PM, Sugar Company hail 'Dickie' Coke
Observer Reporter
Friday, February 15, 2002
PRIME Minister P J Patterson and the Sugar Company of Jamaica yesterday expressed regret at Wednesday's death of well-known sporting personality, Leighton "Dickie" Coke.
Coke, 60, died from an apparent heart attack shortly after a boat on which he was a passenger sank off Lime Cay in the Kingston Harbour.
"I wish to express my profound sense of loss at the tragic and untimely death of Leighton 'Dickie' Coke," Patterson said in a statement issued by Jamaica House.
"Always proud about his exploits as a local football player, he was more renowned as a sports administrator. Dickie Coke always gave of his best in carrying out his different responsibilities," the prime minister said.
He described Coke as a jovial and easy-going person, who was well known for the advice and support he gave to numerous sports organisations.
"His passing will leave a huge void in the sports arena, which will be most difficult to fill," said Patterson.
Meanwhile, the Sugar Company of Jamaica, where Coke was employed as sports and community relations officer, said he made a difference, not only in his area of responsibility, but in all aspects of the company's life.
"His infectious camaraderie forged a special bond between himself, employees and the wider sugar community.
"Through Dickie's efforts, the SCJ excelled in sporting competitions, particularly cricket, where under his direction, the Bernard Lodge Division won the coveted Crum Ewing trophy and our netball team emerged winners of the Business House Intermediate Division, as a first time entrant," said a statement from the Sugar Company.
It added that the void created by Coke's passing would continue to be felt throughout the organisation for a long time.