Former Jamaica football captain and Coach Frank “Precky” Brown was remembered as a giant of a man who left an indelible mark on the country, but didn’t benefit from his vast sporting prowess.

Brown, who was born on December 25, died on Monday at the Spanish Town Hospital after a long illness, which also cost him his sight. He was 83 years old.

The diminutive Brown, who was tall in status, was described by his daughter Karen Brown as a quiet man with a powerful voice. He had four children.

“He never had to beat us, and all I know is his favourite thing is football. Once you talk football him good. He would talk football the whole day,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“At one point he used to coach me softball when I was at Meadowbrook and Excelsior, but that was just [for] a short while,” Karen added.

Brown, who was described as a fierce left-footed defender at left back of centre half, made his mark at Railway Football Club. He led the club to the 1961-62 Division One title in an unbeaten run.

Clive “Busy” Campbell, who played against Brown, had fond memories of his opponent back in the 1960s.

“Frank was such a determined little footballer. I remember when I was at United Printers playing Business House as the captain, he was the captain at Seprod alongside Syd Barlett and Anthony Douglas. He always told me I would make it if I just try hard and train hard,” said Campbell.

“Precky was outstanding. We were very close, like brothers. May his soul rest in peace, a strong, strong Jamaican,” he noted.

Harbour View’s general manager and former player Clyde Jureidini also remembered him, although their paths never crossed on the field because of the age difference.

“He was before my time. I knew him as an elder, a stout-hearted defender for club, and of course, for the national team. He was just a great servant of the game who gave his heart and his soul and never really got back due rewards in terms of respect maybe, honour maybe, but financial rewards and support over time, which at that time you gave your all, and I think in some ways he never got what he deserved,” Jureidini pointed out.

But like so many Jamaican sports personalities, the struggle after sports was a reality check made worse when he lost his sight.

Denzil Wilks, general manager of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), said the oganisation tried to assist with a monthly stipend for his expenses over the last two to three years. He also remembered Brown in his playing days.

“Frank Brown was a giant in spite of his relatively small stature. When he played for Jamaica he would outjump any forward and his reading of the game was impeccable. He carried the same insight into his years of coaching, remaining a visionary even after losing his physical sight. We will miss his counsel. May he rest in eternal peace,” said Wilks.

Brown is one of three coaches to win the rural area DaCosta Cup (Dinthill Technical) and corporate area Manning Cup (Excelsior High).

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange also weighed in on the national impact that Brown had.

“He was one of the individuals who served Jamaican sports very well, in particular football, and he excelled as a player, captain, and coach of the national team,” said Grange.

“The Ministry of Sports, on behalf of the Government, I extend my condolences to his family, relatives, friends, associates, and the football fraternity,” said Grange.

President of the Jamaica Football Federation Michael Ricketts said the entire football fraternity is in mourning.

“He was a passionate individual who lived, breathed, and taught football. Frank will be remembered equally for his defensive abilities as a player and his outstanding work as a football coach and mentor. He represented Jamaica with distinction,” said Ricketts.

“He then went on to guide countless youths, both in Kingston and the rural areas, to a better life through football. It was no accident that so many of his charges went on to represent Jamaica. There are no words to express the debt of gratitude Jamaica’s football owes to Frank,” Ricketts added.

Humble Lion’s Head Coach Andrew Price said Brown is a true servant of not only football but several sports.

“The former national defender was the consummate mentor to so many individuals. He was not only a great football coach, but he was a great coach of all the sports he participated,” Price pointed out.

He continued, “Interestingly enough, my first early recollection of Frank Brown as a youngster attending Alpha Prep School was seeing him coaching the Alpha Academy softball team while playing football for my school.

“He interacted with all age groups and genders, whether it was track and field, football, softball, or cricket. He coached so many teams at various levels and with a lot of success. Many young men and women owe their development to Frank Brown in so many sports. He will be greatly missed and proper recognition must be given to this legendary coach,” said Price.

Former national netball player Oberon Pitterson-Nattie said Brown was more than a coach.

“My experience with Frank Brown as my track coach at the Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha” was quite memorable. His style of coaching was very unorthodox, which I later understood as I got older. He was a teacher at heart and always wanted to ensure you understood what he was saying and how it would impact your performance,” she said.