By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

SHOCK waves rippled throughout the community over the weekend as news spread of the sudden death of Leon “Lee” Rahming who served for more than 30 years at the House of Assembly.

Mr Rahming’s death, his nephew Tyrone Fitzgerald told The Tribune, took the entire family by 
surprise especially considering the circumstances. He was 60 years old and thought to be in good health.
According to Fitzgerald, Mr Rahming who was the assistant clerk at Parliament, had just finished playing a game of softball at the Southern Recreation grounds when he collapsed. He was then rushed to the Princess Margaret Hospital by teammates. Doctors preliminary examination discovered that Mr Rahming suffered a massive heart attack, Fitzgerald said.

“Lee was a very dedicated and civic minded individual,” he said, “who loved his children, nieces, nephews and all the rest of his family members.

“He celebrated a milestone in June, his 60th birthday, and we are very saddened by the sudden death of Lee on Saturday, doing something he just loved to do. The true essence of a man who just loved life.”
Mr Rahming leaves behind his wife Sharon and four children – three sons and one daughter.

Parliamentarians took to social media site Facebook on Saturday to express their sympathies and regrets.

“Rest in Peace Leon ‘Lee’ Rahming,” Long Island MP and FNM deputy leader Loretta Butler-Turner said, “All parliamentarians will miss you. My family mourns with your family tonight. Sleep on my brother!”
Another parliamentarian, Transport and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said: “My condolences go out to the family of Leon Rahming: a quiet and consummate professional who worked for many years in the House of Assembly. He will be missed.”

Yesterday, FNM leader of Opposition business in the House of Assembly described Mr Rahming as a hard working and dedicated public servant.

There has been no announcement of funeral arrangements.