Glowing accolades for ‘one of a kind’ C Lloyd Allen
BY HG HELPS
Editor-at-Large
helpsh@jamaicaobserver.com
LATE sports administrator C Lloyd Allen was hailed by former Jamaica Prime Minister PJ Patterson, and close friends Richard Russell, Danville Davidson and William Tavares Finson, as a top individual who spoke his mind fearlessly, and stood up for the finest principles.
Allen died at his Norbrook home on January 14, succumbing to cancer of the pancreas at age 67.
He had served, among other things, as Chairman of the Institute of Sports, President of the Jamaica Boxing Board of Control, and Chairman of Tennis Jamaica, the governing organisation for local tennis.
“He was a man of firm convictions – never hesitant to express his views, even loudly at times,” Patterson said in his tribute read by President of Tennis Jamaica, John Bailey during yesterday’s service of thanksgiving at the St Margaret’s Church, Liguanea, St Andrew.
“He could be contentious, but devoid of rancour. He was steadfast in pursuing his chosen path – never wavering whether in victory or defeat. C Lloyd Allen will forever be remembered for his sharp mind and dashing style, his biting wit and infectious sense of humour. He had a fine taste for the good things of life – fully prepared to share and enjoy them with his wide circle of friends,” Patterson said.
In delivering the remembrance, former Kingston College cricketer and tennis player Richard Russell, the first Jamaican to play in the famed Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, described Allen as Jamaica’s most passionate sports administrator.
“He was one of a kind. He was not always right, but seldom wrong. He spoke his mind, he was very abrupt, but he was caring and a more principled individual you could not find.
“He was a very spiritual person who watched Trinity Broadcasting Network every Saturday night at 7 o’clock. He also had his Daily Bread and Bible at his bedside and said his prayers every night before he went to bed,” Russell said.
Of his commitment to his alma mater, Munro College in St Elizabeth, Russell said that he loved his school so much that he joined the Old Boys Association while he was still in fifth form.
Former Boxing Board president Tavares Finson in a witty presentation punctuated by light-hearted anecdotes, relayed a message of sympathy from former world boxing champion Mike McCallum.
“He was known to express his views in a not-too-diplomatic manner and he was able to attract and detract with equal skill,” Tavares Finson said of Allen.
Davidson described Allen as the “most passionate Munronian to have entered the institution, and did boxing, cricket, football, tennis, and rifle shooting at the institution.”
Lessons were read by Allen’s only child, Chloe, and Opposition Leader Andrew Holness.
Among the other mourners were former Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Minister with responsibility for sport, Natalie Neita Headley, and tourism and entertainment minister, Dr Wykeham McNeill.
Suffragan Bishop of Kingston Dr Robert Thompson, who delivered the homily, described Allen’s life as one of service.
“He impacted the lives of many people wherever he served and did so with passion,” Bishop Thompson said.
Allen’s body will be cremated.