Rev. Dr. Keith S. Panton's Obituary
Rev. Dr. Keith S. Panton, lovingly known as “Doc. P,” “Father P”or simply “Father,” embodied the word humility. He was devoted to God, his family, service to others, and achieving excellence. He was an exemplary leader, wise counselor, committed mentor, and loyal friend. Blessed by God with a loving spirit, gentle nature, and kind heart, he was a true servant leader who touched the lives of many. His life was rooted in the soil of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, where he grew up. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Vioris Walker (“Aunt Vie”), the Godmother who raised him, Ivy Simms (“Goddie”), and his father, Charles Panton. Keith graduated from Kingston Technical High School in Jamaica, received his bachelors from Wilmington College in Ohio, and earned his Masters and Ph.D. in economics at Washington State University. He returned home to join Alcan Jamaica, where he eventually rose to the position of Executive Chairman and CEO. While at Alcan, he was ordained as an Anglican Priest and, after retiring from Alcan, was appointed Executive-in-Residence at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, while continuing his ministry. He was awarded the Eishenhower Exchange Fellowship, joining a distinguished and select group of global leaders. The Government of Jamaica also honored him for his service to the country by awarding him the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander. Keith had a life-long interest in cattle, horticulture, dominoes, all sports (especially cricket), and world politics. His greatest love, however, was his wife and life partner, Barbara (“Miss Babs”), who was also from the same neck of the woods in St. Elizabeth. He often said that their union was pre-ordained by God and was eternally grateful for the vital role she played in his life and the family they built together. Their friendship began as youngsters and sustained them through many life experiences and 45 years of marriage. In his own words to her: “we were, we are, and always will be.” Together they created a family tapestry woven from a mutual desire to love and care for others. He leaves children Dr. Marc Panton (and wife, Coleen Panton, with children, Elijah, Sarah, and Samara); Dr. David Panton (and sons, Alexander and Ailan, with mothers, Hon. Lisa Hanna and Wendy Fitzwilliam); Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright (and husband, Bishop Robert Wright, with children, Jordan, Emmanuel, Selah, Noah and Moses); Melanie Panton; Andrea Dyer (and daughters, Rachel, Amanda and Christa, with father, Geoffrey Jones); and Narine “Tish” Dawkins (and husband, Dr. Dwight Dawkins, with children Gabrielle, Anthony and Daniel). Their tapestry includes many cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends, who all added special blessings to their lives, especially Dwight and Georgia; Bev and David; Yana and Mark; Bev and Elliot; Beulah and Paul; George, Connie, Alice and Chuck. Surrounded by his family, Keith passed away peacefully on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at University of Florida’s Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida almost 80 years after his birth in Kingston, Jamaica on November 2, 1935.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 28th (Miss Babs’ birthday) at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 Northeast 1st Street, Gainesville, Florida, officiated by Bishop Robert Wright, the Episcopal Bishop of Atlanta (and Keith’s son-in-law). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made on his behalf to the St. Augustine Anglican Church in Mountainside, Jamaica, c/o Barbara Panton, 6714 SW 40th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32608. The interment will be held at the St. Mark’s Anglican Parish Church, in Mandeville, Jamaica, on a later date.
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