‘He’s leaving behind a huge legacy’

WHETHER THEY called him ‘Skill’, ‘Cherry’, or simply ‘Cole’, families, friends and well-wishers all came out in their numbers to the National Arena yesterday to pay their final respects at the thanksgiving service for Jamaican legend Allan Cole.

Cole, a former Reggae Boy, passed away on September 9 at the University Hospital of the West Indies, aged 74.

Cole is remembered as arguably one of Jamaica’s greatest-ever footballers, as well for his close relationship with reggae icon Bob Marley.

Cole worked as Marley’s tour manager during the 1970s, and was credited as a songwriter on Marley’s 1976 song, War.

But while Cole left behind a lasting legacy that none can deny, several of his closest families and friends sought to remember the man behind the legend.

Carlton ‘Spanner’ Dennis, president of Santos Football Club and a lifelong friend of Cole, remembered him as the family man who had given his all to those around him.

“We actually grew up in east Kingston, so we knew each other almost all our lives,” Dennis recalled.

“Today is a sad day for me as a person and as a part of Santos.

“He was a family man. He gave his life for his kids. He was a gentle soul, a kind person, an understanding person and a good person. He will be dearly missed by myself, the club and Vineyard Town community.”

Cole played for Santos during the 1970s and was a key member of the team that won four consecutive national titles.

Following the end of his career, Dennis recalled Cole as a constant figure at the club, who mentored several of the young players throughout the years.

“He played for Santos and then he left and went to Boys’ Town. He went and coached for Port Morant and in his latter days, he spent a lot of time at Santos.

“He trained every evening at the club, he helped mentor and talked to a lot of the youngsters and we would play dominoes, so we really had a good relationship.”

He added, “He’s leaving behind a huge legacy. His legacy as a footballer and as a humanitarian is very large.”

Cole was also remembered as a man of unbreakable integrity and a champion of Rastafari beliefs and spirituality.

Kay Osborne, former general manager of Television Jamaica (TVJ), described Cole as a man of stern character throughout their over six-decade-long friendship.

She described the incident where Cole, who briefly played in Brazil with Nautico in 1972, left the club after refusing to cut his hair.

“Skill wasn’t just any man, he was a yardstick by which we measured principle, loyalty and passion,” she said.

“We all know of Skill’s prowess on the football field, but it wasn’t football that was the measure of the man,” Osborne continued.

“Think of the time when the club demanded that Skill cut his dreadlocks to conform and Allan walked away from the pinnacle of his playing career. He was a Rastafarian and the locks was his covenant.”

Fight against discrimination

She also recalled Cole’s fight against the discrimination against Rastafari in Jamaica when he confronted RJR, during his time as Wailers manager, to ensure their music was played on the radio.

“Allan knew that a man who compromises his faith has nothing of usable value to offer the world,” she said.

“Back in the day, the Jamaican establishment feared the Rastafari movement,” she said.

“No radio station would play a tune that glorified the natty dread. But as the Wailers manager, and immersed in Wailers music, Skill knew he had to attack the system, knowing that the Wailers was vital and the sound was essential to the upliftment of the entire world.”

Cole’s fight led the way for a new wave of change, where in the present day, his name rings with admiration across radio stations and other parts of the media.

Courtney Sargeant, the experienced award-winning sports journalist, gave a final salute to Cole and said it was a privilege to have witnessed his career.

“As I bid farewell to Allan Cole, I salute your achievements and incredible skill,” he said.

“Considered one of the country’s best-ever players, it was gratifying and a privilege to grow in and around the communities alongside and watch you play. In fact, you made a positive impact on many.

“From Fleet Street, Emerald Road and Vineyard Town, your death will never change my admiration of you, maestro. As Bob Marley would say, you are truly a legend.”

Cole is survived by widow Sharon Cole, and six children.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com