HIS last words spoken on Wednesday May 26 were “Humility… thankfulness to God for my children Deon, Schion, Tanya, Keisha and their families and for you, Doreen Love, Grace, Mercy. My contribution to this era is ended” so it was no surprise that Saturday morning June 12, 2010 broke with just a few clouds in the sky and a gentle breeze tickling the leaves as it waltzed with the trees, the perfect day to give thanks for the life of the indomitable Travert Errington Anthony Spence Justice of the Peace.

The funeral service, with debatably the largest congregation ever at the Bethabara Moravian church in recent memory, had mourners from all strata of the society and motor vehicles parked at places some thought motor vehicles could never fit.

The funeral service which was a tad longer than the deceased would have wished, having expressed the desire that his body should be no longer than two and a half hours in the church, though solemn and emotion filled was punctuated with laughter as the numerous persons paying tributes enumerated the idiosyncrasies of the unique individual named Travert Spence.

Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, whose tribute was read by John Junor, paid tribute to the man as “a patriot, a dedicated teacher and a defender of principle and principles”.

Travert Spence who was successful in death in what he might not have tried in life; unhesitating though he was in tackling challenges; by taking away half of the congregation from the nearby Newport Seventh Day Adventist Church to attend his funeral, was championed by Patterson for his advocacy both through his passionate oral and long and difficult to read missives’.

According to Junor, Spence was renowned for “his Hieroglyphics or as we say in Jamaica … Crab toe, his stentorian voice, long loping strides and fearless advocacy which will continue to pass across our collective memories for years to come.”

Regional Director of the Ministry of Education Vincent Guthrie lauded Spence’s contribution to education, noting that his advocacy for his own interest and that of his colleagues was unparalleled.

A name that sits very well on Travert Spence is controversial, and the Regional Director expressed the view that while he was at times just that, he was very forthright and his love and commitment and passion for education were unquestionable.

Speaking on behalf of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, (JTA), President Michael Stewart, who was accompanied by president elect Nadine Malloy, said Travert Spence was a disciplinarian of no mean order, but behind his stern countenance laid a heart of compassion, love and understanding of the needs of parents and students.

Stating that Spence was the mouthpiece of the disenchanted and overlooked teacher of this parish, he said “his was a name that was respected throughout the length and breath of Manchester and there are few principals in the history of Manchester who have had such an outstanding influence on their students and communities and even further to past students in the diaspora”.

Acknowledging his willingness to provide advice to the JTA with all presidents benefitting from his sagacious council, Stewart said many teachers believe that Spence was the JTA President whom they never had.

Ever the non conformist, there was no listing of a ‘eulogy’ on the programme but friend and confidante Byron Farquharson had the congregation in stitches as he gave ‘a statement on the life and work’ of his departed friend and colleague.

A Miconian in the Class of 1964 he spoke of the deceased love for the institution and the bond he cemented with his batch mates.

He spoke of his friends energetic and no nonsense persona stating that in fact he was a radical non-conformist who never failed to spark controversy in the way he said or did things.

He aslo mentioned “Travert’s three loves – Politics, Education and Church” not necessarily in that order he said to much amusement.

The church erupted when he mentioned that Spence took orders from no one, except his wife Doreen and applauded when he spoke of his love and dedication to education.

His remains were interred at the Mizpah Moravian Church God’s Acre.