Remembering Gwenwyn
Today we are gathered here to pay our respects to our Dearly Beloved Gwenwyn whose death last Monday was not untimely or unexpected, yet in his passing, there was still that element of shock.
Gwenwyn was born in Woodbrook, Port of Spain on August 19th 1941 to the late Marvin and Muriel Cust. He dedicated his life as an Educator with the Ministry of Education. He taught and mentored hundreds of students during his 34 years of service, and excelled in his role as a regional Athletic /Sports Administrator for Elementary Schools throughout the nation.
Though physically small, Gwenwyn was giant-like once he stepped on the football field, a leader, tough tackler, skillfull, and blessed with an on-field vision that made him a star beginning with his days at Richmond Street EC, then at Tranquillity Boys in the Colleges A-Colts competition, well before the advent of the Secondary Schools League. A boyhood Colts supporter, Gwenwyn spent three success-filled years with the youthful Belmont team, Luton Town in the NAFL, before moving on through “a scholarship” with Colts in the POSFL. He was also a selectee for the annual North-South all-star games and for the full National team, before transitioning into a Coach for the National Youth Team.
As an Educator, Gwenwyn was also involved with the administration of other activities and Sporting functions for his Morvant EC School, and partnered with teachers at other neighboring schools with similar programs. In his capacity as an Educator/Administrator, Gwenwyn touched the lives of many people including fellow teachers, students, athletes and numerous football players, far too numerous to name.
In his early childhood, Gwen attended the Cathedral with our family and served as an acolyte, while his other brothers sung in the choir. As an adult, Gwen became involved with St John’s Anglican Church as the Director of the Choir and served in that capacity until his passing.
In November 2008, Gwenwyn was invited by his former classmate, teammate, and friend Patrick Raymond, to host a Football Centennial Brunch at the Hyatt Regency and launch the formation of the Veteran Footballers Foundation, and for which he served as President until his passing. And last year, served as a member of the TTFA’s Constitution Review Committee of the Independent Football Reform Commission (IFRC), that was responsible for delivering the new TTFA Constitution, eventually ratified by CONCACAF, FIFA and the TTFA’s stakeholders.
Gwenwyn was also quite a ladies-man, and a party-animal too, and who could forget those wonderful parties at 21 Ajodha Street. Forever the optimist, when informed a month ago that his former Richmond Street classmate, Les Slater, was celebrating his 75th, Gwenwyn wished him well and said he was looking forward to his own, next year.
Gwenwyn is survived by his wife, Keren, his brothers, Erthwyn “Noble”, Gaveston and Elton, his children Cheryl-Anne Harris, Sean, Wyncia, Ciawyn, Isaiah, his in-laws, his grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews. Gwenwyn also had two sisters: The late Edris and Germain – May they Rest In Peace!
Gwenwyn Cust was a loving Husband, Father, Brother, Son, Grandfather, Cousin, Uncle,
colleague and good friend to all who knew him, and he will be missed dearly.
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