island.
Affectionately called ‘Parish’, Webber passed away at age 64.On August 31, his relatives, friends, mourners and well-wishers gathered at a thanksgiving service to celebrate his life at the St Mary The Virgin Anglican Church on Molynes Road in St AndrewFollowing opening remarks by Reverend Barrington Jones, the casket bearing his remains was carried by pall-bearers from the back of the church to the altar, signalling the start of the service.Francis Robinson, a former colleague and close friend of Webber, offered the first tribute.“He was not only a strong person in character, but in voice. He was a leader whom the other drivers looked up to over the years. The younger drivers looked up to him. He was an icon among the drivers and a giant among men,” Robinson said.He then went on to reflect on conversations they had before Webber’s untimely passing and hailed him as a champion driver.Another unidentified mourner remembered Webber as a man who had a passion for trucks.“That’s why he was a good truck driver,” the mourner told Life Tributes.Webber’s niece, Christina Campbell, delivered the eulogy.According to Campbell, Webber, who was born on November 26, 1948, was a loving and caring person.“He was a good and caring father and later, grandfather. As a provider he was the best. He would say, ‘Don’t worry man. Everything will be all right.’ Although he is gone, the memories remain and make the pain of losing him more bearable,” she said.Webber was also remembered as an individual who offered good advice and wise counsel, especially to other drivers of the various trucking companies he had been employed to during his career.Immediately after completing his secondary level education, he launched his career by joining his father, a previous contractor, working several construction sites before becoming a trucker.Webber is survived by his wife Marcia, daughter Ashley, adopted son Omar, grandchildren Ajahne and Neil, and a host of other relatives and friends.His remains were interred at the Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St Catherine.Webber’s wife Marcia is a picture of grief as his daughter Ashley tries to hold back the tears.Ashley Webber reads the first lesson during the thanksgiving service for her father’s life.The mourners bow their heads in prayer.Pall-bearers carry the casket bearing the remains of Gerald Ashley Webber.Webber’s grandchildren Neil (right) and Ajahne say a final farewell to their grandfather.Webber’s niece Christina Campbell delivers the eulogy. (PHOTOS: MICHAEL GORDON)View the original article here
"Parish" remembered as a leader among his peers
