On Saturday March 14, 2015, family members and friends especially from the various sporting fraternities came out in their numbers to bid farewell to former Jamaica and West Indies cricketer Richard Arkwright Austin at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, North Street, Kingston.

The 60-year-old passed away on February 6, 2015. He was born on September 5, 1954 to parents Lillian Maud Austin and Frank Austin.

Richard grew up in the community of Jones Town. He was a natural athlete and was also a talented footballer, representing Arnett Gardens in the Premier League. He was also an excellent table tennis player.

Former Jamaica cricketer and the president of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) Wavell Hinds in his tribute remembered Austin as a caring and loving person who was willing to pass on most of his cricketing knowledge to him and other members of the Kensington cricket team in the 1990s.

In her tribute Opposition spokesperson on Sports, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange remembered Richard as a sportsman who was multi-talented in many sporting disciplines. She further proffered the view that deserved to be treated as a true sportsman.

Minister with responsibility for Sports, Natalie Neita Headley in her tribute remember Richard Austin who did not have a long career with the West Indies team and played only two Test matches and one One-Day International, as one whose contribution to the dominating West Indies Kerry Packer World Series side which paved the way to the present wage structure in cricket was outstanding. “He was a world class fielder with reflexes like a snake and was often placed in positions to field where he ignored the dangers and made several incredible catches and saves”, she continued.

Jamila Ellis in delivering the eulogy remembered her uncle as a loving person and one that looked out for his family and friends. He will always be remembered, for his rich legacy and his achievements. We salute your un-wavering love for cricket. You are my alma mater, ‘The sky is our limit’.

“Uncle, I can never forget, while you were being wrecked by bad addiction habits, I would always acknowledge you, there were many friends, who called you their family, but the truth was, you called the streets home, even for what-ever hardship it was worth,” she recalled.

Austin played World Series cricket from 1977 to 1979 and contributed equally with the ball, the bat and in the field. He was very well respected by his World Series Cricket West Indies teammates to the point that when he was originally chosen for the Third Test against Australia in Guyana in 1978, his subsequent omission from the side, along with fellow World Series Cricketers Desmond Haynes and Derrick Murray, led to the other World Series Cricket players in the West Indian side refusing to play the Test in protest.

Austin also had a stint in the Lancashire League in England, but his cricketing career came to a virtual end when he decided to join the West Indies Rebel tours of South Africa between 1982 and 1984.

(PHOTOS: Michael Gordon)

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Richard Austin in his earlier days.

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Singer Arthur ‘Bunny’ Robinson paying tribute in song.

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Opposition Spokesperson for Information, Sports, Entertainment and Culture Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange paying tribute to Austin.

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Niece Jamila Ellis delivers the eulogy.

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Legendary Jamaica footballer Allan Cole came to give his support.

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Stratton Palmer (left) and former Jamaica cricket team captain Easton McMorris.

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From left former Jamaica and West Indies batting stylist Lawrence Rowe, Jamaica cricketer Wayne Lewis, West Indies cricketer Maurice Foster, and Ian Andrews.

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Pall-bearers led by former Jamaica cricketers Lyndel (left) and Wavel Hines accompany the casket in the church.

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From left Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, Minister of Transport, Works and Housing Omar Davis, former Jamaica cricketers Lyndel Wright and Wavell Hinds, Minister Natalie Neita Headley, Member of Parliament for Eastern St Andrew Andre Hylton.

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Members of the congregation praying.

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Daughter Kaydan Austin-Richards reads the first lesson.

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Minister of Transports, Works and Housing Omar Davis reads the second lesson.

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Family members and friends came to give their support.

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A framed photo of Richard Austin and Alvin Greenidge on the field at Newlands, South Africa.

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Deacon Derrick Foster sprinkles holy water on the casket.

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A section of the gathering at the service with retired postal worker and well-known wood carver Livingston McCarthy.

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Pall bearers carrying the casket from the church

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Minister with responsibility for Sports, Natalie Neita Headley (centre) and former cricketers pose outside the cathedral.

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Jamaica footballer Allan Cole and former Jamaica and West Indies batting stylist Lawrence Rowe pose outside the cathedral.

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Richard Shrimpy Clarke and Courtney Daley.

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Two of Jamaica’s great sportsmen, footballer Allan ‘Skill’ Cole (left) and cricketer Lawrence Rowe.

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Boxer Richard ‘Shrimpy’ Clarke (left) and cricketer Courtney Daley.