Kees: My father was a great man, our 'lion'

OLE mas veteran George Arthur "Bunny" Dieffenthaller, father of soca star Kees, was a true son of the soil who taught his children the importance of humility and supported them to pursue their dreams.

These were some of the sentiments expressed in the eulogy for Dieffenthaller, read by his daughter and local tv veteran Danielle, at the funeral for him yesterday at St Finbar's RC Church, Diego Martin. He died on New Year's Day at West Shore Medical Private Hospital at the age of 82.

Danielle recalled her father taught his children to be fearless, and when they expressed interest in music, he built a stage on an empty lot. He encouraged her to study film when no one locally was pursuing that career.

She said her father was "the ole mas king of the world" and came up with the most incredibly witty ole mas portrayals with Junior Ferdinand and Terry Inniss. She said he had an unparalleled humour, even cracking up the nurses at the hospital ICU prior to his death.

Kees recalled one Carnival as a child when he lost his father on the corner of French Street and Ariapita Avenue in Woodbrook. He began crying and asking if anyone knew Bunny and then a "random" man took him to his father.

"That was when I knew my father was a great man and I wanted to be a great man too. Daddy, we love you. We celebrate your life. Thank you for being our lion."