WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — When funeral home operator Dr Robert Doyley collapsed Thursday while playing the organ during the memorial service for popular contractor and hotelier, Dane ‘Blushy’ Foote, those inside the St George’s Anglican Church in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland were alarmed but expected that he would be fine after receiving medical care. He wasn’t. Word later came that the well-known owner of Doyley’s Funeral Service died at hospital.

His passing, and the way in which he died, has sent waves of shock and grief across the parish.

Doyley was playing the organ before the official start of the service when he fainted. Individuals with medical knowledge attended to him and a decision was made that he was in need of urgent care. They piled into a car and rushed him to hospital. Doyley, who was unresponsive throughout the trip, did not survive.

Unaware of what was happening to their beloved community, stalwarts inside the church went ahead with Foote’s funeral.

Custos of Westmoreland Reverend Hartley Perrin knew both men and was the chief clergy who conducted the service for Foote.

“We had to maintain our composure because there was no organist now. Everybody knew the reason for that but nobody knew that he passed. Everybody felt that he went to the hospital and will be back,” said Perrin.

He explained what took place when news came at the end of the full service.

“I was on the outside but based on what those who were on the inside told me, members of the choir threw themselves onto the floor bawling uncontrollably. I heard the bawling outside but I thought it was related to Mr Foote. I thought maybe it was his wife… because they were bringing the body to put in the hearse… It was afterwards that somebody told me that Dr Doyley would not be coming back because he had died,” relayed the custos.

He spoke glowingly of Doyley, describing him as someone who was always giving a helping hand.

“His generosity knows no bounds. He gave of himself and money to the church — whether it was the playing of the organ, helping out another church to buy an organ or just helping with the choir rendition,” said Perrin.

He said Doyley would perform organist duties, free of charge, even if the services of another funeral home had been used instead of his.

“I always said to him that I respect you for that. It shows the extent of the person he was and the generosity of his heart,” relayed the custos.

He said when asked for assistance Doyley would only give something substantial.

Doyley is survived by his wife who lives overseas.

–              Anthony Lewis.