– sport enthusiast and family man, Winston George Humphrey laid to rest

BORN in Middle Road La Penitence, Georgetown, to Robert and Mayliene Humphrey, on 1st March 1948, Winston ‘George’ Humphrey rose from `rags’ to become a very successful businessman.He supported charitable organizations, sports associations and even individuals he never knew before.

These were just a few of the sentiments expressed by Humphrey’s granddaughters – Abigale and Tiffany – during the eulogy of their grandfather’s funeral service which was held at the Brickdam Cathedral yesterday.George, as he was familiarly known, attended the West Ruimveldt Primary School before moving on to St. Pius Primary.

He then dropped out of school at an early age.It was then that he started his baking career at his father’s bakery which was situated in Barr Street, Albouystown.After his father death, George and his brother took over the business and over the years, the name Humphrey’s Bakery and Farm Products became a household name.Prior to becoming a household name, George married Pauline, who bore him eight children.

Together, he and Pauline have13 grandchildren, which according to his granddaughter, Abigale, made him very proud; but I think I was his favourite.” As the business grew from strength to strength, so did George’s generosity to the less fortunate and to many sporting associations.George sponsored an age-limit competition for the Guyana Football Association (GFA) when the association was under the stewardship of Colin Klass over a protracted period.

When the same body was cash strapped and national teams had to be encamped, he stepped in once more, but this time as a donor Humphrey’s Bakery and Farm Products assured loaves of bread and tennis rolls were uplifted on a daily basis during the period of encampment.Abigale said her grandfather was a brilliant man, who weathered the storm during that period when there was a ban on the importation of flour, and survived using his ingenious ideas.

She said her grandmother who became his wife, braced him and together, the pair worked tirelessly to make the business the success it is today.George was family oriented and he adored his grandchildren as he loved every one of them, she continued. Tiffany also said she knows her grandfather as a family man. “He was always family oriented as he ensured we were well taken care of, including our needs.”

She recalled that he on many occasions assisted persons he never knew, “He extended his generosity momentary and otherwise,” adding “He is a perfect example of coming out of the gutter to become a successful businessman.”George was also a cycling enthusiast, and this was perhaps because his son, the late Troy Humphrey, was a national cyclist.George then formed the Roraima Bikers Cycle Club which has produced a number of quality cyclists; some representing Guyana at the Regional level.

He subsequently became the president of the Guyana Cycling Federation, and on many occasions he used his personal funds to ensure Guyana was represented at regional and international meets.He lost Troy in a motor cycle mishap on Carifesta Avenue, but would hold a gala event every year in memory of his son.