Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force carry the coffin bearing the remains of Olympian Herbert Henry McKenley from the National Arena, yesterday. He was later interred at the National Heroes Park in Kingston. McKenley died on November 26. He was 85 years old. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Yesterday, Jamaica buried Olympian Herbert Henry McKenley, who was renowned for his blistering third-leg run in the mile relay in Helsinki, Finland, more than 55 years ago.

Leaders within the political, sporting and religious arena were among past and present students of Calabar High, McKenley's alma mater, at the National Arena in St. Andrew, to give the 'gentle giant' a warm send-off.

McKenley's wife, Beverly, held back tears under a broad- brim black and white hat as tributes were given about the man who "snatched victory from the jaws of defeat" enabling Jamaica to win that relay in gold record time.

Daughter, Laura McKenley Bryce, sang praises of her father, whom she said, was "very strict", but loved his children.

"I like to remember father, as one of those persons who won the world but never lost his soul," said Mrs. McKenley Bryce.

"He was the epitome of greatness," she added.

That set the tone for the descriptions to come as Calabar High paid tribute to the man who was mentor to many of its boys.

McKenley, who died on November 26 at age 85, served the school for many years, specifically as its track and field coach.

Yesterday he was lauded as being a mentor and exemplary role model for the boys of the institution.

Eternal in spirit

"Herb McKenley cared and Herb McKenley is eternal in spirit," said Bernie Panton of Calabar Old Boys' Association.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced at the service that former accolades bestowed on McKenley, such as the Order of Merit, were insufficient in honouring the gentle giant who had brought attention to the Caribbean nation.

In his honour, the Government will be commissioning a statue to be erected at the entrance to the National Stadium.

Mr. Golding also said "that the blistering run should be shown on television every time to young people to tell us what we as Jamaicans are capable of doing".

In delivering the eulogy, former prime minister of Jamaica, P.J. Patterson, said McKenley would be etched in the archives of international sports.

"He was one whose aggregation of accomplishments, especially when examined in the context of their time and circumstances, will be etched indelibly in the annals, not only of our nation, but preserved forever in the archives of international sports," said Mr. Patterson.

Officiating clergymen were the Reverend Canon Gervaise Clarke, the Rev. Karl B. Johnson, the Rev. Father Burchell McPherson and the Rev. Dr. Horace Russell.

McKenley's body was interred at the National Heroes' Park.