Family members of the late Byron Lee mourn his passing during his funeral held at the Abe Issa Auditorium at St George's College yesterday. From left are daughters Deanna and Danielle and widow, Sheila. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

At first, there were no visible signs of grief - no tears - instead, a carnival-like atmosphere filled the auditorium. When the Dragonaires kicked off the service with an instrumental of Dumplings and rolled back the hands of time with an assortment of hits, it seemed as though there would be little mourning.

That atmosphere was soon blown away. As the tributes began, and friends, family and national leaders spoke of Byron Lee, there was a weighty, solemn and solitary message that, while Jamaica has gained an awesome legacy, she has lost one of her dearest sons.

Byron Lee, the legendary band leader of the group Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, died on November 4. Lee was 73. It was at St George's College, where Lee started his band over 50 years ago, that mourners gathered to bid their final farewells yesterday.

Lee might have received one of the greatest endorsements of his life's work from Prime Minister Bruce Golding who, in paying his respects, branded Lee a national treasure to be preserved for all generations.

"What is so profound about Byron Lee is that Byron Lee and the Dragonaires never left the stage and can be said to be the most enduring of the musical bands that have come on the stage in Jamaican history.

"Byron Lee and the Dragonaires today is more than just a band, it is an institution, it is a part of our culture and a part of our heritage," Prime Minister Golding said.

It should not be thought, however, that Byron Lee's funeral was lacking in emotions. Indeed, it was when his family took the stage that the personal weight of Lee's death became evident.

Family members had to be consoled, as daughter Julianne, granddaughter Victoria Samuels, and sister-in-law Michelle Khouri Murphy struggled through their tributes. Lee was hailed as a great father, dedicated family man, perfectionist and musician par excellence.

Founder of the Dragonaires

Members of the Dragonaires band make a guard of honour as pall-bearers remove the remains of the late Byron Lee from the Abe Issa Auditorium at St George's College yesterday. The pall-bearers include Edward J. Lee (left), son of the deceased, Byron Lee Junior (right) and immediately behind him is Gene Lee, brother of the late musician. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

As the coffin was pushed inside by surviving members of the Dragonaires to the sound of a lone trumpet, intermingled with the congregation's sombre singing, the reality of the Dragon's death was as fierce as fire.

Byron Lee has been known in Jamaica as the founder of the Dragonaires band, created in 1956.

He was instrumental in popularising Jamaican ska and calypso. His hits include songs like Tiny Winey, Dumplings and Jamaican Ska. Lee is also known for being instrumental in introducing carnival to Jamaica.

andrew.wildes@gleanerjm.com