2 weeks ago
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Deputy Managing Editor
Veteran calypsonian Donric “Lord Funny” Williamson, 84, was laid to rest yesterday in a farewell that reflected the warmth of his peers but which fell short of the grand send-offs afforded to some of the genre’s other icons.
The service, held at the Grand Stand of the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, brought together family, friends, and members of the calypso fraternity to honour a man whose quick wit, sharp social commentary, and gentle nature earned him a cherished place in the art form’s history.
Lord Funny, who died on July 31, was remembered as a master storyteller and consummate gentleman.
Yet, the modest turnout—fewer than 100 people—left some feeling his contribution deserved greater recognition.
“With due respect and consideration and love for everyone here this morning, I kinda disappointed. I was here at Shadow and Explainer funeral and I was expecting the same kinda impact … turnout. All here was ram-cramped with people. I am very disappointed,” lamented Daniel “Trinidad Rio” Brown.
Despite the smaller audience, the tributes were rich with affection and respect.
Veteran calypsonian Dr Hollis “Chalkdust” Liverpool described Lord Funny as a serious man who used humour to deliver messages that resonated deeply.
“Funny gave you jokes to laugh, but he himself was very serious … taking the words and making fun out of them but seriously trying to give a message to all Trinidadians,” he said.
Chalkdust recalled that in 2000, the Sunshine Awards honoured Lord Funny, and in 2024, he was inducted into the Calypso Hall of Fame—acknowledgements he valued deeply.
During a visit to his home, Chalkdust said he noticed an empty space in his trophy cabinet.
Lord Funny told him he kept it for “all the trophies that all yuh didn’t give me.”
He also had a unique response to show promoters.
“Make me smile. That was his charge. In other words, you can’t pay me but make me smile … if you make me smile, I am well paid,” Chalkdust said.
Llewellyn “Short Pants” MacIntosh paid tribute not only to Lord Funny but also to his wife, Claudette, for her unwavering support, especially during his illness.
He said that while it was expected to be her duty, what he saw from her was worthy of special mention.MacIntosh said he was Lord Funny’s friend for 40 years.
MacIntosh said he was Lord Funny’s friend for 40 years.
“When I think of Funny, I think of a gentleman. In all the years I’ve known him, I never hear an obscene word, I never heard a raised voice, I never saw him angry. Always a very gentle soul and I respected that about him,” MacIntosh said, adding that Funny was a prolific composer.
Franz “Delamo” Lambkin honoured him with a rendition of Psalm Number One, calling him a “blessed man,” while Philip “Black Sage” Murray reminded the audience of what he called “the best chorus in calypso” from Funny’s Time Really Flies:
“Day before yesterday, was yesterday yesterday, yesterday was today yesterday, today was tomorrow yesterday, tomorrow today would be yesterday, day after tomorrow, tomorrow, would be yesterday.”
“If you could get a better chorus, bring it and come,” Black Sage challenged.
Lord Funny’s body of work spans decades, including classics such as Dozen Men on the Ground (1965), Sweet Sweet Trinidad (1966), Vicey (1966), Food is Food (1967), Good Advice (1967), Supposing It Happen True (1968), Girl Days (1968), Buy Local Man (1969), Father Brown (1969), Pick ’n’ Patch (1969), Rubbish (1974), Bowling Alley (1974), and Bam (1971, remade in 1997).
He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, thought-provoking lyrics, and the quiet dignity of a man who never raised his voice but always made himself heard.
English (US) ·