NOVEMBER 2020 THE VOICE | 43
Tribute
“The new firm was involved with a number of varied engagements including teaching of accountancy and taxation at Croydon College in Croydon for 12 hours each week and the remainder of 24 hours with Leonard Bloch & Co a firm of Chartered Accountants in the West End of London.
ETHICS
“By the end of the first year the firm began receiving various assignments through the Commission of Racial Equality. Our staff complement had to increase due to additional projects financed by the Councils of Hammersmith and Fulham; Westminster; Wandsworth; Lambeth; Croydon and Islington and the inclusion of a number of Income Tax and Value Added Tax Investigation. “Our client list is made up of client’s from almost every nationality and our motto is ‘Out of many one people as we work to a standard and not a price’. I would describe our growth as organic and thank God for his blessing. “I am a firm believer in giving back of your time and resources to society and it’s for this reason why I have spent a lot of time in community work and teaching. I have taught on a part-time basis at the following institutions: St Andrew Technical High School; College of Arts Science and Technology (UTECH); University of the West Indies – Faculty of Economics; Durham Commercial College; Croydon Technical College; and Community Roots College.”
…we had a good working relationship with him
…vast knowledge and experience
Many of us have known Mr. Leroy Reid for over 20 years. He was our boss and Senior Partner for his accounting practice Leroy Reid & Co. We called him ‘Sir” or “Mr Reid” , not only in the workplace, but wherever we met him as a mark of respect.
Mr. Reid was a great friend of Jamaica National, we were privileged to have interacted with him consistently over the past 10 years.
We felt comfortable and had a very good working relationship with him; he had confidence in us. All of us were always ready to go the extra mile when he called. He was a active person who loved to get things done, even if he had to work after normal hours to do so. His favourite saying was “when a task has begun may it be great or small, never leave until it is done”. Mr Reid would go the extra mile to assist you, or call on one of his contacts within his vast network to do so , just to make sure that you are sorted. Those days are gone, gone but not forgotten. It’s really hard for us to accept that he is no longer with us; we will never get accustomed to it. As work colleagues we all agree that Mr Reid was humble, kind, generous, and peaceful. Mr Reid’s final words to us were “God Bless”. Gone before us, Mr Reid, Sir, Leroy but the precious memories will remain in our hearts. The faithful man Job had these comforting words to say. (Job 14vs 14-15) If a man dies, can he live again? All the days of my appointed time I will wait till my change come. Thou shalt call and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. We extend condolences to the Reid Family.
The Management and staff of Leroy Reid & Co.
…demanded a high standard My first encounter with Leroy Reid was during early 1984. I had visited his practice office, in Norbury, as a prospective client but nonetheless checked in, the following Monday morning, as a trainee accountant, operating under the direct supervision of this commanding figure. I had been mysteriously lured away from the world of a successful record business operator to join him in a novel professional environment. Mr. Reid had inspired me into becoming a duly qualified accountant aspiring to the academic height of attaining a master’s degree. He demanded a high standard of performance and would be severely critical if one fell short. We therefore always, had to be on point. Although my presence at the practice was short lived the underlying effort of that disciplinarian paved the path for us to emulate. His teaching has made an indelible mark on all his discerning trainees. I stand testament to that fact and will be eternally grateful.
CHARITY
One of the many charitable organisations he assisted was the Friends of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, whose spokesperson Winnifred Smikle said: “Leroy Reid’s firm has been doing the accounts for FHFJ since the beginning of the Organisation. Over the years he was a constant source of support and encouragement and will be greatly missed.” Leroy Reid leaves behind wife Reita Reid and two sons, Colin and Edmund.
His passing has left a vacuum but also, wonderful memories...
Roy Anthony Seretse Forbes-Allen MBA
…warmth, caring and understanding When I think of Mr Leroy Reid of Leroy Reid & Co; it’s his ability to show warmth, care and understanding that I truly remember. His care was not a passive one, it was genuine sincerity from one professional human being to another.
Carl Campbell – Artistic Director, Carl Campbell Dance Company 7
He was always willing to impart his vast knowledge and experience to assist us personally and through the expertise of his firm. Mr Reid was the consummate gentleman and we will always have fond memories of him regaling us with stories of life in Jamaica and his long endearing relationship and Jamaicans in the UK. We are grateful for the many moments taken to offer support and encouragement and we will miss him; a true son of the Jamaican soil.
The Jamaica National Family (UK and Jamaica)
...honest and helpful
I met Mr Leroy Reid in a professional capacity, through Mr Roy Forces-Allen; during which time I found him to be honest, helpful and thorough in the execution of his role as my accountant. Over the years we became very good friends. I am very sadden of his passing and wish to offer my sincere condolences to his family. May God help you get through this difficult time and ease your pain.
Mr Carlton Troutt, C P Travel
…a safe pair of hands I fondly remember Mr Reid as a true and kind gentleman who went above and beyond in acts of kindness for friends new and old. He attracted positive people around him and made them feel that they were in a safe pair of hands. He will be sadly missed but not forgotten. May he rest in peace.
Norma Stride, Amron Premier Care
…patience and understanding Although Mr Reid was my Accountant, he was also my friend. He was such a lovely person. I love the fact that he treated me so much as a friend and not just as a client. He will be sadly missed by all of us. Rest in peace. Noel McKoy - Black Cab
Mr Reid was truly a master of his craft, he was extremely reliable, helpful and professional. Both myself and sister had been with Mr Reid for 30 years and he served us well throughout the years and was like a father figure to us. We had also learnt that we are distant relatives who came from the same district of Woodhall in Jamaica. The reason why we loved Mr Reid and always used his services was because he had patience and understanding when it came to our finances and payment schedules. He was truly a blessing to us as well as many of the cab drivers. He will be truly missed. Josephine & Mencielita Manning - Black Cab Owners