He was remembered as a talented sportsman, a fierce competitor and an astute administrator.
And yesterday, Barrington Yearwood Sr’s short but distinguished innings was honoured with a service of thanksgiving at St Peter’s Parish Church.
Yearwood, who was first vice-president of Maple Cricket Club and manager of the club’s Elite Division team, passed away at home last week after a long illness. He was 52.
Among those at the standing room only service were Minister of Industry Denis Kellman, Minister of Commerce Senator Haynesley Benn, former West Indies opening batsman Desmond Haynes, former CEO of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Dr Roland Toppin, and first vice-president of the BCA, Conde Riley.
Rector Peter Haynes reminded the congregation that life was not a fairy tale.
He said life was punctuated with many challenges and people were forced to put themselves and their loved ones in God’s hands.
“There are no appeals in life and no second chances. When the Great Umpire calls us, we have no choice but to put our bats under our arms and walk off,” he pointed out.
Reverend Haynes noted that Yearwood recognized he had been put in a position in which he could help others and he had duly accepted that responsibility.
“To whom much is given, much is expected and to whom much is entrusted, even more is demanded,” he added.
“Barrington gave much to his club, Maple, and to his family, he gave totally. He used his initiative to the best of his ability and he made full use of his time here on earth.”
Mitch Blackman, who delivered the eulogy, which evoked laughter from the congregation at times, said Yearwood would always be remembered for his ability to lead, and for his good organizational skills.
“He was good at everything he did, and he touched the lives of everyone including those of his family, at Maple Cricket Club and at St Lucy Secondary,” he said.
“Barrington was a man of God . . . and he was a true example of how one should live their life.”
Among the many who paid tribute to Yearwood were Maple’s president and captain of the Elite Division team Pedro Agard and principal of the Alexandra School Jeff Broomes, a former Maple vice-president and team manager.
Agard noted that Yearwood would be remembered mostly for his dedication and commitment to the club and for his never-say-die attitude.
He said Yearwood was always willing to lend a helping hand in whatever capacity that he could, and that he was the backbone behind Maple’s continued development and success as a club.
Broomes – who revealed that he first met Yearwood, whom he taught, at St Lucy Secondary – referred to him as an “exceptional man,”’ and one who would truly be missed.
“Barrington Yearwood, you have made your mark not only in the north of this country, you have made your mark in Barbados,” he declared.
