IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING HIS DEATH, many people paid tribute to educator Matthew Farley on Facebook.
Farley, the former principal of Garrison Secondary School, now Graydon Sealy Secondary, passed away on Sunday.
He spent more than four decades as an educator.
Former students, staff and members of the general public shared their memories of the strict disciplinarian who touched the lives of many.
Here are some of their tributes.
Ronald Graham: I’ve never met the man but I consider him to be an educational icon of the highest standards. May his good deeds not be interred with his bones
Shaniqua Ward: I remember how you use to roam the corridors and when you see a teacher isn’t in a class, you were ready to teach them history so that time wouldn’t be wasted. All but one finger was what you showed and students knew they were doing something wrong. Just a glimpse of appearance made children run off the corridor (Farley coming Farley coming!) Counting at assembly ” One, One two…” Cause you werent gonna be shouting to gain our attention. I remember when the school had bus fights or the bottle wars with our busses how disappointed you were in us as students of Graydon Sealy but proud of us in any accomplishments we made, for example sports. #1 supporter.
Hazel Padmore: Knew Mr Farley from as early at St John’s Primary, singing out your lungs every Friday afternoon, better know your Times Table or Else. Thanks for the influence you, your wife, brother Martel and wife had on my upbringing. You are sure resting in peace.
David Mason: He was such a great man, an educator with passion for discipline. I truly loved his desire to see young people being beautiful without being skimpy. Most of us see the beauty on the outside. He searched within and stood by his beliefs. May he rest in peace.
Cherish Breedy: You’ve made a huge impact on my life and that’s because you believed in me from the very beginning. I just can’t believe that you are gone, memories of you will forever be embedded in my brain. May you rest in peace Mr Farley. #bestprincipal #youlived #youloved #RIP
Delores Codrington, former Guidance Counsellor: Mr Farley redefined Secondary School principalship. He wrote his own rule-book. For most of his time as principal he spent almost 12 hours every school day at G.S.S. and was totally involved in every aspect of school life. A strong-willed leader who took full control and never backed down once he believed in something.
Sandra Bruce-Small, Physical Education Teacher: Still sinking in. May the Almighty God, who gave him life, take him back to himself and grant him eternal peace…rest in peace Mr Farley.
Dwayne Pinder: I wasn’t ready, calling to tell someone Good morning and they ask you if you calling because of Matthew Farley passing. I wasn’t ready. That man is a legend in my books. I guess it got me because I heard him on radio ministering and I didn’t even know he was Christian and in that moment I imagined how effective he could be because of his charm and passiveness, I salute you sir, good man. RIP
Akeem James: He was our champion and never for one second did he make exceptions to the rules; as his Headboy I clearly saw that. He was a master of the English Language a wizard at putting it together. When he laid it out to you there was no need for further explanation. Some saw little to no reasoning for his disciplinary actions, however I tell you this it never changed his decisions. He was an educator, a fountain of knowledge. He never gave us the opportunity to cop out. He was loyal dedicated and many of days went beyond his call of duty. I can bear testimony to that. His relationship with staff was sound and through this he created a loving Garrisonian family. . . We will never forget that you Sir stood up for us loved and cared for us and for that we are thankful and blessed to have had you as such a pillar in our lives. Rest in Peace, Mr Farley, for you have retired from teaching and now you have retired from this earth.
Natalee Collins: To Sir with Love! You have made a significant impact on my life as a young teacher and for this I thank you, Sir! I will definitely miss your encouraging words and that laugh. Now, spread your wings and go do the work that the Father has planned for you. I will continue to make [you] proud of me as you look down from above. Sleep peacefully, Sir.
Ammuniki Wood: “Mr Wood your circumstances don’t dictate your future. Go out, be humble and create success for yourself and the people around you”. As I sit here in a college dorm thousands of miles away from home and I remember these words, I’m reminded why I have a fearless mentality towards most challenges. I just want to say thank you for everything and I will continue to uphold my school’s name. For your words I am grateful, and I will not disappoint. My circumstances never did depict my ability nor will it determine my endpoint. Until we see each other again at the higher points of life. #RIP#Mentor
John Jones: “Well you know John we depending on your 30pts at Inter School Sports. Don’t win, don’t come back to school” –Farley. #RelaxinParadise
Pastor Dr David Durant also remembered Farley, who was a member of his congregation.