On behalf of my family and the Kingston College family, especially those of Kirk's vintage, I say deepest condolences to Mrs. Millicent MEG Douglas, Ms Nasha-Monique Douglas, and to other members of the Douglas, Todd, and Smith families and all other family members and friends, on the passing of Kirk.

Kingston College – the athlete, the friend, the leader, disappointment

If you were fortunate to join the KC family as a student in the mid-1960's, you will recall that Kirk Douglas was one of the stars of that period. He was younger than many of us, but somehow had entered KC a year before many of us, who later became his friends and peers.

KC was enjoying one of its glory periods, and when the history of that period is written, Kirk Douglas' contributions will be highlighted. Every one of us in that 10-14-year-old cohort who had ambitions in track and field athletics realized immediately that we were competing for the second-string spot in all Class 3 events and for one of the other three spots on the 4x110 yards relay team.

Even the great Trevor TC Campbell, who went on to be one of the most successful athletes in the history of Boys Championships, had to play second-fiddle to Dougy in Class 3.

TC arrived at KC with a reputation for football, not track and field, and he did go on to have a successful Manning Cup career, but in Class 3, Dougy was the man in track and field. His stride turnover rate and immaculate hurdling style were legendary. After a modest outing at Champs 1967, he completely dominated Champs 1968 with record-breaking performances in the 100 yards, the sprint hurdles, and by anchoring the 4x110 yards relay.

To every onlooker in that period, a world champion had emerged. But that story was not destined to have a fairy-tale ending. As Dougy grew in age, his sprinting and hurdling career became hampered by injuries, mainly in his hamstrings. The efforts of coach Parchment and, later, coach Aris, along with the many Old Boys who coached the track team, and the skills of physical trainer Mr. G, were met with only modest success. Dougy's performance in the higher classes at champs and in College in the USA never realized his potential. The verdict: Kirk's growth in age was not matched by his growth in height, and he would not be able to navigate the higher hurdles with the skill and dexterity shown in Class 3.

Dougy navigated this period with the determination and calm demeanor of a champion, represented KC on six victorious Champs teams, and served as captain in his final year, 1972. He would later return to excel in another role in the field of sprint hurdling that would more than compensate for his disappointment as an exponent of that skill.

At KC, Kirk, despite his height, was a valuable member of the school's basketball team, using his speed to great advantage, and was a member of the victorious 1972 Star Trophy High School Champion Basketball team.

Kirk played the guitar well and performed alongside several well-known artistes, including the great Harold Butler, on the Sixth Form Association (SFA) circuit and at other venues around the corporate area. This love for and deep knowledge of music would later manifest in another form, endearing him to many music lovers in his later life.

The Architect, Freemasonry, a leader in society Kirk attended universities in the USA and Canada and returned to Jamaica as an architect. In that profession, he made a significant contribution to the Sugar industry Housing and in private development. His practice of and contribution to Freemasonry are referred to with deep admiration as a highly skilled exponent of the traditions of that brotherhood. He has lived an exemplary life as a humanitarian. Few of us know of Kirk's contribution, alongside the unstinting support of his dear wife Meg, to the growth and development of numerous youngsters whom they took into their home and reared as their own. Many of these beneficiaries of Kirk's and Meg's generosity are leaders in their fields in society today.

The specialist sprint hurdles coach – KC and Edwin Allen – leaving an indelible impact

Alongside his practice as an architect and his other human endeavours, this master hurdler, who could not fulfill his potential as a performer, did not abandon his love for sport. At Kingston College and at Edwin Allen High School in Frankfield, Clarendon, his achievements as a hurdles coach are legendary. In one year at Boys Champions, his six charges in the three sprint hurdles races, Classes 1, 2, and 3, placed 1st and 2nd in two races and 1st and 3rd in the third, capturing 47 of the maximum 48 points for which they were eligible.

At Edwin Allen High School, he is responsible for establishing a legacy of dominance in the hurdles events at the Girls' Championships. His deep knowledge of sport, his expertise in communication, and his patience are legendary, and the foundation that he has laid will be remembered for generations to come.

A man of integrity, a confidant and Friend. The 1965ers In all of this, Kirk was a man of integrity. I have never doubted anything Kirk told me, and I have never regretted believing and trusting him. He has been a friend and confidant for close to 60 years, and I have benefited immensely from his wise and compassionate counsel.

I have been his primary physician for over thirty years, and I deem it a privilege. But I am not the only one. The cohort I referred to earlier, who entered KC around the mid-1960s, has been exemplary in its love and support for one another.

In this era of easy access to information, we frequently receive advice that implores us to diligently maintain friendships as we get older. Well, Kirk and his 1960s brethren from KC, along with our spouses, children, other friends, and several of our former teachers, have been diligently practicing this lifestyle for more than 20 years, and Kirk has been a cornerstone of this fellowship. Since 2003, our group, dubbed the 1965ers and company, has consistently sought to identify and bring together friends who benefited from the wisdom, ethos, and spirit of Bishop Gibson, Douglas Forrest, and the many others who nurtured us. We have met in large groups of close to a hundred people, and in small groups of half a dozen people.

We have met to celebrate big occasions like the 100th anniversary of KC, as well as small events like one brother passing through the island briefly after a long time abroad. We have met at homes, at restaurants, at bars, and in Jamaica and South Florida, wherever it is convenient, to reminisce and uplift each other. Kirk was always one of our celebrants. We tell the same stories repeatedly. One day, at one of these gatherings, my eldest son came into the kitchen to tell me that a group of 7th-graders was chatting and making noise in the backyard. Yes, that was us, reminiscing on our journey and celebrating each other.

Kirk and Meg have been consistent contributors and participants in the fellowship as we have grown older. We pay our respects to those who have passed on, reaffirm our faith and loyalty to each other, and remind ourselves of our shared, invaluable heritage.

Our most recent major gathering, at Kirk's request, was held on Sunday, 30th March 2025, after KC's historic victory at Champs in our Centenary year. Kirk had recently experienced a negative turn in the course of his illness. I have no doubt that Kirk savoured that occasion in the journey of his transition. I am sure that Kirk's journey was made easier by the love and fellowship he shared throughout his life, and, most importantly, in his last years, with his brothers and friends of 60 years.

And so, we have come here today to say a temporary goodbye to our friend and brother.

Rest in Peace, Kirk. We will miss you dearly and remember you fondly.

We will maintain our fellowship in your honour as we remember you. And as night follows day, sooner or later, one by one, we will be joining you.

Until then Rest well, my friend.

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