LEIGHTON “Dickie” Coke was yesterday eulogised as a person with a gift for repartee and who, through his immense involvement in sports, touched the lives of many Jamaicans who benefited from his humanitarian spirit.

Hundreds of Jamaicans packed the University Chapel to overflowing to pay their last respects to Coke who, according to his close friend Molo Walker, once said: “You must live your life so that your funeral don’t flop.”

The congregation was mixture of Jamaica’s sporting personalities, corporate executives, senior government ministers and, most of all, members of Coke’s extended Kingston College family.

Coke died on February 13, apparently of a heart attack, after a boat in which he was travelling to Lime Cay in the Kingston Harbour capsized.

Walker, one of Coke’s schoolmates, told the congregation that they had both made a pact years ago that whoever died first, the survivor would give the remembrance at his funeral.

Yesterday, Walker was obviously shattered that the task was his, but he maintained his composure, giving anecdotes of Coke’s life, most of which created laughter and lightened the grief felt by all.

“He walked with kings, yet never lost the common touch,” said Walker “and wherever he was, Dickie could always draw a crowd and give warmth to any gathering.”

Coke’s daughter Kimberley, in her tribute, said she shared a special bond with her father, and that he was her role model.

“We never anticipated the bond that would grow between us, one that is so strong, and as my father you are the one who I have truly admired and desired to be like in every way I could, for I love you more than I could ever express,” she said.

Finance Minister Dr Omar Davies, who said he was surprised and honoured to have been asked to give a tribute, told the congregation that Coke’s appointment to the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission, was based not only on his skill as a sports administrator, but on knowledge of his intent.

The KC Chapel Choir paid tribute in song to the man who represented the school at football, tennis and other sports for many years and who remained committed to the school’s growth.

In fact, two days before he died, Coke had asked that his ashes be sprinkled on the school compound.

Apparently the school’s management has agreed to grant the request because his brother, Ronald, at the end of the funeral, told mourners that “on a day to be announced in the press, we propose to meet at Kingston College to carry out his wishes”.

Mike Fennell, in his tribute, spoke of Coke’s commitment to sport and how he engineered the concept of sports marketing.

During the 70s and 80s Coke became well-known in his role as sports administrator at Desnoes and Geddes (now Red Stripe).

Noel Dacosta of Red Stripe said that during Coke’s 25 years at the company and “through the sports club, Dickie forged links between employees, promoting understanding and camaraderie and was often a confidante to many”.

Noting that he was instrumental in the running of three boxing gyms sponsored by D&G, Dacosta said Coke was never too busy to sit down with young people and listen to their numerous economic and social problems.

Coke was also remembered for his devotion to helping to mould minor league football in the country.

“He made a meaningful contribution to minor league football by being head of the association for more than 10 years, and made sure that 600 young boys were gainfully occupied during summer holidays,” Dacosta added.

Up until the time of his death, Coke was sports co-ordinator at the Sugar Producers Federation.