The Excelsior auditorium overflowed with family, friends and well-wishers as they gathered to pay their last respects to Allan Daniel Selassie I Cole, who was laid to rest on Sunday October 8. The event proved to be extraordinary as the audience, all decked in white at the request of the family, participated in what some may have called a different kind of service.

The proceedings began with chants and prayers led by the priests and other officials of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. They walked slowly and reverently around the casket, with one person holding a censer while another carried a well-decorated umbrella, which is said to represent the presence of the Holy Spirit. At the head of the casket was an Excelsior High School football jersey mounted on a stand as well as an Ethiopian scarf.

The rest of the service flowed almost seamlessly. Following the reading of the scripture and a spirited praise and worship session, the lively congregants settled into a sombre mood as tributes and remembrances flashed back to memories with Allie from his childhood days to moments before his sudden departure.

The eulogy, read by Aldrick ‘Ali’ McNab, a friend of the family, captured attention with its humour and homage to his friend.

“He was a caring and sharing individual. He was extremely charismatic, to say the least, with a gift of communicating with people from all walks of life. Those traits made him one of the most popular students at Excelsior,” said McNab as the audience agreed. “Allan… was a loving father to his children; a special son and a football player at his beloved Excelsior…Well played, Ali; walk good, man.”

Garth Sherwood, one of Allan’s former high school team members, was brought to laughter then to tears as he delivered the remembrance for his team captain. “His love for football was well known. I remember when we lost the Manning Cup final in 1987. That was one of the few times I ever [saw] Allie sad,” he shared. Excelsior went on to win the final in 1989 under Cole’s captaincy. Sherwood described how Allie consistently kept in touch with him and other players, showing his genuine interest in the well-being of his companions.

Allan continued to support the Excelsior team even after leaving school. Sherwood informed, “Allie was dedicated [and] committed and [he] loved his alma mater, Excelsior High School. His commitment to students of the school and his belief in them and their ability [was] remarkable and unforgettable. He believed in those kids and wanted to ensure that they believed in themselves.”

He ended in tears saying, “Walk good, mi general, you play a good game. It was just unfortunate that the referee blow the whistle…”

The present Excelsior team was also represented at the event, wearing jerseys with “Ali” printed on the back. In tribute to their mentor and friend, team member Karim Williams said, “Allie was a father to us, a good man, pure-hearted; he was a soldier.” He recalled how Cole frequently visited them, even in the late hours of the night, taking for the team what they called “spurlina” to refresh them.

Allan’s daughter Natasha reflected on her relationship with her father, and encouraged family members and friends to mend bridges, to forgive, to be kind, and to take care of themselves.

Allan Cole Jr was laid to rest at the Sunset Burial Park in Shooters Hill, St. Andrew.