Veteran journalist and communications consultant, Hartley Neita, was fondly remembered by family and colleagues at his funeral held yesterday before a packed congregation at the St Andrew Parish Church.

After complaining of not feeling well on Friday, December 12, Neita was rushed to hospital where he died shortly after arriving there. He was 78.

Neita began his career in media by writing short stories, movie reviews and sports reports for THE STAR. He served as press secretary to a number of prime ministers, and on retirement from the public service in 1981, he returned to his true love: journalism.

Regular columnist

Neita had been a regular columnist at The Gleaner since 1993. He was the compiler of the long-running feature, 'This Day In Our Past', which began in 1996 as 'Historical Highlights'. He had been honoured by the Press Association of Jamaica in 2007 for 60 years of service to journalism.

Among the mourners were Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, minister of information, culture, youth and sports; Portia Simpson Miller, Leader of the Opposition; and former People's National Party Cabinet ministers, Dr Peter Phillips, Roger Clarke and Dr Omar Davies.

The Reverend Dr Robert Thompson, Anglican bishop of Kingston, who officiated at the Mass of Resurrection, spoke of his personal admiration for Neita. He cited Neita's appreciation of life and his ability to find meaning within it. He said Neita displayed an insatiable curiosity for news of any form, and was said to find meaning simply through "the Lord's will".

Fond remembrances

Other tributes and fond remembrances were offered by his brother Lance; son, Gary, and grandchildren Ciara and Duncan. They fondly recited pleasant episodes which described his self-effacing and loving spirit. Barbara Gloudon, talkshow host and lifelong friend of the deceased, highlighted his integrity and his humanity even in the midst of bouts of anger. She said notwithstanding the adverse circumstances that life presented to him, he always proved to be most endearing.

Musical selections were rendered by Lieutenant Commander John McFarlane, tenor, and Carole Reid, soprano.

Neita's remains are to be cremated. He has left behind: children - Gary; Michelle, Karen, Gregory and Toni-Ann; brother - Lance.