David Cole, son of the legendary Jamaican footballer Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, cherishes countless memories of his father, but one culinary experience stands out vividly. ‘My fondest memory is when he took me to a spot to eat steamed fish with turn cornmeal and red peas…a recipe I’ll always remember,’ David shared with Observer Online. Allan Cole, widely regarded as Jamaica’s greatest footballer, passed away on September 9 at the age of 74 due to multiple organ failure at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew. Beyond his football prowess, Cole was a close friend and manager of reggae icon Bob Marley. Like Marley, who died in 1981, Cole’s funeral service will be held at the National Arena in Kingston on October 11. Preceding the funeral, events celebrating his life will take place at House of Dread in his hometown of Vineyard Town on October 9, followed by a tribute from the Twelve Tribes of Israel at their Hope Road headquarters on October 10. David anticipates a significant turnout at these events, given his father’s monumental contributions to sports, arts, culture, and mentorship. ‘He was a trailblazer, doing things way ahead of his time both on and off the field,’ David remarked. ‘He’s a natural mentor, nurturer, always seeking to steer individuals and entities to high standards and excellence.’ Allan Cole’s legacy extends beyond football. Born in Kingston, he was a prodigy who represented Jamaica at just 15 years old. He excelled as an attacking midfielder and striker for Vere Technical High School, Santos, and Boys’ Town in the Major League. Internationally, he played for the Atlanta Chiefs in the North American Soccer League and Nautico in Brazil. In music, Cole managed Bob Marley, including his final U.S. tour in 1980, and is credited as the writer of ‘War,’ a track from Marley’s 1976 album ‘Rastaman Vibration.’ David, a 53-year-old audio engineer who has toured with Grammy winner Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, is the fourth of Allan Cole’s six children. His mother, Judy Mowatt, is a member of The I Three, Marley’s harmony trio.