WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a tragic and unprecedented turn of events, Dr. Robert Doyley, a well-known funeral home operator, collapsed while playing the organ at the memorial service for celebrated contractor and hotelier, Dane ‘Blushy’ Foote, on Thursday. The memorial was held at St George’s Anglican Church in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland. The alarming incident left the attendees uneasily waiting for good news, which unfortunately never came. Doyley was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to the hospital.
Doyley, the proprietor of Doyley’s Funeral Service, was seated at the organ when he suddenly fainted before the official commencement of the service. Quick-thinking individuals with medical knowledge attended to him and determined that immediate medical care was necessary. Despite their efforts, which included a hurried trip to the hospital, Doyley remained unresponsive and did not survive the ordeal.
Meanwhile, unaware of the gravity of the situation affecting their community pillar, those inside the church proceeded with Foote’s funeral service.
Custos of Westmoreland Reverend Hartley Perrin, who was the chief clergy for Foote’s service, explained the heavy emotions and confusion that unfolded as the service continued.
“We had to maintain our composure because there was no organist now. Everybody knew the reason for that but nobody knew that he passed. Everybody felt that he went to the hospital and will be back,” Perrin recounted.
The heartbreaking news came towards the end of the service. Revered Perrin detailed the scene when the unsettling reality set in.
“I was on the outside but based on what those who were on the inside told me, members of the choir threw themselves onto the floor bawling uncontrollably. I heard the bawling outside but I thought it was related to Mr. Foote. I thought maybe it was his wife… because they were bringing the body to put in the hearse. It was afterwards that somebody told me that Dr. Doyley would not be coming back because he had died,” Perrin revealed.
Dr. Doyley was remembered fondly, as Reverend Perrin spoke highly of him, lauding his generosity and compassion.
“His generosity knows no bounds. He gave of himself and money to the church — whether it was the playing of the organ, helping out another church to buy an organ, or just helping with the choir rendition,” said Perrin.
Doyley was known for his altruistic spirit, often providing his organist services free of charge, regardless of whether his funeral home services were used or not.
“I always said to him that I respect you for that. It shows the extent of the person he was and the generosity of his heart,” Perrin noted.
Dr. Doyley’s sudden passing has left the community in mourning, with many reminiscing about his substantial contributions and the generous nature he exhibited in life.
He is survived by his wife, who resides overseas.
