Jamaica bids farewell to favourite son
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This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from October 1992.
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Dr Wint, an 800 and 400 metre specialist who won two golds and two silvers at the 1948 and 1952 Olympics and later served as High Commissioner to London, was remembered as a "quiet, dignified giant of a man who served well". The service took place at the University of the West Indies chapel at Mona and family members said his body is to be cremated.
"All who had the good fortune to know him and come under his influence will be be forever indebted to this great man. He never allowed personal likes and dislikes to interfere with his responsibilities", said Mike Fennell, president of the Jamaica Olympic Association.
Wint's great friend and rival, Herb Mckenley was among those shedding tears even as he read one of the bible lessons. Prime Minister P.J. Patterson also read a lesson.
Wint was Jamaica's first ever olympic gold medal winner, taking the 400 metres at the 1948 games in London ahead of Mckenley. He returned in the 800 metres to grab a silver in the 800 metres, behind the great American Mal Whitfield who was among those saying farewell Monday.
