Corrodus hailed for commitment to nation building
Former St James Custos dies at 81
Published:Tuesday | February 21, 2023 | 1:20 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Former St James Custos Ewen Corrodus died on Monday at a hospital in Florida in the United States after ailing for some time.
The Montego Bay businessman, who was 81 years old, served in the position of first citizen of the parish between 2009 and 2018 before handing over the baton to current Custos Bishop Conrad Pitkin.
Pitkin hailed his predecessor as a truly kind and gentle soul who had a servant’s heart, adding that Corrodus was committed to nation building.
“He gave sterling service to his parish as custos, and as a philanthropist, he sought to promote the welfare of others, especially by his generous donations to many charitable causes,” stated Pitkin.
He further eulogised Corrodus as an astute businessman and a committed Christian and elder in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“I will remember him as a friend and mentor, who extended a welcoming hand to me, ensuring a seamless transition into the office of Custos of St James,” he noted.
President of the St James Chapter of the Lay Magistrates Association of Jamaica, Suzette Ramdanie-Linton, reminisced on the many lives Corrodus had touched – “mine included”, she said.
“ ... He taught me so much. He will be missed,” she added.
Former president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) and current business advocacy chairman, Lloyd B. Smith, said Corrodus was a household name in Montego Bay and the wider St James community.
“He was a successful entrepreneur and a very devoted family man. He rose to the challenge of custos and carried out his various duties with much gusto and commitment,” said Smith.
The affable and approachable former first citizen of the parish, who was fondly known to his friends as Patrick, was born in Ocho Rios, St Ann, on February 18, 1942. He moved to Montego Bay years later and lived in the tourism capital for more than 50 years with his wife, Daphne.
He fathered two boys and a girl and was a former director of the MBCCI, and a co-opted member of the St James Municipal Corporation. He also served as a director on the boards of the Northern Caribbean University Board, the Housing Agency of Jamaica, and the West Indies Union Investment Management Limited.
For several years, Corrodus operated one of the most successful businesses in Montego Bay – Better Homes Hardware.