On receiving news of Everton’s untimely passing, KC Old Boys around the globe reacted on social media and email. Here are a few selected reactions:
Lance Seymour, Former President, KCOBA Toronto
“I first met Everton Barrett in August 2006 in Toronto, when he attended the 5th Summit of KCOBA chapters hosted by KCOBA (Toronto). He was at the time the president of the Atlanta Chapter. It was immediately clear that Everton was a devoted Fortis and 100% committed to ‘de College’. Over the ensuing years, I became aware of his significant personal contributions to Kingston College and KCOBA (Atlanta). He will be sorely missed. May his soul rest in peace.
Perry Bloomfield, President KCOBA USA
Rest in Internal Peace, Mr. Barrett, Well Done!
I will always remember our last conversations at the home of the late Robert Kelly there in Springfield, MA in May of 2018. Fortis Forever, Mabrouk!
Stratton Palmer, Former President KCOBA Jamaica
There are some KC people who run their leg, Everton ran his and then some Mr. President you will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family.
Veron “Captain Mike” Martin, Atlanta Chapter Member
I have known “Mabrouk” from his days at KC. Even though we were not in the same form he was famous for always having a Caymanas horse racing schedule in his pocket. It was rumored that he would visit the track to watch the horses train before heading to school. And that is how he became known as “Makrouk” after a popular horse in the day. He was my loyal friend. I will always remember him as a great husband, father, son, brother and friend.
Anthony Williams, Former President Atlanta Chapter
Let us not be sad as we bid farewell to a great person. Let us celebrate as Everton was able to make difference in many people’s lives. He stands by what he believes in and has been an example for others to follow. Like many others, I have received his council in many ways – career guidance, politics, KC business, family relationships and of course when Everton tells a joke, there is only one outcome – unbridled laughter. Everton will be dearly missed and will forever remain in our hearts. Fortis!
Ras Mandito
Good Run!...we were part of a group that used to go places like "Race Course" & Caxton Park to play cricket after school...to his Family, FORTIS!
Dr. Glen Laman, Former President KCOBA Atlanta
Everton was larger than life. I will always remember him for his dedication to the betterment of KC and his service to the Atlanta chapter as President, Vice President and benefactor. His home and resources were always available to us for meetings and get-togethers.
I will miss his indomitable spirit. We worked well together when he was president and I was his VP. And I will also miss his remarkable sense of humor.
Whylie Chambers, KCOBA Atlanta Director
Sincerest condolences to the Barrett Family. Everton is gone but will remain in our hearts and his memory shall never fade.
Fortis Forever.
Winston Stewart, Life Director KCOBA USA
EB was both my immediate neighbour and longstanding Fortis brother. We moved from Atlanta to Bradenton, FL together with our families in 2017 with the intention of enjoying the twilight of our years in this salubrious setting.
For many, they see just his physically presence, but for those of us who knew EB we first see his big heart, manifested in his genuine care for the wellbeing of others. His noted benevolence, particularly towards our shared alma mater Kingston College (Jamaica, West Indies), defined the man himself. Assisting Kingston College was a natural course of action by EB, and this was even more pronounced during his tenure as president of the Georgia Chapter of the Kingston College Old Boys’ Association.
The relatively short time in Bradenton may have curtailed his retirement goal of “enjoying the fruits of my labour”. However, what it did for me and my wife Calys, was reinforced the fact that having a genuine and unpretentious friend as a neighbour is priceless. We will sorely miss EB. His kindred spirit, affable demeanour, infectious laughter and his Reggae/Rocksteady oldies interspersed with Calypso sounds blurting out from his pool deck speakers will be precious memories that we will treasure.
Walk good EB. Fortis Always!