Eric Austin Fairweather, whose illustrious public service career spans over three decades, during which he reached the top post of Permanent Secretary, died from a massive heart attack on Friday, July 4. He was 79.

According to Fairweather’s daughter, Dorothy, with whom he lived in Los Angeles before returning to Belize last January, it was only a few months ago that he was diagnosed with an enlarged heart.

From 1957 to 1962, Fairweather studied in Jamaica, qualifying as an attorney, before returning home to take up a post as District Officer in the Orange Walk District, in the then colonial public service.

Fairweather served as a Magistrate and was eventually elevated to the rank of Permanent Secretary, heading the Ministry of Human Resources and the Ministry of Natural Resources before retiring from the public service in 2006.

During his public service years, he carried himself with a cheerful disposition. There was always a pleasant smile on his face.

Fairweather loved sports, especially football. He and David Cruz, another public officer, sponsored the mighty Avengers football club of Cayo.

Dorothy said that her father was a very kind and loving person. He was a happy man who, in his later years, loved to sing karaoke. One of his favorite songs was Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”

He is predeceased by his wife Leonora Olivia Fairweather; children Hector, Derick and Kenrick Fairweather.

Eric Fairweather leaves to mourn his passing his children Dorothy, Colin and Patricia Fairweather, Sharon Muschamp, Shalene Miguel and Sharett Miguel-Cardenas, all of the U.S.A.

He is also survived by his sisters Mrs. Iola Gill, Mrs Norma Pinks, Mrs. Gilda Meighan, Ms. Grace Fairweather; brothers Evan Fairweather, Harold Fairweather and Joel Fairweather.

Fairweather will be laid to rest on Saturday, July 12, following funeral services at St. John’s Cathedral. He will be interred in San Ignacio.