Tyrone Downie, who was once reviled for playing the organ in the Kingston College chapel, was given a warm send-off there on November 26.
The thanksgiving service for the former Wailers keyboardist was attended by his nine children, other relatives and fellow musicians.
Respective speakers gave humorous and tearjerking stories of his passion for music, languages, Pan African culture and cooking.
Downie, who toured with Bob Marley for seven years, died in Kingston on November 13 at age 66.
His storied career as a musician was recalled from his years at Kingston College where he was a member of the choir and cadet corps.
He developed into a formidable keyboardist/organist who played on seminal albums like Marley's Rastaman Vibration, Exodus and Kaya. Downie also worked on Burning Spear's Marcus Garvey, Legalize It by Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer's Blackheart Man.
Speakers included his classmate Ian Jackson, Tommy Cowan, son Victor, daughter Kimika, partner Bernadine and guitarist Al Anderson, a former member of The Wailers.
Cowan recalled taking Downie from his classroom at Kingston College for his debut recording session --- Eric Donaldson's Cherry Oh Baby, the song that won the 1971 Festival Song Competition.
Others in attendance were Althea and Donna (famous for the 1977 hit song, Uptown Top Ranking), Carlene Davis, David Hinds of Steel Pulse, keyboardists Ibo Cooper, Robbie Lyn, Bowie McLaughlin and Stephen Stewart, guitarist Earl "Chinna" Smith and Pascaline Bongo, former foreign minister of Gabon.
Written By Howard Campbell