The farewell to Stephen “Cat” Coore on Thursday morning was less a goodbye and more a reverent celebration of a life richly and purposefully lived.

Inside the University Chapel, on the Mona campus of The University of the West Indies, grief gave way to gratitude as scores of government officials, cultural custodians, music industry peers, and relatives gathered to honour a man whose mastery of the cello carried Jamaican music across continents.

Though there were tears, they were softened by laughter, and outweighed by stories of joy.

Coore was remembered as a man whose legacy lived not only in melody and rhythm, but in quiet grace, humility, and a lifelong commitment to music with substance. Tribute after tribute described a figure who wore his greatness lightly — earning his place as both a national treasure and a cultural ambassador through authenticity rather than spectacle.

Throughout the service, a mosaic of voices carried a singular message; one that spoke not only to Coore’s musical brilliance, but to the man behind the melodies.

Although she did not utter a word, pianist Rita “Werki” Widener summed-up her uncle Stephen “Cat” Coore perfectly during her three-minute tribute in which she blended Third World’s Try Jah Love with Jamaica’s national anthem in testament to Coore’s patriotism.

In the eulogy, Colin Leslie, Coore’s friend of over 60 years, recalled a life dominated by a love for music — a trait he inherited from his Trinidadian mother Rita, a leading music teacher.

“He was a man who lived by his signature catch phrase, ‘You know I love you, right?’. And the world loved him right back,” said Leslie. “We will miss his creative artistry, his humour, his loyalty, and his love.”

There was also a tribute from his four children — Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley — who shared memories of Coore’s willingness to listen without admonishing, encouraged a love for travel, laughter and music.

“A founding member and musical director of the iconic band Third World, ‘Cat’ was a master of the guitar and the cello,” said Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia “Babsy” Grange. “His genius helped bridge genres, turning reggae into a universal music that reverberated across continents and small islands over 50 years. His melodies were a source of unity, consciousness, and joy.”

World-renowned singer Maxi Priest remembered Coore as a dear friend and mentor, whose influence shaped the careers of countless others.

“A me friend that; my bona fide,” he said. “Someone who helped me along the way, guiding me, and he did that for so many of us… He was a special bredda, and we can only hope to keep the flag flying and continue to take reggae music and our culture to the heights the ambassador himself took it.”

Maxi Priest was among scores of musicians out to pay their final respects. Among them were Damian and Stephen Marley, Protoje, David Cole (son of the late Alan “Skill” Cole), Sean Paul, Ras-I, Dean Frazer, and Copeland Forbes.

Visibly emotional, Sean Paul — who described Coore as a cherished family member — reflected on the role the late icon played in his own journey.

“Cat was a force and someone I always looked up to,” he said. “He was a friend of my father, so I was family to him, and likewise. I’ll never forget that he was the first person to take me to a studio. I was on tour with him many times, and it was just pure love.”

Sean Paul added that if there was one lesson Jamaicans should take from Coore’s life, it was his unwavering love for country.

“He was a joyful person who always had words of upliftment, and he loved Jamaica to the core. That love was his name, and it was the force with which he lived,” he said.

That spirit was echoed in the brief sermon delivered by Reverend Captain Astor Carlyle, who framed Coore’s journey as one of stewardship rather than stardom. The minister spoke of the importance of ‘Selah’ moments — pauses that invite reflection before moving forward.

“Selah is a musical notation,” Carlyle explained. “It is the writer giving instructions on how to let the music resonate with your soul before moving on. There were many times listening to Cat — whether on a track or in an interview — when he made me stop and think. You could sense deep thought emerging from the music he produced,” shared Carlyle.

The minister added that Coore understood music’s power to elevate consciousness and transform behaviour, and that lasting art must create moments of reflection.

Coore transitioned on January 18 at the age of 69, leaving behind his children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley; as well as grandchildren.

A founding member and long-time musical director of Third World, Coore helped shape one of Jamaica’s most enduring bands, crafting a sound that carried reggae’s message to the world with depth, dignity, and purpose.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding was also in attendance, alongside Minister of Finance Fayval Williams and Minister of Science, Energy and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz.

Coore died on January 18 at age 69.

— Additional reporting by Howard Campbell

Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia Grange embraces Shiah Coore, son of the late Cat Coore at his father’s farewell service held at University Chapel on Thursday. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

Coore’s guitar stands at the front of the church for the farewell service. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

Former West Indies cricketer and friend Jeffrey Dujon offers his tribute. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

Members of Inner Circle share a moment with Entertainment and Culture Minister Olivia Grange.(Photo: Karl McLarty)

Rev Captain Astor Carlyle (background left) and Very Rev Canon Major Sirrano Kitson look on as a string quartet delivers a tribute. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

From left: Damian “Jr Gong” Marley, Leah Tavares-Finson, Cindy Breakspeare, and Stephen Marley (Photo: Karl McLarty)

Cat Coore’s children — (from left) Shiah, Ashley, Kanna, Stephen — deliver a tribute at the farewell service for their father.(Photo: Karl McLarty)

Downsound CEO Joe Bogdanovich signs the condolence book. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

On arrival, Opposition Leader Mark Golding signs the condolence book.(Photo: Karl McLarty)

Cat Coore’s son Shiah with legendary musician Bongo Herman (Photo: Karl McLarty)

Dean Frazer offers his tribute. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

From left: Artistes Maxi Priest, Protoje, and Sean Paul (Photo: Karl McLarty)

Third World drummer Tony “Ruption” Williams (Photo: Karl McLarty)