Sport

Reggae Boyz chef laid to rest in Mandeville

By RICHARD BRYAN, Star Writer

FORMER REGGAE BOYZ chef, and a 31-year veteran of the Jamaica Defence Force's (JDF) National Reserve (3JR), Samuel Mitchell, was laid to rest at the picturesque Oakwood Memorial Lawns in his hometown Mandeville following a well supported, organised and moving remembrance of his life at the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) chapel at the weekend.

Mitchell, 51, died on August 8 from injuries he suffered when hit down by a car the previous day in Mandeville shortly after leaving a funeral. He got national prominence after he was seconded to the JFF to be its first full time chef for the successful 'Road to France' programme between 1994 and 1998.

He remained full-time at the federation, and as a measure of his impact, current President Crenston Boxhill in his tribute described him as "an extremely valuable member of staff". He said "Sammy" as he was familiarly known in football circles, knew his craft well, but it was his tireless commitment to serving the various needs, tastes and peculiarities of the football players brought into camp or toured, which stood out.

Creative genius

Community representatives remembered Mitchell as humble, helpful, though stern and shared anecdotes of how he used his creative genius as a chef to salvage meals which had gone amiss.

Major Euken Mills who brought tribute on behalf of the JDF, echoed similar kudos, saying "Tough Cat" his nickname in the army following his exploits as a goalkeeper at that level, "worked magic with the rations at the JDF".

He spoke of his early years in the army and how Mitchell was singled out for admiration because he was "unperturbed by happenings around him". Mitchell was "pleasant, positive and professional", he said, and this combined with his appetite for hard work and long hours made him a "fine example of how the military served national life".

As his body dressed in full army gear, and his casket covered with the National Flag along with his JDF belt and cap was prepared for interment, there was pomp and applause as a dozen soldiers fired the customary gun salute.

Noticeably in attendance were the Commanding Officer for the Jamaica Third Battalion, Lt. Col. L. Gordon, a considerable amount of the members of the current hierarchy and staff of JFF, former general secretary Horace Reid, Rev. Al Miller, Ed Barnes, and injured Reggae Boy, Fabian Davis.