Captain Eldon Kirkconnell, founder of Kirk Freeport and former legislator, passed away on Thursday, 8 June, at the age of 96.
Speaker of the House Katherine Ebanks-Wilks announced the passing of Kirkconnell in Parliament on Friday morning, and lawmakers offered their tributes to the man several of them described as “iconic”.
Moses Kirkconnell, who like the late Captain Eldon, is an elected representative for the Sister Islands, said his uncle had contributed significantly to Cayman.
“He was a good Christian man,” he said, “a good husband, a good father, grandfather and great grandfather, and there was nothing he liked better than to have them all over to his house. To balance out that life, he was a hard worker with vision.”
He added, “He was a good, strong Caymanian man that had his heart in the place of doing good while he was here for the Caymanian people and country. We were each blessed to know him and know of the example that he set.”
Minister Sabrina Turner and Deputy Premier Juliana O’Connor-Connolly both said the Protocol Office stood ready to assist in the funeral arrangements, indicating that an official state funeral will be held.
Premier Wayne Panton said Kirkconnell was a “very significant Caymanian in so many ways, not just as a legislator, but as a father, a businessman, somebody who was an excellent role model and excellent example for Caymanians, and someone who was very forward thinking as well.”
He added, “His service to the country in the form of his public service, as a representative of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman and a member of Executive Council, should never be forgotten because it has been immense.”
Kirk Freeport, which Kirkconnell founded in 1972, issued a statement Friday saying, “Today, we mourn the loss of an exceptional leader, a visionary entrepreneur, and a true inspiration to all who knew him.
“Captain Eldon’s unwavering commitment, hard work, and ethical leadership have been instrumental in shaping Kirk Freeport, Kirk Market, and the entire Kirk Group of companies. His entrepreneurial spirit and transformative vision have left an indelible mark on our organization and the business landscape of the Cayman Islands.”
It noted that, beyond his professional achievements, “Captain Eldon was a beloved figure in our community, known for his generous heart, kindness, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact.”
In Parliament, Ebanks-Wilks read out a brief biography of the late sea captain, politician and entrepreneur, who passed away just three weeks before his 97th birthday.
Kirkconnell was born to Captain Charles Gerald Kirkconnell and Olivine Elizabeth, nee Eden, on 23 June 1926 – their third and last child, she said.
She continued: “He was raised in Cayman Brac and, as a young teenager, he was sent to Jamaica to attend Munroe College. After graduating, he went to sea on one of his family’s ships. He worked his way up the ranks very quickly. At the age of 23, he got his master mariner’s licence. In 1961, after his father passed away, and having spent 15 years at sea, he returned to Cayman Brac to take over the family business.
“In 1963, he and his wife Pat and their two children, Gerry and Debbie, moved to Grand Cayman. He built Kirk Plaza supermarket in 1964. In 1972, he opened the Kirk Freeport Plaza, and through the years opened other successful businesses.
“Captain Eldon Kirkconnell served in the Legislative Assembly and the Executive Council of the Cayman Islands from 1962 to 1972, and was awarded the honour of OBE, Order of the British Empire, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
She added, “We are thankful to God for Captain Eldon’s life and for all the contributions that he has made to our legislature and to the development of our country.”
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Capt. Eldon was a very good man and very well respected by everyone.