Hundreds bid farewell to Coach Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels
Affectionally known as “Coach” or Dag, Samuels was instrumental in the formation of Fast Lane Track Club as well as spotting new talent across the Territory and motivating many to take to the track for fitness and health.
He lost his life due to injuries suffered as a result of Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017.
As proved by the hundreds who turned up for the Vigil and Funeral, he is a man who will be sorely missed, not only across the Sports World but across all walks of life.
Tough loss
“This is a tough one for the athletics family,” commented BVI Athletics Association (BVIAA) President, Mr Steve Augustine.
“We are here to reflect and celebrate the life of a man who dedicated himself to helping others. Words can’t express what we have taken over the passing of Dag, but for all that he did, every one of us is appreciative of the time he spent with us, his devotion to athletics and all that he did to make the sport a bigger and better sport. We would have loved to have him around a tad bit longer, but that’s not the case, but we will take his fight on our shoulders and continue to make track and field the number one sport in the VI.”
Fittingly, the coffin bearing the body of Mr Samuels was given a lap of honour around the Mondo Track at his second home, not only followed by the raised Candles of well wishers, but also accompanied to the poignant sounds of the theme tune of Chariots of Fire, a movie about overcoming all odds to compete at the Olympic Games.
Something Coach Samuels would have been proud to see in his Athlete Family, but has now been denied.
5 Responses to “Hundreds bid farewell to Coach Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels”
Written Especially for my childhood friend "Da Gee”
DA-G was an Oracle, a debater
No mystery, he grew into your history
Childhood Gregarious; didn’t know he’d be so grand
His toiling – coaching – Be the Best you Can!
Dubbing him Athletics Hustler “Defender of the Land”
If I knew
That birdie tapping on my window Was you
I would have gotten up from my bed
Spent the last moments discerning instead
DA-G was the Express, and the Impress
Perpetually traversing, he is now turf and time
A Rolex – an impetuously ticking timepiece- BVI no longer behind
Beyond Records, Guns, Whistles, and Action
There is Strength in Community -Family- and Hope in Adoption
If I knew
How long it would have been Before you flew
I would have never looked away
Or missed the things you’d hope to say
DA-G was debonair, he was urbane
He was the field, he was country, he was town
He was East and West, but he was never gone too long
For whom the whistle now tolls- he’s signaling- “time”
Hurricanes-a-Comin’- Da Warning is Da-G’s- not a mime!
If I knew
That birdie was chiding off this paradigm
I’d Etch this smile Engraved face, Been Awoke, to participate
Better to Be Early than Late: “There’s never any love in hate!
Dag was An exemplary man who ran more than he walked
witnessed more races than he could run; and never stopped.
Rest In Peace. Well done my friend. Well Done! Condolences to Family.