Courtney Campbell (left) jokes with long-time friend, Paul Mitchell. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Physically, he's short. But professionally, he's a titan.

Courtney Campbell, former general manager of retail banking at National Commercial Bank (NCB) was given a lively, and at times hilarious send-off at the bank's recreation centre last Thursday.

The accolades were many and even then, all the words spoken still may not suffice to appropriately laud Campbell. With all the regional managers, head office staff and close friends giving their two cents, it was clear the man had made his mark at the institution. The tributes were all fun and innovative, incorporating the humour and out-of-the-box ingenuity Campbell would appreciate; many of them involving music.

Difficult circumstances

The man of the moment, Courtney Campbell, gets a hug from mom Carmen.

Group Managing Director of NCB Patrick Hylton, who met Campbell at what was then the College of Arts, Science and Technology, lauded him for not just progressing but for doing so during difficult circumstances. He said Campbell possessed a special gift in resolving issues and that he appreciated his support while marvelling at his drive and enthusiasm.

But the tribute that 'mashed up' the place was a performance from staff members calling themselves Gladys Knight and The Pimps (not the Pips, The Pimps). Their rendition of Midnight Train To Georgia and a reworking of Tarrus Riley's She's Royal (it became He's Royal) left members of the gathering in stitches.

Guests included Jennifer Dewdney-Kelly, Bernadette Barrow, Winston Lawson, Shekeenah Mitchell, Caroline Schwab, Dave Wilson, Xavier Allen, Damion Campbell, Jackie Mighten, Rickert Allen, Norman Reid, Pam Harrison, Bobby Brooks, Bethune Garvey and Sam McKenzie.