George Gerald Minott, affectionately known as Pa, was born on May 15, 1928 in a little district of St. Ann, Jamaica,
named Bread Nut Hill. He had one brother and four sisters and was the youngest child of Dorris and Ulette Minott. Pa
had a vibrant and joyful spirit, which served him well in his work, home and church.
Pa attended Bread Nut Primary School and a local trade school. He and his family lived in Bread Nut Hill until his parents
passed. He followed his sisters to Montego Bay to work with one of them at a bar & restaurant that was popular with
firemen. His sister’s husband asked one the firemen if there were any jobs for Pa, and there started his illustrious career
with the St. James Fire Department. Pa started at an entry level position at the fire station around 1955 and worked his
way up throughout the years to become one of the Assistant Superintendents of the Montego Bay Fire Brigade Station.
In 1980, Pa received an award for Meritorious Service on National Heroes Day at Kings House by the Governor General.
He retired from service in 1985. Through his work as a fire chief, Pa became well-known in Montego Bay and was loved
by all those he met, including his colleagues at the fire house. Once retired, Pa continued his connection to the fire
department through his membership with the St. James Chapter of the Retired Fire Fighters Association.
Pa was a loving and dedicated husband and father. He met and married his love and life partner Jeslyn “Sister” Minott
in 1968 and raised their three daughters Marjorie (Madge) Minott, Rose Minott and Marjorie (Judith) Smith. Pa and
Sister also fostered Sister’s nieces Stephanie, Felicia and Shavonie Farquharson, after their father, Leon, died. Their
home was always filled with the laughter and joy of children and other family members, who visited often. Pa and Sister
remained together for more than 50 years until her passing in November 2018.
Pa and Sister were stalwarts of their community and dedicated members of the Salvation Army Church. Pa became a
member of the Montego Bay Corps in 1968. Due to his love of young people and his zeal to see this section of the Corps
grow, Pa worked with the youth department as the acting Young People Sergeant Major (YPSM) for two years, before
the position was officially conferred on him in 1976. He served with loyalty and dedication as the YPSM for 23 years and
the children and youth loved spending time with him. He began and ended his day in devotion with his wife, as they
sang songs, read the bible and prayed.
Pa was the leader of a cub scouts troupe and often took the scouts out camping. He enjoyed watching the game of
cricket and playing dominos. Pa was also a good cook and enjoyed making curry goat. Pa was always the life of the
party, often telling jokes and funny stories.
Following a short illness, Pa died peacefully at Cornwall Regional Hospital on March 10, 2019. He was 90 years old.
Pa is survived by his children Madge, Rose, Judith, Stephanie and Felicia, his grandchildren Jannelle, Alzia, Tamara and
Carey, his great grandchildren, Beteti and Jamari, his nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.
Condolence Messages