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Ralph Smith's 80th birthday

Published:Wednesday | January 13, 2016 | 12:00 AMOkoye Henry
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Friend Gloria Reid plants a gentle kiss on the cheeks of the birthday boy following her rendition of the happy birthday song.
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Sharing a hearty laugh are (from left) Tropical Tours founder Ralph Smith, son Fred, daughter Shari, and son Robert (partially hidden).
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The man of the night – birthday boy Ralph Smith cuts his birthday cake with the assistance of his many grandchildren.
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Odette Dyer (left) shares the spotlight with Custos of St James, Ewen Corrodus, and his wife Daphne.
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Ralph Smith shares a photo op with Suzette Thompson (centre) and daughter Shari Smith.
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Ralph Smith with his wife of 43 years, Joy.
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Lorna Smith-Pitter (centre) poses with her parents Ralph and Joy Smith.
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It was a grand celebration for renowned Montego Bay businessman Ralph Smith, who celebrated his 80th birthday at the Three Palms Restaurant at Hilton Rose Hall in Montego Bay last Thursday.

Smith, the founder of Tropical Tours, which is one of the island's largest transportation companies in the tourist industry, was feted to an evening celebrating his life with family, friends and well-wishers who were more than delighted to honour him.

Among his special guests were Mayor of Montego Bay, Glendon Harris and his wife Dr Angela Harris; SSP Steve McGregor, commanding officer of the St James Police Division; Senator Noel Sloley; Custos of St James Ewen Corrodus and wife Daphne, attorney-at-law Clayton Morgan; Robert Russell, Summerfest chairman; operator of Knutsford Express Oliver Townsend and his father Gordon.

These guests were joined by members of Smith's immediate family: wife Joy, daughters Lorna Smith-Pitter and Shari Smith, and sons Robert and Fred, the latter of whom now operates the Tropical Tours line, along with Exclusive Holidays.

Smith, who currently operates Tropical Beach in the Second City, expressed his gratitude to everyone who took the time out to celebrate this milestone with him.

"I'm grateful to enjoy all these years," noted Smith, who further acknowledged his wife, Joy, for being at his side for the past 43 years. "I promised to be with him forever," she remarked as the two shared a public display of affection.