Omar Azan (right), president of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association, greets Marjorie Matalon, widow of Aaron Joseph Matalon, during a thanksgiving service at the Duke Street synagogue in Kingston yesterday. Also in the frame are Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller (left, background) and businessman Joseph A. Matalon (centre, background). - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

The late Aaron Joseph Matalon has been hailed for his passion to build a new business class to expand the Jamaican economy.

However, it was his hallmark diligence that helped transform the Matalons into a household name which struck the strongest chord at yesterday's thanksgiving service at the Duke Street synagogue.

Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson said Matalon had acute business acumen and did not allow distractions to trump his game plan.

''He was a martyr and would not back down from his beliefs, a man who believed in the closeness of family. Personally, I find this remarkable since he was not from the plantocracy, but worked his way up,'' said Patterson.

That ability to balance business and family responsibilities was emphasised by son Joseph A. Matalon who, while battling rivulets of tears, described his father as a man for all seasons whose passing had left a huge void.

''Dad would show us the value of hard work. As teenagers, the boys knew about industry and production. The girls would come at holiday time (to work).

"He did not pay us enough but by the time, we were finished with the drinks, things would have been even," the deceased's son said.

Aaron Joseph Matalon, a member of one of the most powerful business families in Jamaica, died on April 4 in Miami, Florida, after a short illness. He was 89. He has left to mourn Marjorie, his wife of 64 years.

Among the responsibilities on his lengthy résumé was presidency of the Jamaica Manufacturers' Association from 1953-57 and 1960-65.

"His aim was to get the support from all to drive the production of local produce and to cut importation,'' said Douglas Vaz, a former minister of commerce, in his tribute on behalf of the business grouping.

Inspirational leadership

Echoing Vaz's sentiment, Professor Rex Nettleford said the late businessman provided great inspiration.

''He help to structure the Institute of Management and Production (now incor-porated into the University College of the Caribbean) to help persons to be better at business.

"It was a privilege to have known this great man, and when the Jews came to the Caribbean, persons like Aaron caused one to know that it was Jamaica's gain,'' said Nettleford.

Among the mourners at yesterday's ceremony were Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com