Final whistle blows for former football stalwart, Gregory T P Stewart

Feb 04, 2014 Sports

Members of the local football fraternity, but more particularly, those that practiced their skill in the mid seventies, are mourning the death of their colleague, former left wing back player, Gregory T P Stewart, who passed away after a period of illness in his adopted home, Canada, Sunday February 2 last. He was 54 years old.

BACK IN TIME: The late Gregory T P Stewart (extreme left) seen here with captain, Wendell Manifold (extreme right) and other club mates shortly after practice sessions (photo compliments of Lennox Arthur)

Former national coach, Lennox Arthur, coached the late footballer at the Pele FC as well as on the national team. He said that he was devastated by the news and despite the fact that Stewart was ailing for some time he was still shocked by the turn of events. He remembered Stewart as a versatile player representing the Pele FC. “He also represented Guyana when this country defeated Suriname in the World Cup Qualifiers in 1976,” reminisced Mr. Arthur.
Mr. Arthur said that Stewart was ailing for some time and was hospitalized and hooked up on a life saving machine after his situation worsened. The former national coach further said that he learnt of Stewart’s demise through several former players in the USA who revealed that family members signed the document to have the former player euthanized after his condition worsened and he stopped responding to medical care.
The former national coach said that Stewart represented the Pele club for all of his tenure and played under Captain, Wendell Manifold and with such players as Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton, Vibert Butts, Keith Myles, Terry Nichols and Denzil ‘Hunky Brains’ Thompson among other football greats.
Another former national player, Earl O’Neil was also saddened by the news. He said that he played with the late footballer and he was good at the trade. Mr. O’Neil said that he grew up with Stewart in Alberttown and the late footballer was like a hero to him. Mr. O’Neil also said that he played alongside Stewart in the national team and then again in the 1986 World Cup Qualifiers.
Gordon ‘Ultimate Warrior’ Braithwaite was shocked by the news and he also spoke highly of Stewart’s ball weaving skills. He said that he knew that Stewart was ailing yet the news of his death was disturbing.
Most of the family members of the late footballer are currently residing overseas. Kaieteur Sport wishes to extend sympathy to the football community and all affected by the death of this stalwart.