Tributes Paid Following Passing Of Colin Smith
[Updated] Following the passing of former Somerset Cricket Club [SCC] president Colin Smith, the community of Somerset and the island at large have taken to expressing their condolences, with current president of the SCC Alfred Maybury calling Mr. Smith’s death “a great loss, not only to me but to all of the Somerset and Bermuda community.”
Mr. Maybury said, “I’m still trying to collect my thoughts. Outside of being Colin’s Vice President for several years, more than that, we’ve been lifelong friends. When you get to a point where a good friend passes and suddenly, it takes some time.
“We’re really trying to collect ourselves right now, because Colin was Colin. Here’s a guy that basically led us to let us know what to do, what not to do, when to do it and when not to do it.
“He’s going to be a great loss, not only to me but to all of the Somerset and Bermuda community, because no matter where you went on this island, if you were with Colin, somebody knew. This is a real sad day and even the weather is feeling it, because it’s a gloomy day because such a bright star has left us.
“It’s very emotional, it’s a challenge in time, and we’re just trying to regroup, collect ourselves and see which way we go, because Colin was so much to all of us. He’s going to be a sure, sure miss.
“Colin had moved out of the Somerset area; he very well kept in touch with everything that was going on at the Somerset Cricket Club and the Sandys community.
“Colin knew more about what was happening in Somerset even though he lived in St. David’s. He would often, when he saw me, say, “Alfred, you know this and you know that, and you know the other. I heard this, you need to do that.”
“He was well in tune with what was happening in Somerset, the whole Somerset community because his family is still all in Somerset. He knew what was happening everywhere.
“One of the guys, he had called him yesterday morning and said, “I’ll be up to the game tonight – if I’m not at the game, I’ll see you tomorrow at the extras game.”
“We were always in touch with each other, so when you get the phone call, you have to really sit down and say ‘wait a minute; are you talking about the guy I knew?’
“It’s difficult; it’s very difficult,” added Mr Maybury.
PLP Leader Marc Bean said, “The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party joins with all of Bermuda in mourning the sudden loss of Colin “Jelly” Smith. His contribution to the Sandys community, to our youth, to sports and his professionalism at Customs will truly be missed.
“The PLP, on behalf of our MPs, Senators, executive and supporters, extends our condolences and prayers to Mr. Smith’s family and many friends.”
Update 3.01pm: Bermuda Cricket Board President Lloyd Fray said: ”This is a major loss for our sport, our community and our country. Colin made an outstanding contribution to both cricket, the youth and our community. Our prayers and condolences go out to all of Colin’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Having worked with Colin in the old days and knowing him as part of the West End community this comes as a terrible shock.
He was a wonderful all ’round guy and I extend my sincerest condolences to his wife , family and friends .
Gone well before his time .
R.I.P. Jelly! I Miss you already!
A Noble man and a big loss to the Somerset Community