THE Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA), yesterday laid to rest one of their stalwarts, the late Neville Denny, a true pioneer and legend around the shooting fraternity, locally and internationally.

Born August 5 1933, Denny passed away on Friday, February 18 ,and was laid to rest yesterday after a service at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Brickdam.

Born in the mining town of Linden, the former officer in the British Guiana Police Force. which he joined during the 1950s, was heavily involved in rifle-shooting for almost five decades.

The veteran sharpshooter put away his rifle professionally back in 2008 after years of representing Guyana at numerous local and international shoots, including fullbore tournaments at Bisley during its annual West Indies Fullbore Championships (WIFBSC)

Denny, nevertheless remained heavily involved with the sport he so dearly loved, even being inducted as a GNRA life member and was presented with the coveted Service Award.

A true credit to his reputation within the society of world-class shooters, the Guyanese in 2017, was inducted into the WIFBSC Hall of Fame, following his outstanding career as a shooter and elder statesman of the fraternity.

A skilled gunner up to his time of retirement at the tender age of 75, he remained among the deadliest of eyes,

Denny played key roles in the development of a number of local snipers including Mahendra Persaud, Dylan Fields, Ryan Sampson, Lennox Braithwaite, Paul Slowe, Ransford Goodluck and other top Guyana/International marksmen.

Denny’s work and legacy were recognised, respected and hailed during his recent celebration of life which was attended by scores of persons.

The executives and members of the GNRA honoured their late mentor, father-figure and former teammate with a traditional rifleman’s arch during the funeral service which was held yesterday at the Brickdam Cathedral in Georgetown. (Clifton Ross)