BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Aug. 12, 2021– The Amandala Sports desk hereby extends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of our sports road-crew member and friend, Patrick (Lawrence) Lewis, a.k.a. Beans, who passed away last Thursday, August 5, three days before his sixty-second birthday, due to complications following a series of operations for hernia and other health issues.
Hilarious, outrageous, obnoxious sometimes, Beans was among other things a real sports fanatic; a man with strong views on most subjects, and willing to engage anyone perceived as an adversary to the point of bombastic confrontation. And at sporting events, breaking out as the lead vocalist in the R-A-I-D-E-R-S!! chant at semipro basketball games in the 1990s, it was quite normal for Beans to command the attention of fans at social events, especially sports, with his vociferous antics in support of his team, whether it was football or basketball.
Away from the crowd, in our occasional two-man journey to Cayo or Belmopan for football games, we encountered the other, introspective and sensitive side of the human being. We exchanged personal memoirs of painful experiences, lost love, and difficult life circumstances that played a part in our life journeys. But despite the pitfalls along the way, it was for sure that Beans “pulled no punches” in enjoying what pleasures life had to offer. And as his lifestyle excesses led to struggles with health issues in recent months, his accepting attitude seemed to be reflected in the words of an old Ray Charles song, “Well, I’ve had my fun; if I don’t get well no mo’e.” For sure, he had his fun, and gave a lot of fun to others. Rest In Peace, brother Patrick “Beans” Lewis.
According to a BRAATA release, the funeral will be held on Saturday, August 14, at Westside Assembly of God Church on Jasmine Street, Belize City. Viewing starts at 1:00 p.m., Service starts at 2:00 p.m., and the funeral will be streamed live on Facebook at https://m.facebook.com/2487296601322273 .