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“Not wishing to present a PR portfolio on behalf of CLICO, I will content myself with acknowledging his indisputable talent as a leader and to our growth in sales during the ten years that he presided as Superintendent of Agencies before his sudden and unfortunate death.

“The achievements of the company under his watch were unprecedented and totally un-anticipated by anyone — including the field representatives who made them possible — except, of course, our Executive Chairman, Mr Lawrence Duprey, who set the targets and provided the support for them to be achieved.

“His position was upgraded to Vice-President of Sales last year when the Executive Structure of the company was re-organised. Every field representative would attest to the leadership and support provided by and through Russell. He was well-loved by all. His approach was one of gentle persuasion backed by honesty and dedication. He possessed a gentle and unique demeanour.

“Russell was not only a CLICO person, nor was he consumed only by his work. He was involved with his recently deceased friend, Bunny Alexander, in the FEEL project; The Steelband movement with Ian Garcia; playing pan with All Stars, and he was Captain of the Sforzata Steel Orchestra from 1993 up to the time of his death. He managed and was the mentor of the Junior World Cup Soccer team in 1999 — a project sponsored by CLICO — and was directly involved in many other CLICO projects involving youth and the less fortunate in our several communities.

All of his achievements were motivated by his inward drive for success and his burning desire to be of service to his fellow-men — especially our youth and the dispossessed. His dynamism and eloquence as he presided over the many CLICO conventions, award functions, staff functions and other leadership and training activities have been acknowledged by all who had the pleasure and privilege of participating in them.

“To his wife Karen and children, Nicola, Christopher and Coryse, he was their tower of strength, provider and guider. Karen provided the love and support, devotion and understanding, which everyone needs to survive the slings and arrows of the corporate world. Together they complemented each other and both attained their measure of success.

“Russell was a role model for his peers and indeed for all young men and women who must be inspired to rise above their humble beginnings to achieve success. He was a well-rounded and disciplined individual, filled with love and compassion, always willing to listen and assist in any way he could.

...He touched and changed the lives of many during his brief existence. He will be sorely missed by all.

...May he rest in Peace.”

What a tribute! A mighty Company shows its appreciation of a mighty employee!

Thank you once again, Mr Peter Salvary, for permission to reprint your tribute to Russell.