Bermuda has lost three sportsmen who established themselves at a high standard in various sports over the years, one as an international.

Buried last Saturday was former Devonshire Colts and PHC Zebras and Bermuda international James Parsons, while preceding him were former marathon champion Max Smith and former Somerset Cricket Cup Match all-rounder Palmer Wade (III).

Parsons was a master dribbler who tormented defences back in the mid-to-late Sixties when he first appeared for Devonshire Colts in the Premier Division.

From Colts he went on to the Zebras where he was to achieve greater recognition as one of the most dangerous inside forwards in the sport with his improved, all-round form earning him selection to the Bermuda national team on a fairly regular basis.

Besides earning a reputation of having the uncanny ability to force the best defence to retreat whenever he was in possession and moving swiftly into scoring range, defenders found it difficult to match his speed and goalkeepers had to be alert as he would unleash a hard shot anywhere near the penalty box with either foot.

Former national coach and former Devonshire Colts’ stalwart Gary Darrell recalled Parsons’ early days with Colts and later the Zebras, admitting how impressed he was with Parsons’ commitment towards achieving the highest level of play.

Darrell also noted how important it was for him to be totally physically fit for the rigours of the sport of football when so many others were satisfied with getting by with their natural ability alone.

“He was certainly extremely talented, a player who could do it all with left foot, right foot, there was hardly a weakness in his game.

“He was always extremely fit, took a lot of pride in his fitness and his appearances, always worked hard to prepare and perform at his very best.

“Usually he did perform at a high standard, I really cannot recall a time when he had a real bad game. He was up for it and performed as he and his coaches expected.”

At the time of his death Parsons was 56 years old.

Palmer Wade was a crafty little cricketer and footballer who went on to make further contributions to the sport of both sports by becoming an executive of the cricket league and a football referee.

An all-rounder, Wade’s ability to spin the ball with his cunning left-arm deliveries earned him a place in the Somerset Cup Match team in 1947 with his selection creating a milestone when he and brother Cal, playing for St. George’s, became the first brother combination on opposing teams during the mid-summer classic.

Palmer was also known and appreciated for his talents on the football field having excelled for the then Young Men’s Athletic Association.

Wade was 89 years old.

Maxwell Smith was a powerful runner during the early Sixties, coming on the scene when Ed Sherlock and Arthur (Goo Gip) Lambert were the big names in running.

Smith caused a real sensation when he blocked Sherlock in his quest to win the race for the sixth year in a row, brushing aside all challengers during the 1963 race amidst the annoyance of the torrid heat, heavy traffic, and nauseating fumes from cycles to beat all competitors to the finish line.

Smith was in his 70th year.