By Emmerson Campbell
John Lewis was more than an ex-rugby player and official, he was a mentor, a friend, a father figure to many players and a major contributor to shaping the sport locally.
News of his COVID-19-related death on Tuesday night sent shockwaves throughout the rugby fraternity and plunged it into deep mourning.
At the age of 77, he had lived a full life and then some, but all of the individuals who reflected glowingly of the former President thought that he still had much left to offer to the sport and “has gone too soon”.
From current to past players and officials, we remember Colonel John Lewis.
Terrence Grant- The current secretary of the GRFU…
“I had known John since 1970, he was a person that helped without any strings attached. He shared his knowledge as long as you were willing to listen. I served under him as a Secretary and Treasurer and he has done tremendously well for the sport of rugby. His passing is a great loss for us.”
Theo Henry-Former national player and current coach…
“The selflessness of Mr. Lewis will be felt, and it will be felt for years to come, it’s a big dent in the fraternity. At the national level, he was a father figure to a lot of the players in terms of helping out for them to reach their optimum levels of the sport, even financial or anything of the sort. He was a calming figure, he was someone you can go talk to at anytime. I don’t think there is anyone like Mr. Lewis that I have encountered in the sport, in terms of things that he would do for you or for the sport without looking back for anything in return. The persons that had the opportunities to interact with him were fortunate, the up-and-coming youngsters may run into someone like him. But there can never be another John Lewis, he was of a different level. I can tell you for a fact, he will be missed and a whole lot too.”
Ryan Dey- Current president of the union…
“John was a very good man who did a lot for the sport of rugby. He was always involved even after his playing days. He held rugby up for sometime on his tenure as the president of the union. He will surely be missed by the rugby community. We lost a good Son of the Soil. RIP Col. John Lewis. The GRFU will have a yearly Sevens tournament in his honour.”
Ryan Gonsalves- Former national captain…
“Uncle John was the prime example of life in general not only in terms of discipline on the rugby field. His dedication towards the sports was phenomenal. His passion was second to none to rugby.
He was always supportive, shared advice in whatever way he could. His experience was wealthy in the rugby arena both on and off the field. I was fortunate to share great moments with him winning championships with the 7’s rugby team which he managed over the years.
The last experience which we all shared with him was last June in Cayman Islands at the RAN Rugby 7s Qualifiers. It didn’t go the way we wanted, but he was still proud of us. That was the leader he was, always supportive when you win or lose. He was a total sports man. The rugby community will miss Uncle John, we still can’t come to grip with his departure it was so sudden. But I know he will shine down on us all. May his good soul sleep in peace along with his wife.I also would like to share my condolences to his family.”
Noel Adonis-Former President of the union…
“He was the Match Secretary and Commissioner for life.
“John’s passing is a significant loss for the rugby community, we have lost a stalwart.”
Lewis was a Civil Engineer by profession and retired Colonel of the Guyana People’s Militia and former President of the Hornets Club. The father of three was involved in the sport of rugby for almost six decades, captaining the West Indies team to England in 1971 as a guest of the Old Merchant Tailors.
Stabroek Sport will keep readers updated as events unfold.
