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McFarlane hailed as strong community man at funeral

Published:Saturday | September 22, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller expresses her condolences and offers comfort to daughter of the late Bruce McFarlane, Tiffany McFarlane, at his funeral service held yesterday at the Webster Memorial United Church in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew.-Contributed

Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

Ian Andrews, the executive director of the Institute of Sports (INSPORTS), has mooted the idea of naming the all-island community football competition in honour of Bruce McFarlane.

Andrews was speaking Friday at the funeral service held at the Webster Memorial Church in St Andrew for the late assistant national coordinator of INSPORTS.

Andrews said McFarlane was a strong community man and was integral in the organisation of the competition.

He said: "I think it would be appropriate to name that competition The Bruce McFarlane All-island Community Competition."

McFarlane, 49, died on August 22. Andrews recalled talking to his fallen colleague that afternoon. He said McFarlane said he was okay and was anxious to return to work.

"I had no idea that when I spoke to him the afternoon that would have been the last time," Andrews said.

He said McFarlane, who he had known for 20 years, was an outstanding worker, one that any boss or manager would relish in an organisation.

"INSPORTS will be poorer for his departure. It certainly will be much quieter," Andrews said. He told mourners that paying tribute to his late friend is the hardest speaking engagement he has ever had.

PM read lesson

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller read the first lesson. She headed a host of dignitaries and 'Who is Who' of sports at the funeral.

The mourners included Natalie Neita-Headley, the minister with responsibility for sports; coaches Carlton 'Spanner' Dennis, Leebert Halliman; and administrators Neville 'Teddy' McCook and Don Anderson.

In the meantime, some of McFarlane's nephews and nieces remembered him as one who showed tremendous love for those he encountered.

"Your purpose was to fill your family's hearts and others with love," one nephew said.

Another promised they "will live a good life just as you did".

His daughter, Melissa McFarlane-Prescott, remembered her father as a lover of life. She said while it's hard to come to terms with his death, she is comforted by the fact that legends live forever.