Bodybuilding pioneer Harris, ‘World’s best mom’ laid to rest

Tears flowed freely yesterday as the bodybuilding fraternity and the loved ones of Fiona Harris paid their last respects at her home going ceremony.

The casket of the late Fiona Harris being inserted in to the hearse yesterday at the Memorial Gardens and Crematorium. (Orlando Charles photo)
The casket of the late Fiona Harris being inserted in to the hearse yesterday at the Memorial Gardens and Crematorium. (Orlando Charles photo)

Harris passed away last Sunday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation following a brief illness. She was cremated at the Memorial Gardens and Crematorium after the funeral service at the Church of the Nazarene, North Ruimveldt.

Harris, who would have been 38 tomorrow, was the first and only female president of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF).

She was at the helm of the federation from 2010 to 2012.

Harris leaves to mourn her only child, Kadija Andrews along with siblings Adunni, Ayeni and Darcel.

A major highlight of the funeral was the reading of the emotional-laden eulogy by her brother-in-law, Tito Bourne, who described her as a loving, talented and effervescent individual who succeeded in track and field and on the bodybuilding stage.

Kadija told this publication yesterday that “she was the world’s best mom” and that she was willing to sacrifice whatever “to see me succeed.”

Trying her best to keep her composure, Kadija noted that it has hard to put into words the void that has been left in her life following her mother’s untimely passing.

Current president of the federation, Keavon Bess stated that he was saddened by her passing, adding that Harris’ demise is “an extremely great loss to us and other associations and condolences are extended to her family and love ones.”

Harris will surely be missed by the sporting fraternity. (Emmerson Campbell)