Magnus

George Magnus, deputy chairman of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) and chairman of NEM Insurance Company (Ja), passed away early Tuesday morning.

JNBS Chairman Oliver Clarke and directors of the board, as well as the management and staff of the society, have expressed regret at the passing of the deputy chairman.

"George was singular in his contribution to Jamaica National, particularly in the areas of legal issues and conveyancing," Clarke said.

Appointed nem chairman

Magnus was elected as a director of the JNBS board in 1983 after the merger of the St Mary Benefit Building Society with JNBS. He was appointed chairman of NEM in 2000 and deputy chairman of the building society in 2002. He chaired the St Mary Regional Board of the society, championing the interest of the society in that parish.

Magnus was also a director of JN Fund Managers Limited and JN Finance Limited.

"His deliberations were clear and precise; he was well reasoned, and his astute legal mind helped to shape the outcome of major decisions, which impacted the growth and development of the business of the society," Clarke said.

The JNBS chairman said Magnus played a vital role in the acquisition of shares in NEM Insurance Company and the expansion of the various subsidiaries of the society.

Earl Jarrett, general manager of the society, said: "During Mr Magnus' 25 years of service to the Jamaica National Building Society, he established a solid track record of providing outstanding legal advice and guidance which helped to shape the development of the organisation."

He added: "Mr Magnus was driven to helping Jamaicans, particularly those in rural communities, to experience the pride and security of financial success, and he worked hard to ensure JNBS maintained its focus on improving the lives of its members."

Steady guiding hand

Speaking on behalf of NEM Insurance Company, Chris Hind, acting general manager, said Magnus had a steady guiding hand and was an important source of support and advice to the management team.

"Under his chairmanship, we maintained a position of financial strength in the general insurance industry," Hind noted.

An attorney-at-law and a member of the Jamaican Bar Association, Magnus was the senior partner in the legal firm Abendana & Abendana. He was also a director of Midland Insurance Agents Limited and Farmcrest Ltd.

His early career included being a trainee internal auditor at the Trelawny Parish Council, office manager at First Federation Life Insurance Company and he subsequently became an articled clerk with Abendana & Abendana in 1966. He was also manager of the pension department of the Bank of Nova Scotia, 1971-72.

Born in Kingston, the son of Christopher and Marie Magnus, George Magnus was educated at the DeCarteret Preparatory School and Cornwall College.

He is survived by his widow Carol; children - Christopher, Patrick and Yolande; daughter-in-law, Lisa; granddaughter, Sidney; sisters, other relatives and friends.