‘Gideon’ Bolt’s ‘Charity Shop’ touched his community - Usain Bolt’s father remembered for his kindness

While mourners gathered to bid farewell to Wellesley 'Gideon' Bolt -- father of sprint legend Usain Bolt -- it wasn't just tributes to a kind father or supportive husband that echoed through the Falmouth Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trelawny yesterday.

Equally memorable was the legend of the charity shop that Gideon operated, sparking nods, smiles, and laughter throughout the congregation.

Long before his son lit up the world's fastest tracks, Wellesley Bolt was running his own race -- one of generosity, compassion, and trust in his hometown of Sherwood Content, Trelawny. In addition to being a model father, community man, caring husband, and loving parent, he also worked at the Jamaica Coffee Board as a supervisor and field manager between 1982 and 2001.

The grocery shop he operated for many years allowed him to give back to his community. Gideon, 68, was known for never turning anyone away -- well, almost never.

In fact, in 2016, when Usain Bolt sat down with Ian Boyne on the television programme Profile, he spoke fondly of his father's kindness and generosity. The world record-holder revealed that anyone short on cash could still walk away with goods -- as long as they promised to pay later.

"More people owed him than actually paid," his niece Karlene Morgan later said in a heartfelt tribute. "He couldn't see someone in need and say no."

Morgan recounted a rare exception, as told to her by Gideon's sister, Rose. After the Profile interview aired, a woman travelled from Top Trelawny to Sherwood Content, looking for the charity shop.

"When she stopped and asked Gideon, he told her, 'No man, not this one -- it's the one down the road,'" Morgan related.

Usain, too, shared fond memories of his father running the shop.

"As you were talking about the shop -- trust me -- that shop cost me a lot of money. A lot, a lot of money," he said.

The retired sprinter described his father as a very giving person and a loving and supportive man.

The fifth of six children born to Cyril and Maude Bolt, 'Gideon' died on March 31 at the age of 68. His remains were laid to rest in the Reserve Cemetery in Trelawny.

Meanwhile, even in grief, Usain Bolt managed to spark a smile, joking about how closely he planned to stay by his mother, Jennifer Bolt.

"Mom, I am here for you fully. I am now your husband, and your child. Just know the support is here. You are going to get tired of me now, because I am going to be a lot more in your life," Bolt said.