So I knew them. "For a long time the sole Caribbean presence on overseas campaigns, Dad paved the way for others to follow and he was delighted to be joined by like-minded Caribbean men such as fellow commentator Reds Pereira, Jamaican journalist Tony Becca, and photographer Gordon Brooks to share his experiences with, as well as Michael Holding, Fazeer Mohammed and Ian Bishop in more recent times. Barbados’ only living National Hero, Sir Garry Sobers, topped the list of mourners along with former Chief Justice Sir David Simmons, noted Caribbean jurist Sir Richard Cheltenham, West Indies batting great Sir Everton Weekes, and outstanding former West Indies fast bowler ex-Government minister, Sir Wes Hall, who conducted the ceremony.Several former West Indies players were also in attendance, including legendary captain and current chairman of selectors, Clive Lloyd; legendary fast bowler and current Barbados Cricket Association President Joel Garner; current West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons and former West Indies vice-captain, Trinidadian Deryck Murray.Barbados Sports Minister Stephen Lashley and Opposition Leader Mia Mottley were among the mourners.Known as the "voice of West Indies cricket", Cozier chronicled the fortunes of the West Indies team for nearly six decades, in an illustrious career which saw him rise to the summit of the industry.Cozier was eulogised by son Craig who described him as an outstanding family man, a true professional, and a pioneer in the field of cricket journalism. Cremation to follow.
His knowledge of the game was encyclopedic, and not restricted to the Caribbean. It was never about him, but the game unfolding in front of him.Tony described the action succinctly and with an objectivity that is beyond many modern broadcasters. under discussion. Legends Attend Tony Cozier's Funeral Known as the 'voice of the West Indies cricket', Cozier chronicled the fortunes of the team for nearly six decades, in an illustrious career which saw him rise to the summit of the industry. One abiding memory is of a meal in Cardiff, which somehow ended up with Tony, to the delight of all present, dancing to Abba and Elvis Presley with a diner on the next table, whom he had never met before.He once described this experience of another age of sports journalism. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved. He was recognised by cricket followers around the world more by his voice than his appearance. When he last worked in England, in 2013, Tony’s body was already frail, yet his love of life was intact. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Tony Cozier. He knew better than his English counterparts that Bloggs of Leicestershire had scored 37 in his last county match. West Indian cricket commentator whose lilting tones and forthright analysis brought the game to lifeTony Cozier, who has died aged 75 of cancer, was the consummate, constant reporter of Caribbean cricket for more than five decades. A lot of them were my age. Just occasionally, if his summariser was becoming a little overwrought and tiresome, Tony had the capacity to keep talking for over after over without allowing any interruption. His funeral service and cremation will take place on Friday, May 20 at Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens, The Ridge, in the southern parish of Christ Church at 3 p.m. (First published on bcacricket.org) His soothing voice allied to a sense of mischief whenever the occasion allowed brought a distant game to life. May 21, 2016, 1:14 pm explore: Cricketnext She survives him, along with a son, Craig, and a daughter, Natalie. "Cozier's skills spanned radio, television and print, and he worked for nearly every major international media entity including the BBC, Channel Nine and Sky.Despite his health challenges, he remained a major media presence and was in the commentary box when West Indies secured a shock 1-1 draw when England toured the Caribbean last year for a three-Test series.Cozier was the editor of the West Indies Cricket Annual and was also a senior editor of leading local newspaper, the Nation, with whom he remained closely affiliated at the time of his death.In 2007, cricket authorities here renamed the upgraded media centre at the redeveloped Kensington Oval the Coppin, Cozier and Short Media Centre, in honour of his contribution to the sport.Cozier died last week Wednesday at age 75 following a brief hospitalisation.He is survived by his wife, Jill, and children Craig and Natalie. A surprising number of devotees did not realise that he was a white Bajan – a native of To watch Tony at work at a Test match was an education. Known as the 'voice of the West Indies cricket', Cozier chronicled the fortunes of the team for nearly six decades, in an illustrious career which saw him rise to the summit of the industry. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Similarly, why didn’t our regional university-- the University of the West Indies – confer an honorary doctorate on Tony Cozier, as they… Legends Attend Tony Cozier's Funeral. Saturday, May 21, 2016 . Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.5. submitted. "I was lucky to have him as my mentor and teacher as I too charted a path in journalism and cricket, learning as much from his vast professional know-how as his human qualities," said Craig on Friday, an international television cricket producer.