Errol Fraser:Glowing tributes for a humble, strong man

Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:The life and times of sixty-three year-old newspaper vendor Errol Earl Oliver Fraser, who died recently, was celebrated last Saturday at the Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay.

Fraser, whose career as a vendor started back in the 1970s when he started selling The Gleaner on the streets of Montego Bay, was hailed as a humble yet strong man who went the extra mile to get the job done.

In the many and varied tributes paid to him, Fraser, who was affectionately called 'Bull', was described as a "giant" among his peers and one who gave yeoman service to newspaper companies serving western Jamaica.

Central St James member of parliament and managing editor of the Montego Bay-based Western Mirror , Lloyd B. Smith, described Fraser as a decent human being who had earned his respect.

"I always respected Errol (Fraser) for honesty, and his wife and family can take heart in the fact that he was a true professional," said Smith. "One thing about Errol, he never asked for help for himself, but when he requested assistance, it was always for his children."

This reporter, who represented The Gleaner, recollected personal memories of Fraser riding his bicycle around town, delivering newspapers to homes and businesses with the minimum of fuss.

"He was not easily ruffled as he was a man of humble demeanour. Through his daily sojourn, he touched the lives of the rich and the famous and the ordinary man. He straddled both the world of the haves and the have-nots, but remained grounded."

Excellent father

Daughter Bernadine eulogised her dad as a man who was strident in his beliefs, a hard worker, and an excellent father.

"Daddy was the only father we ever needed," said Bernadine. "He took the best care of us. He was stubborn, too, and like many men in Jamaica, they do not go to the doctor when advised. He was too strong for failure and always pushed to succeed."

In his homily, the Reverend Everton Jackson, the pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church, said Fraser took time out to worship while on the job as he would regularly sit in the back pews of his church, as well as at the St John's Methodist Church, and engaged in the service.

Additional tributes came from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, the International Worship Centre, Calvary Baptist Church, and the Mt Alvernia High School, where Fraser used to deliver newspapers daily.