By Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Gladstone 'Pops' Lawrence - contributed

WESTERN BUREAU

For decades, volunteer Gladstone 'Pops' Lawrence would sit in the doorway of the Montego Bay Boys and Girls Club to welcome new members to an institution that has facilitated the development of numerous sporting and musical personalities in western Jamaica.

On Monday evening, the stalwart volunteer and mentor, collapsed and died.

"Pops grew up with the Montego Bay Boys and Girls Club, having joined the membership in 1942. This was his entire life. He is going to be missed by so many people. Less than two hours after he died, we received several overseas calls. There are so many people who were close to him," said Carl Matthews, the club's chairman.

Lawrence, was also the recipient of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) prestigious Sam Sharpe Award for Community Development.

Cleveland 'Posie' Vernon, who teaches at the club, which is well known for its band, stated, "They told me Pops was foaming. I rushed to his assistance but he did not respond. I saw him made a gasp, his pulse stopped and his hands were cold. I prayed for him."

"He was the key to the club. His famous phrase was 'either you do or you go'."

'Pops' Lawrence will be remembered for influencing the lives of countless Jamaicans, particularly boys and girls residing in St. James' inner city, many whom are past and present members of the Jamaica national football team.