"He was a truly Caribbean man - an officer and a gentleman." That was the accolade that echoed from the lips of mourners who flooded the Jamaica Defence Force's Up Park Camp to pay their final tribute to Colonel Roderick Kenrick Barnes yesterday.

Some may only know him as the father of world-renowned football player and Reggae Boyz coach John Barnes, but the colonel's contribution to Jamaica and the world are much more far-reaching than the success of his son.

Born in Trinidad, Barnes moved to Jamaica as early as 1956 and joined the Jamaica Defence Force, where he served for over 33 years.

He was the first defence attaché to the Jamaican High Commission in London, president of the Jamaica Amateur Swimming Association and the Jamaica Boxing Board of Control. Barnes was also manager of the Liguanea Club.

The colonel was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, and it was to that

Reggae Boyz coach says he will love him until the day he dies illness that he succumbed to quietly in the peace of his home two weeks ago.

Jeanne Barnes', who was married to the colonel for over 49 years, grieves the loss, along with their daughters Gillian and Tracey and son, John.

"Our father was, to say the least, an original thinker, he defied stereotypes and categorisation, he was a devoted husband and father, a loving brother and son, and a dedicated military man," Gillian Barnes said, as she and her sister delivered a very personal tribute to their father.

When time came for John to read the scriptures, he sought the opportunity to share a brief but riveting tribute to his father.

The younger Barnes, who has lived apart from his father since as young as 17, said he has always measured his steps in life by the wisdom of his father.

"I missed him everyday for the last 29 years ... I loved him with the utmost authenticity from the day I was born and I will do until the day I die."

Noel Lesley an ex Staff-sergeant said when he joined the army in 1962, then Captain Barnes, was like a father to all the younger soldiers in the camp.

andrew.wildes@gleanerjm.com