Wehby eulogised as a patriot, devoted family man

WESTERN BUREAU:

Jamaicans on Thursday paid tribute to the life and legacy of Don Wehby – celebrated corporate leader, patriot, and beloved family man.

The service, held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kingston, drew a large gathering of dignitaries, colleagues, family, and friends, both in person and online.

Before the official start, a steady stream of notable figures arrived to pay their respects to a man of integrity, humility, and unwavering service. Among them were Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, Lady Allen, Senate President Thomas Tavares-Finson, House Speaker Juliet Holness, former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall, former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Cabinet ministers, business leaders, and sports personalities.

In his tribute, Prime Minister Holness described Wehby as “one of our nation’s great sons”, saying that his passing leaves a void not just in the GraceKennedy family and the business sector but in the nation’s very fabric.

Holness recalled working with Wehby in Cabinet and asking why he had opted for public service.

“His response stuck with me. He said he wanted to help his nation. That’s a patriot,” Holness said.

As minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and later, a senator, Holness said Wehby was known for being decisive yet collaborative and non-partisan in his approach to economic matters.

“It is proof that you can be ambitious without being ruthless, successful without sacrificing your principles, and powerful without losing humility,” the prime minister said.

Close friend and mentor Owen Karl Melhado reflected on meeting Wehby in 1991. Impressed by his clarity, sincerity, and financial knowledge, Melhado offered him a position while working in finance at North Carolina State University.

“What struck me most about Don was not his personal achievements but how proud he was in the achievements of others,” Melhado said, noting that Wehby empowered others to think creatively.

Wehby was truly a man for all seasons, Melhado said, from corporate boardrooms to schoolboy cricket, adding, “He combined patriotic commitment with a rare approach to business.”

GraceKennedy Group CEO Frank James, speaking on behalf of the company’s entire staff – from executives to merchandisers and factory workers – described Wehby as “a mentor, a colleague, and a friend”, recalling how he had a way of making you feel seen and valued “whether you were a head of government, a business leader, one of GK’s largest customers, a dancer or superstar, … or a small shopkeeper”.

He recalled Wehby’s remarkable journey through the ranks: from group finance manager in 1995 to chief operating officer of the Financial Services Division in 1999 to CEO of GK Investments in 2006 then to group CEO in 2011. Throughout his leadership, James said, Wehby remained focused on people.

Wehby’s legacy

He recalled when Wehby was asked how he wanted his legacy measured, Wehby didn’t talk about revenue growth, acquisitions, or shareholder returns. Instead, he said, “By how many children GraceKennedy sends to school while I am CEO.”

By 2021, the Grace and Staff Foundation was supporting over 1,700 students – surpassing Wehby’s original goal of 1,000.

“Every year, he would ask for results from his students, one by one … . And when you spoke to him about them, you could see the pride in his eyes,” James said.

Wehby was also a passionate supporter of sports, championing athletes like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and leading GK’s presence at Boys and Girls’ Champs annually.

“For Don, sports was a powerful force for unity and national pride,” James noted.

In a personal and humorous tribute, cousin Graham Forte recalled the mischief they created together as children, especially in the fruit trees at their grandfather’s home.

“We did crazy things like hunting lizards and frogs … . One day, he was chasing a lizard. Don chopped after the lizard, missed the lizard, but the banana tree came straight down,” Forte recalled.

Forte said Wehby thrived at St George’s College, excelling in academics and athletics. He met his wife Hilary as a teenager, beginning a marriage of 36 years, with three beautiful children – Nicholas, Stephanie, and Abigail.

“He adored them, and they adored him in return,” he said.

According to Forte, Wehby’s sporting career began when he played prep school cricket for Holy Childhood. Later, while at St George’s, he excelled academically and transitioned from cricket to track and field, where he specialised in hurdles, and in 1978, he won gold at Champs.

Wehby’s love for sports extended to horse racing. He owned several racehorses, including Atomica, and just days after his passing, a young colt of his won its first race. His son, Nicholas, named it Salute The Don.

“As he crossed the finish line, it was clear: Don’s legacy isn’t just remembered, It’s still running strong,” said Forte.

mickalia.kington@gleanerjm.com