Former St Leonard’s Boys’ footballers bearing the casket of Dishon “Eto” Howell out of the church, followed by his mother Natasha and a family friend. (Picture by Dwayne Gibbs.)

‘Eto’ laid to rest

Article by Dwayne Gibbs

Dishon ‘Eto’ Howell, one of Barbados’ most outstanding young footballers was laid to rest yesterday at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens following a funeral service at Collymore Rock Nazarene Church.

Family, friends and former teammates came out adorned in Howell’s favourite colour red, while some of his St Leonard’s Boys’ schoolmates and former teammates served as pallbearers.

DISHON HOWELL (FILE)

Also present were president of the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Randy Harris and Minister of Elder Affairs and People Empowerment, Kirk Humphrey, who paid his respects on behalf of the Barbados Government.

Howell’s casket was adorned with the Manchester City logo in commemoration of his time spent training at the renowned club in 2016 through the Digicel Kickstart Manchester City Experience, where he captained and top scored for the squad, comprising players from across the Caribbean and Central America.

Howell, 22, had a promising future, but fell ill while visiting family last October. He was later diagnosed with stage two anaplastic large cell lymphoma and efforts were launched to raise funds for his treatment.

He will forever be remembered as the 16-year-old schoolboy, who on senior national team debut against Bermuda in October 2017, scored two goals to give Barbados a come-from-behind 3-2 victory.

Howell is survived by parents Natasha Howell and Dwayne Brathwaite, six siblings and daughter Kashonna Gamble. He died on August 13. (DG)