30 Facts About Horace Burrell

Horace Burrell was the founder of the Jamaican restaurant chain The Captain's Bakery and Grill and Captain's Aviation, which he founded in 1995 and 2008 respectively.

The youngest of four siblings, Horace Burrell showed an unusual passion to make something of himself and to make his family proud.

Horace Burrell notes that Burrell was an absolutely devoted son, administering to his mother's every need prior to her passing in 1993.

When Horace Burrell entered Clarendon College for his high school days, he became involved in almost every extra-curricular activity available.

Horace Burrell was a member of the school's Under-14 team for the Galloway Cup in football, played cricket and was a member of both the camera club and debating society.

Horace Burrell would spend hours teaching the younger cadets map-reading, rifle shooting and other disciplines.

Horace Burrell was being selected two consecutive seasons by the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force to represent Jamaica in cadet exchanges with Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.

Soon, Horace Burrell was teaching at St Elizabeth Technical High School as a teacher, often teaching boys of his own age.

Horace Burrell was never prepared to take no for an answer and he questioned everything.

Horace Burrell then joined the Jamaica Defence Force, rising to the rank of Captain, which would be his moniker for years to come.

Horace Burrell undertook basic officer training with the Canadian Armed Forces at Chilliwack, British Columbia, and later New Brunswick.

At St Elizabeth Technical High School, Horace Burrell had been placed in charge of the school's cadet squad at the rank of second lieutenant.

Horace Burrell applied for entry to the Jamaica Defence Force and undertook a challenging three-day course of physical endurance, leadership appreciation, and mental ability tests.

One year later in 1974, and now Lieutenant, Horace Burrell would fly to the United Kingdom to undertake further military studies at the School of Infantry, Platoon Commander's Battle Course which took place in Warminster.

In 1977 Horace Burrell was promoted to captain in the Jamaica Defence Force after just five years of army enrollment, three of which, had been spent in advanced weapons and leadership training.

Horace Burrell then received his private pilot license as he sought to make progress in another great love of his, aviation.

Horace Burrell would retain the rank of captain for six additional active years of army life.

In 1983 Horace Burrell retired from the army as a captain.

Horace Burrell's chance came at the behest of Colonel Ken Barnes who was his supervisor and the father of English international footballer John Barnes.

Horace Burrell saw the charge as a challenge and laid out a plan to make the team competitive.

Horace Burrell said the Reggae Boyz were the only earner among national teams and used it as the thrust for the nation's football.

Horace Burrell then found creative ways of bringing back the country's best footballers who were on contract overseas at the time, such as Walter Boyd, Wolde Harris, Paul Young, Altimont Butler, Anthony 'Bingy' McCreath, Fabian Davis, and Paul Isaacs to play for the national team.

Horace Burrell received Jamaica's fourth highest national honor, the Commander of the Order of Distinction in 1998.

Horace Burrell received the highest award, Order of Merit, from the world football governing body, FIFA, in 2000 for his outstanding leadership skills in piloting the Jamaica Football team to the World Cup.

The Ethics Committee suspended three months of the ban, subject to a probationary period of two years, and Horace Burrell was cleared of all charges.

Horace Burrell had four children, one of whom, Tahj, predeceased him.

Horace Burrell served as President of the Jamaica Football Federation between 1994 and 2003, and from 2007 until his death.

Horace Burrell was the founder of the restaurant chain The Captain's Bakery and Grill, in 1995, as well as Captain's Aviation Services in 2008.

Horace Burrell is survived by his children: Dr Tiphani Burrell-Piggott, Romario Burrell and Jaeden Burrell.

The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, said the nation must pause and reflect on the life and great works of Captain Horace Burrell while extending sincere condolences to his family and friends, the football fraternity and the entire Captain's Bakery family.