Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

Campbell in happier times

Jamaica's football family is in mourning after the death of the charismatic former football referee Winston 'Dirks' Campbell.

Campbell, believed to be in his mid-60s, died in Palm Beach, Florida, in the United States, on Saturday after ailing for close to a month.

"He had a stroke about three weeks ago which was followed up by a heart attack and he did not really recover from that. He was even on a life support system and died this morning," Marvin Fisher, nephew of Campbell's wife, told The Gleaner on Saturday.

Health challenges

Campbell, who leaves behind a wife and three children, has had his health challenges in the last five years. Just over five years ago, while officiating in a Masters' League match, the affable veteran referee slipped and fell. He was found the following morning in his bathroom suffering from a stroke.

According to Fisher, a former national central defender, Campbell recovered from that stroke and shortly after made the decision to migrate to the US, where he resided until his passing.

News of his death saddened and shocked members of the football fraternity.

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Captain Horace Burrell, said: "It is with great regret that I learnt of the passing of 'Dirks' Campbell.

"His entire life was centred around football and, in particular, refereeing. During his tenure as a FIFA referee, he touched the lives of many youngsters, not only at home but also throughout the CONCACAF region where he performed his duties."

Burrell added: "On retiring as a referee, he was appointed on a number of occasions to perform the duties as referee's inspector throughout the CONCACAF region and again distinguished himself in this area. The football fraternity will surely miss this stalwart. Walk good, 'Dirks'. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him."

Special qualities

JFF general secretary Horace Reid, while affected by his passing, chose to remember the qualities that made the man special.

"My first association with Dirks was in 1980 when I was involved in the community league in Portmore. I was immediately impressed with his ability to control and manage his environment on and off the field.

"He ranks in my book as one of the most outstanding referees to have graced our shores. His knowledge, his demeanour, articulation and how he related to the players, administrators and others made him a standout. I think we are poorer for his passing," said Reid.

He also expressed condolences to Campbell's widow, his family, friends and members of the football referees fraternity.

Carlton 'Spanner' Dennis a long-time youth coach and Santos Football Club stalwart, described Campbell as a class act.

"He was a class act and a no-nonsense person. He did his duty with integrity and professionalism. He was one of the finest referees we have ever produced," Campbell stated.

President of the Jamaica Football Referees' Association, Winston Delahaye, was literally stunned when he heard the news from The Gleaner and took a few seconds to gather himself.

He said: "He will be missed. He was a pioneer in the many ways. He made a significant contribution to refereeing and referees in Jamaica and CONCACAF. He gave advice to a number of referees who he thought had potential. I am one of those who benefited from advice from him when I was getting into refereeing. I would also like to express condolences to the family on behalf of the referees' association."

Delahaye, who had just wrapped up a meeting of the referees' executive body, said an official statement will be released later.

Jamaica's most recognised football referee internationally, Peter Prendergast, said he learnt a lot from Campbell and always admired the way he carried out his duties.

"He had this unique way of using his body language before reaching for his card. He would utilise the stern look, a quiet warning or just a smile to let you know that he saw what you had done and that was enough for the player to stay in line," recalled Prendergast, who played in the last game Campbell officiated.

Forthright nature

He added: "I always admired his forthright nature. He was never afraid to let you know what he thought or how he felt. Really, he was one of the pioneers of our refereeing and my hope is that those who have benefited from his expertise will carry on the work," stated Prendergast, who is in Bermuda as referee's assessor for duties in yesterday's crucial World Cup game between the host country and Trinidad and Tobago.

File photo shows referee Winston 'Dirks' Campbell (centre), almost like a fully it player waiting on a through pass, as he keeps up with the pace of a Walker Cup game in 1989 between Charlie Smith and Camperdown at Sabina Park. In the meantime, Camperdown's Fitzroy Jackson (left) passes the ball to teammate Vance Waul. Charlie Smith won 1-0, with Byron Earle scoring in the 80th minute.