Media send off for Newsday’s Stan

Mora, a veteran newsman who started his working career at the Port-of-Spain Gazette died on Friday after a long illness.

John Babb, Newsday’s Associate Editor delivered the eulogy for his boyhood friend stating that “he was saying goodbye to a dear friend from boyhood days, and one who is very difficult to replace.”

Babb described Mora as cool, calm, never at all flustered, and always willing to help, either with words of advice, or even financially, those in need.

He also spoke of Mora’s closeness to the church to the point that at one time some thought that he would end up a priest.

Mora started his media career in the 40’s at the Port-of-Spain Gazette (later the Chronicle), as a sub-editor.

He then moved to the Guardian where he spent most of his years finally becoming Night Editor until his retirement.

Later he became a proof-reader with Newsday, his last substantive position in the media, until his ill health caused him to stop work

Recounting their years of close friendship, Babb stated that “through thick and thin Stan maintained that calm demeanour, even in his last days when he was hit by illness and lost a leg.

“He battled on in his usual cool-mannered style.” Mora, he said epitomised the common, down-to-earth model father to all his children Timmy, Terry, Rosemarie, Michelle, Colin, Nicole and Stacy, and was a faithful husband to Joyce, his wife of 50 years.

In the homily Fr Gregory Augustine spoke of Mora’s approach to life and his sense of values, which led him to believe in the spirit and not the flesh. “What was important to him was family and friends, not material things.”

Fr Gregory drew a parallel with the life and example of former President Noor Hassanali, a humble, simple man, who was an example to others.

Following the service Mora’s body was taken to Belgrove’s Funeral Home in Trincity, where he was cremated.