The deaths of Gombey stars Lawrence “Stickers” Hendrickson Sr, 81, and David “Shaggy Dog” Wilson, who would have turned 66 today, have been mourned by the community.

Mr Hendrickson, one of the founders of H & H Gombeys and Mr Wilson, who was part of the Warwick Gombey Troupe, both died this week. The drums, dance and costumes of the Gombeys evolved from a fusion of African, Caribbean, Native American and British culture.

That tradition was carried by Mr Hendrickson for decades, starting with a childhood apprenticeship to Charles “Boxcart” Norford, who practised Gombey dances on Roberts Avenue.

Mr Hendrickson performed with him until Mr Norford’s death in 1980, and founded the H & H Gombeys in 1989 with his son, also Lawrence, who also captained the troupe, but died suddenly in 1994.

Mr Wilson was prominent in several football teams and known for his skills on the pitch — but former Government minister Dale Butler, a schoolmate from Victor Scott Primary School when it was known as Central School, recalled him as “one of the most supportive Gombey drummers that I knew”.

His skills were highlighted in Mr Butler’s musical Pickles and Spiced Ham: Bermudian Women in Song.

Mr Butler added: “He was looking forward to being in part two in September, which I have had to cancel.”

He described Mr Wilson as a man who would “stand to attention at the mention of the word ‘Gombey’.”

And Mr Butler said he was “outgoing, very friendly and kind, very into the Bermudian way of manners — he was always proud of being part of our group that went to Central School”.

Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Social Development and Sports, hailed both men as “two of Bermuda’s prominent tradition bearers”.

He added: “The Bermuda Gombey is Bermuda’s most iconic and enduring tradition of culture, resistance, strength, and freedom.”

Mr DeSilva said: “Through the dedication of men like Lawrence and David, the Gombey tradition of dance, drumming, and unique regalia have been passed down through the generations.”

He offered his condolences to their friends, family and fellow Gombeys and the loss would be “greatly felt by many”.

The deaths came as both troupes prepared to represent the island on the stage at Carifesta in Barbados.

Gombeys have a rich heritage across the Caribbean, where similar traditions emerged on several islands, but the Bermuda Gombeys were recognised as a uniquely local art form at a Unesco Cultural and Conservation Conference in 1970.