The late Christopher Roberts, retired deputy managing director of The Gleaner Company, was yesterday remembered not only for his achievements as a professional, but for his ability to connect with persons from all strata of life, in addition to his will to persist through life's challenges.

His ability to make a stranger feel honoured was also celebrated at a thanksgiving service for his life, held at the St Andrew Parish Church, which saw in attendance, members of the private sector, government, staff from The Gleaner Company (Media) Ltd, among other well-wishers. Many family members joined in the celebration of his life, including his widow, Jill.

The Right Reverend Dr Robert Thompson, who delivered the homily, encouraged mourners to keep in mind the exemplary life that Roberts lived and urged them to live God-centred lives.

"Christopher was blessed with a good and happy life, trusting always in God's loving embrace and care. Christopher had that special gift in making a stranger feel like an honoured guest. That's why he was such a perfect host. This has made him such a remarkable friend, a friend who was never about himself alone but about the well-being of others," he said.

"His last few weeks were quite a struggle for him, and I dare say pretty rough. I rest in the fact, however, that he has found his hope in God. This is the hope that this service offers for everyone who trust in the Lord. We need to keep God's words close to us as we make our pilgrimage through life," he said.

Thompson further encouraged individuals to take life seriously and to be helpful to others.

"Christopher knew that life and death were not just biological facts, they are fundamental experiences that are bound up in whether we are able to affirm or deny life itself. Christopher was in love with life that is why he is so infectious by and large," he noted.

"Life is precious not only because it can be enjoyed but because it will be gone one day. Christians' hope is not that once we believe in God that we will be rescued from the anxieties of pain and defeat, but what it means is that nothing in this world, no power of darkness, not even death itself, can prevent us from fulfilling the ultimate meaning of our existence which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Roberts passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 6.