All-white farewell for ‘Tito’

It was an all-white affair in Sheffield, Westmoreland, last Saturday, but it was not a party; it was the funeral for popular party promoter and businessman Lajuane Jermaine Bruce, who was popularly known as ‘Tito.’

The 43-year-old Bruce, who resided between Sheffield and Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, was shot and killed by unknown assailants in Negril.

His death caused a major stir in the resort town, where he was a renowned face on the party circuit.

It was therefore no surprise that hundreds of party fans came clad in full white to match the colour of the pall-bearers, the casket and the balloons that adorned the inside of the Sheffield Wesleyan Holiness Church in Sheffield, where the funeral was held.

From those who paid official tributes, including Bruce’s niece, Dajae Jones; his sister, Danielle Denton; and his sister-in-law, Terene Murphy, to those who were engaged in casual conversation, the main sentiment at the funeral was that Tito was a good man who did not deserve to die the way he did in a town he did so much for’.

The officiating minister, the Reverend Bosville Mullings, spoke about the sanctity of life and appealed to all murderers to turn their backs on the lust for blood, saying their actions are destroying the families of those they kill.

He also called upon the killers to put down their arms and seek salvation.

In her eulogy, family friend Latome Doman gave a colourful portrayal of life that was marked by ambitious endeavours and a desire to be successful.

“We have lost a good man who was committed to doing the best for his family and those around him. His was a life that was well spent, albeit it was cut short,” said Doman.

Bruce, whose killing is still under investigation as the perpetrators have still not been identified, is survived by his wife, Erica, and, his children and grandchildren. His body will be cremated.