President Anthony Carmona was among those who attended the funeral service of former T&T tennis coach and umpire Carlos Taylor at the Covenant House of Praise in Diego Martin, yesterday.
Carmona, who described Taylor as a soldier in and out of uniform, was among many who attended the packed church, which included former T&T Tennis Association president Kendall Cuffy and umpire Chester Dalrymple. Taylor, who was a member of the T&T Defence Force, died of a heart attack on Saturday at age 63. He coached tennis for numerous years and also served as an umpire at the Wimbledon and US Open Grand Slam tournaments.
Cuffy said: “He inspired a lot of young children to get involved in tennis. He focused on discipline because of his military training.”
His friend Dalrymple said Taylor always ensured the children he coached were also progressing in their academics. “He was geniune and willing to help. He would make jokes and he would challenge people to a cook out especially curry duck.”
Dalrymple said he also worked with young adults at the T&T Civilian Conservation Corps, helping children who dropped out of school.
Taylor’s death follows the passing of former national tennis player Ria Mark, who died in October at age 75. He leaves to mourn his wife Carolyn and five children (one boy and four girls). May he rest In Peace.