There was a full turnout of members of the legal profession, social workers, friends and relatives of Hollick Edward Harnarayan at his funeral service yesterday at the Susamachar Presbyterian Church, San Fernando.

Harnarayan, 95, died peacefully at his home on Seukeran Street, San Fernando last Thursday. A former senior magistrate and social worker, he was described by Rev Joy Abdul-Mohan, who officiated at the service, as one of the fathers of the city of San Fernando. "He was there for everyone and his contribution to members of Alcoholics Anonymous will surely be missed," said Abdul-Mohan.

She added that it was almost impossible to measure his contribution in terms of years. "He had given his entire life to those in need of legal, moral or spiritual help," she said.

The eulogy was read by his son Dr Patrick Harnarayan who described his father as a true gift from God. "He was not only a father to his children but to the wider members of the community in which he lived," he said.

Apart from serving as a magistrate in various parts of Trinidad, Harnarayan had served on a number of boards and committees that have helped to shape the country in many ways. Harnarayan had also written a book detailing the importance of the establishment of small courts in Trinidad and Tobago. His wife Esther was praised by their three sons, Sastri, Patrick and David for giving up her job to ensure that they received a good education both academically and spiritually.

In 1978 Harnarayan received the Public Service Medal of Merit Gold for outstanding and meritorious service to the country.