Jamaica College student, Robert Palmer, is overcome with grief and weeps as he passes the coffin of former Calabar football coach David Hunt, during a service of thanksgiving at the Meadowbrook United Church yesterday. Hunt died suddenly on October 26 after suffering a heart attack. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye, a popular song by the renowned quartet Boys to Men, was the song chosen by the Calabar High School football team to say farewell to their late coach David 'Wagga' Hunt, yesterday.

It was an emotional atmosphere at the overcrowded Meadowbrook United Church where the thanksgiving service was held yesterday morning. Mr. Hunt's body was later interred at the Dovecot Memorial Park.

At one stage, Robert Palmer, who donned the Calabar colours last year before he transferred to Jamaica College this year, wept openly as he took the last glance at Hunt's body lying in a white casket. He was consoled by a friend.

Touching tribute

In a touching tribute, members of the Meadhaven United football team also became emotional as they remembered Hunt as a great mentor. Hunt's relatives also gave a tearful farewell.

Among the mourners were former Prime Minister Edward Seaga, president of the Jamaica Football Federation, Captain Horace Burrell, and Stewart Stephenson, president of the Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association (KSAFA).

A Kingston College old boy, Hunt died on October 26 after collapsing at his Meadowbrook, St. Andrew, home. At the time of his death he was the coach of the Calabar and Meadhaven football teams. He was also the general secretary of KSAFA. He is survived by his wife Georgia and only child Amira.