By VERDEL BISHOP Wednesday, June 20 2012 - Trinidad Newsday
After playing a musical tribute on the steelpan, during veteran pannist Franklyn Ollivierra’s funeral service at the Trinity Cathedral, on Monday, Len Boogsie Sharp, broke down and had to be led out of the church.
Boogsie who openly sobbed outside the church, said words couldn’t express the pain of losing a comrade. Boogsie said Ollivierra was a friend who stood closer than a brother and he will sorely be missed by many.
Scores of colleagues from the steelband movement turned out to bid farewell to Ollivierra who was fondly remembered as more than an ace pannist, but also as a mentor, pigeon lover and an avid football fan. Ollivierra, a tenor pan player and the public relations officer of the Woodbrook-based Phase II Pan Groove died following a stroke on June 11.
Officiating Reverend, Pam Greaves comforted mourners who packed the Cathedral and the countless others who stood at the back and side entrances of the church. Greaves comforted mourners and specifically singling out Boogsie, telling him that she knew how he felt.
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May the Good Lord bless and keep you.
I remember a few years ago,I had a conversation with Franklyn [knew him from Neal&massy, Morvant] concerning Boogsie's ailment.[2004, I think].... Franklyn was there for him .That bond got stronger between those two-so one can understand Boogsie's reaction to his ''Best Friend's'' passing.. Sincere Condolences to Franklyn's Immediate family,Phase II family & the rest of the the Pan Fraternity.One of the finest gentleman I had the pleasure of knowing.
The Barbados All Stars Steel Orchestra expresses deepest sympathy to the
Franklyn family and specially Phase 11. Boogsie behind every dark there is sunshine
and time heals pain. so take it easy.
''Boogsie and Franklyn shared a bond of friendship that was very much cherished by Boogsie. We could notice even at Panorama while playing on stage Boogsie would conduct the band in front of Franklyn. Boogsie is very emotional, and drew from the strength of Franklyn. I lost a very close friend recently '''Michael ''Zarak Broomes and understand the pain of his lost.
He will be thinking of Franklyn for a very long time. Time will heal his pain. We share his personal loss.
REST IN PEACE FRANKLYN OLLIVIERRA!!!!!!!!!!!
Boogsie, hang in there along with his close friends and family. It is very sad that so many of the great pan people are passing away, many suddenly in the past few months. Though death is inevitable, the legacy they leave behind is something to also be cherished. To the administration of the Pan Movement, can we please pay tribute to the pioneers who are still here, and also honour those who have passed away in the last while, can you do something special soon that the ones who are alive can enjoy and see that all of their hard work and passion have paid off. May Mr. Ollivierras' family find solace in what he has accomplished. God stand with you in your grieving.
some people like to talk crap fuh spite, yuh know! Boogsie mourning a couple of friends.....when you reach a certain age, people yuh know pass away.......But to say he need help, "he not in a good place" " when yuh walk thru de valley of death" and all that crap........De man lose a Phase 2 frontline man.......he's upset....but LIFE GOES ON! he will be writing and arranging, witrhout your Bad Vibes! WATCH OVER YUHSELF!
Brian my friend that crappy valley of the shadow we all have to go through at sometime, some of us handle it better than others. Franklyn was one of the people that would reach out to Boogsie at such a time but he is the one that's gone. It is easy for you to say life goes on because it is not you in that place. I am watching over myself . and could also be concern about a friend. That is NOT bad vibes.
For those who could not make it to Trinity Cathedral,It was a celebration of life, The Steelband Movement was well represented. From Fonclaire in the South,Despers,Renegades,Trinidad All Stars to name a few were in uniforms,Even Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, TT Police Service, TT Fire Services and Prisons(Correction Officers).Past ministers of Culture, Permanent Secs too.Father Clive Harvey made an appearance during the gospel segment.
REST IN PEACE Franklyn
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