Orlando was big in heart and music

LYDIAN SINGER Orlando Mc Intosh had a big heart, a big mouth and a lot of energy. This is how his friend and leader of the Mawasi Experience singing group Peter Telfer described him during the funeral service for Mc Intosh, at Our Lady of Fatima RC Church, Curepe yesterday. Telfer also made a plea for the relevant authorities to address the series of accidents occurring on the nation’s roads. “Somebody has to make a stance for this waste of life,” Telfer said. Mc Intosh, 43, was killed in a car accident in Claxton Bay, last Sunday, while on his way to perform at an Emancipation Day celebration at the Naparima Bowl, San Fernando.

Telfer recalled significant experiences shared with his fellow group member and Lydian singer as he projected an unedited taping of practice sessions with Mc Intosh and the group, on screen. Because of technical difficulties, no audio accompanied the video. He said Mc Intosh enjoyed working with youths and teaching at workshops. His last performance was for the Prison Ministry. “Before the accident, Orlando said he wanted to get his life together again, at home and be a gift to others.” Mc Intosh leaves to mourn his wife Terry-Ann and two children.

“When we were on the way to south, (the day he died), Kent asked him if he had room in the car and Orlando said no. When Kent looked and saw an empty back seat and asked ‘Orlando who else to come?’ Orlando said ‘me, you and God’,” Telfer told the packed church hall. He said Mc Intosh had such a love for music he would get emotional and “very romantic and would hug up a chair” during a song. “He liked the drum called ‘Betsy’ and was always fighting for it. He also liked the ‘cocorico’ (instrument), not the shak shak.” Folk singers Jeunes Agape travelled from Point Fortin to pay their respects to their friend and colleague. The Lydians Chorale and Mawasi Experience joined in celebration of his life, together singing over a dozen songs in tribute to Mc Intosh.  The eulogy was delivered by his brother Errol Mc Intosh.
McIntosh was cremated at the Crematorium, Long Circular Road, St James.