Published On:Saturday, March 20, 2010

A tribute to the mother of former National Team Coach George Cleare, a Committed individual

TRIBUNE Sports extends its condolences to the family of the late Rose Mae Dean-Cleare, who will be funeralised today at 10 a.m. at the Holy Cross Anglican Church, Petersfield Road, Hiughbury Park off Soldier Road.

Dean-Cleare, 63, was a veteran Physical Education Teacher who worked primarily at CI Gibson Secondary School. She was also a member of the Bahamas Association of Certified Odfficials (BACO).

Her three children, Neil, George and Renita, all served with her in BACO. George went further by becoming an acclaimed track and field coach, having served on the national Carifta and Olympic Games teams.

Below is a tribute that was written in memory of Dean-Cleare.

By WINSTON T. MARSHALL

THERE ARE few times in ones life, that we struggle for words, or are just left speechless.

The sudden passing of the mother of a dear friend and colleague, is one of those occasions.

Rather than focusing on how she died, I here address the supposition.....if I were asked to write or say something about Rose Dean-Cleare, a most befitting tribute would reflect how she lived, and cared for people, and how her Christian faith sustained her, and assisted her in forgiving people.

I would tell you that, through her work, she taught us that the concept of multi-tasking is just that, a new concept, but before it was fashionable, she learnt and functioned as a daughter, sibling, wife, mother, grand-mother, aunt, cousin, friend, Christian.

Then I would tell you that through her work and involvement, she taught us that being involved, is more important than just being a spectator. Some of us were fortunate to see these lessons, played out by her son Coach George....who learnt the lesson of being firm...but compassionate.....becoming well trained and certified and disciplined and successful in his chosen field....and becoming a strong advocate not only in words but in deeds.

I would tell you that through her life, she taught us that there are some unsung heroes, who just go about making their contribution to national development, in their own way, to building families, teaching, active involvement in her church (Holy Cross Anglican Church), serving as a caregiver, officiating at track and field meets (especially the high jump competitions) and accompanying the national track and field teams to so many Carifta meets.

Then I would tell you that, by being the wind beneath her children's wings, Rose Dean-Cleare, by extension became the wind beneath the wings of many individuals, especially those of us involved in track and field....as a result of George's deep and intimate involvement.

Then, I could tell you of the great pride that she displayed at the Carifta Games in Guadeloupe, when Team Bahamas performed so well and placed second overall, with Coach George as the head coach......and how proud she must have been when the female 4x100 metres female relay team, earned the silver medal, in Berlin at the IAAF World Championships last year, with George as the relay coordinator..

Sleep on dear mom, may the works that you have done, speak for you.....and may your warrior soul rest in peace and rise in glory.