A drink to the late Michael Gordon

LAST Tuesday, relatives of late Jamaica Observer photo editor, Michael Gordon, allowed those who loved him to view his body for the final time before it is reduced to ashes, as was his will, at Roman’s Funeral Home in St Andrew.

It was uncomfortable for some of us who were close to him to see him lying in a casket, without his camera in one hand, and a cup containing his favourite drink in the other. I could also imagine Michael complaining about the amount of make-up that the undertakers decided to put on his face, perhaps the only time that make-up was being placed on him.

Sad as it was, Michael has left this life with several

Michael Gordon priceless items for those who knew him and those who didn’t, to treasure. It was for that reason that some of us grabbed the opportunity to

visit his favourite watering hole at the end of the viewing, to have a drink, or two, maybe three for those who could hold it, in his honour.

The regular spot, inside Cool World Lounge, Bronthorpe Square off Washington Boulevard in St Andrew, saw patrons observing the protocols outlined by the Government, as the nation continues to fight the COVID-19 challenges. It was the first that I had seen so many, what appeared to be all masked-up bandits in a Lone Ranger comic book, enjoying themselves, and in turn drinking to the memory of Michael.

Old acquaintances were rekindled and new ones forged, including a St Elizabeth link which had been there before but never revealed.

Michael Gordon shall never be forgotten.