Tyrone Reid, Staff Reporter
Family members and friends console each other after the thanksgiving service for the late Lloyd Phang held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Hope Road yesterday. Mr Phang, along with May Pen businessman, Maurice Azan were killed during a robbery attempt last week at the latter's businessplace. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
SCORES OF family, friends, associates and well-wishers flocked the Hope Road-based church yesterday to say their final farewell to Lloyd Phang, stepson of slain May Pen businessman, Maurice Azan.
Both men were murdered by gunmen in May Pen, Clarendon, earlier this month.
The pews at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church were filled to capacity. Those who did not enjoy the privilege of a seat inside the church settled for plastic chairs on the outside, while many others stood on the corridors -- all in honour of the man.
Perhaps the most moving moment of the proceedings occurred during a tribute in song, paid by the father of the deceased, Lloyd G. Phang J.P.
Mr. Phang, in memory of his son, rendered My Way. After his rendition, Mr. Phang bowed his head and cried.
Donna Delgado, who said that she would be back for carnival next year because "the smell of coffee and the sound of soca will always be Lloyd", delivered Mr. Phang's eulogy.
FAMILY PLUNGED IN DARKNESS
The officiating Minister was Monsignor Mock Yen while Deacon Christopher Gooden delivered the homily.
Deacon Gooden, who knew Phang professionally and personally, said that the day gun-touting hoodlums snuffed out Mr. Phang's life, his world and that of Phang's family and friends were plunged into darkness.
In an encouraging tone, Deacon Gooden urged those present to remember the principles of Christ in their quest for justice. "... as we make every effort to bring the criminal elements to justice, we must double our efforts to shine the light of Christ," he said.
Mr. Phang's associates from the Jamaica Millennium Motoring Club and marshals from the Bacchanal carnival group, formed a guard of honour from the steps of the church to the hearse, as the body of Mr. Phang prepared to take flight for its final resting place, the Dovecot Memorial Park in St. Catherine.
