Roland, the outspoken family man

EVEN in death, prominent mas maker Roland Verne St George, 72, had the ability to make people smile. As mourners paid tributes at his funeral service yesterday, laughter filled the St Clement Anglican Church where they remembered the father of three as an outspoken man who had a passion for mas and a deep love for family.

His wife Francisca Farmer-St George said, “His passion for Carnival was nothing compared to his love for family and the faith in God. He was considerate, controversial, very outspoken and extremely talented. Roland lived life to the fullest. Some say he lived three lives, the way he had fun.”

Delivering the eulogy, she said they met in 1976 when he fell in love at first sight, although he said she “ran him down”. He literally fought off every other admirer. They married on April 15, 1979 – an Easter Sunday, and celebrated two anniversaries every year— whatever date Easter Sunday falls on, and on April 15. The two-time King of Carnival (2012 and 2015) died on Sunday at the family’s home at La Romaine after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He has been playing king for over 40 years.

“He was known as Mr Second because he always placing second or third. When I told him to give up, he always said it was his passion and in his blood. Roland said he would give up when he is dead, which is exactly what came to pass. He became a true pioneer for his craft,” Farmer-St George told mourners. She complimented Newsday for yesterday’s editorial which paid tribute to St George.

San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello paid tributes saying St George spoke his mind wherever and, however. He said in 1976 when Skiffle had it first Carnival presentation as a mas band, St George portrayed the king, which coincidentally was his first major costume. He was not selected at Skinner Park, San Fernando for the finals.

“Unannounced he took to the stage, minus his costume and proceeded to berate the judges using language I cannot repeat in this house,” Regrello said as mourners began to laugh. “However, he did not end there. It escalated, as he turned his back to the judges and, with an unceremonious wiggle, then made his way off the stage with the hurried assistance of police officers on duty. He did not win the title, but earned a standing ovation.”

He also shared memories of an encounter between St George and a religious leader of a confirmation class at the St Paul Anglican Church in San Fernando. St George was a rebel by nature but a rebel with a cause, the mayor said.

St George’s daughter Victoria, who was born and lives in England, said they were like two peas in a pod. She said at 17, she wrote him a letter asking him to spend Christmas with her in England.

“I put in the letter that I thought it was too much to ask of him. He called saying he would find me on Christmas Day, and he did. I saw him on my doorstep. Nothing was too much for Dad.”

Victoria told the congregation that she has had the best time of her life with and because of her father. “He taught me so much. He shared his passion for Carnival and his love for family even the extended family the many unofficial brothers and sisters he gave me. He was an extraordinary dad and an amazing grandfather.”

The body was taken to Belgroves at Coffee Street in San Fernando for cremation.