The dominoes fraternity is mourning the passing of one of Barbados’ best.
World champion and former national captain Keith “Monga” Goddard died Friday afternoon following a year-long battle with cancer.
The long-time executive member of the National Domino, Whist and Hearts Clubs Association of Barbados passed away at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at the age of 52 in the company of wife Carolyn Harbin-Goddard.
“To appreciate our loss is to understand what he gave dominoes,” said association president Rodney Inniss.
“He was one of the hardest workers in our sport.
“Monga has served at every level there is in dominoes, whether it be on the executive, playing, refereeing and coordinating the schools’ league – there’s nothing Keith hasn’t done.
“We also don’t have a home, so he was always there to help set up at the start and pack up at the end because it was the sort of commitment he had to dominoes,” Inniss added.
Goddard represented Barbados for 29 years, serving as captain and vice-captain on different occasions, and was a vital member on each of the country’s eight World Championship-winning teams.
At the local level, he won numerous three-hand tournaments and the President’s Pairs while being a perennial title contender in the individual pairs competitions.
“You just can’t talk dominoes without calling Monga’s name,” Inniss observed.
“His commitment is one that all domino players should emulate because he was one to always share his experiences at the national level and he has done everything for our sport.”
Goddard served on the association’s executive for a record 17 successive years. In February, he was granted the status of honorary member of the association.
In his long career, he represented QEH, Pinelands, Carrington and recently – up to last month – Carlton/A1 Braves.
“He was my playing partner in local and international tournaments and I can say he is a good partner and even greater man to be with,” said Inniss.
“I am so glad to have shared in the experiences of his life and the close-knit friendship that we had. He will truly be missed.”
