CARLINGTON LEROY MILLAR was yesterday remembered as a pioneer who steered Barbados in a transition from the village shop to the supermarket.
The late businessman opened his first Rick’s Supermarket in James Street, The City. It would go on to become a household name in Barbados.
In the eulogy delivered at the centenarian’s funeral service yesterday, daughter Lisa Millar-Cumberbatch shared the story of his journey from humble beginnings as a shopkeeper’s son to “one of the most successful black business owners” in Barbados.
“What made him remarkable was the seeds he sowed in so many people’s lives, helping so many Barbadian families and giving with an open heart, expecting nothing in return,” she said of her late father.
In his early years, Millar worked for then prominent businessman James A Tudor before launching out on his own, going on to open several shops across Barbados.
Millar-Cumberbatch encouraged the packed church to celebrate her father’s life, rather than mourn his passing.
She was among nine of Millar’s 11 children attending the funeral service conducted at Christ Church Parish Church by Canon Austin Carrington and Reverend Yolande Clarke. Millar was pre-deceased by two of his sons.
Among those mourning the loss was Millar’s wife of 55 years, Muriel.
The interment was at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens. (GC)
