Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
David and Danique Cargill stand in front of their mother, Avril, the widow of Peter Cargill, at the funeral for the former national player at the National Arena yesterday. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE MOOD was sombre and poignant as fans, well-wishers, leaders and various members of the football community gathered at the National Arena to pay their respects and say their final farewell to Peter Cargill yesterday.
The National Arena, through various floral bouquets which lined the aisles and decorated the upper levels, reflected the warm glow of gold and green.
Colours that had often shrouded him as a player now surrounded and encased him. His similarly coloured casket was adorned by a gold wreath and at the top of the wreath was the symbol to which he had served and dedicated most of his life a tiny football.
FALLEN MENTOR
Surrounding him were representatives of Camperdown High, Harbour View, Waterhouse FC and the Reggae Boyz diligently guarding their fallen mentor.
Cargill's number seven jersey could be seen in the crowd as the mourners showed their support to his grieving family.
A tribute by Mona Prep School, of which his son, David, attends, and one from his alma mater, Camperdown High, was fitting for a man who placed so much emphasis on youth development.
Cargill led the way through discipline and an unwavering dedication at both the national and local level.
"While at Harbour View, Peter made an early pronouncement ... this was that he would play professionally and earn his livelihood out of football," said Carvel Stewart, chairman of Harbour View FC.
Cargill was first and foremost a loyal servant of the nation and a dedicated contributor to football. This was the predominant theme of those who paid tribute to him in words.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his work, the jerseys of the various teams he had an affiliation with were presented to his wife, Avril and two children, David and Danique, who graciously accepted the gifts.
