Marc of Excellence Program

RandyKenton

ORDEROFSERVICE

CelebrationofLife

Marco Randy Kenton Warren

June 1, 2023

Bermuda Institute Auditorium @ 2pm

Officiating Pastor: W. Dejuan Tull, Asst. Dr. Richard Martin

Processional “My Life Is In Your Hands” Clergy and Family

Opening Prayer Pastor W. Dejuan Tull, Southampton S.D.A Church

Welcome Pastor W. Dejuan Tull, Southampton S.D.A Church

Opening Song I Am On The Battlefield

Scripture Reading

Old Testament Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8- Mhali Russell/T’Orie Russell/Amya Bean

New Testament Thessalonians 4: 13-18- Vashon Williams, Classmate/Friend

John 3:16-17- Amori Simons, Mentee

Musical Selection "Lay Me Down"- Willard Burch and Coshaun Evans, Friends

Word of Comfort Pastor W. Dejuan Tull, Southampton SDA Church

Musical Selection “For Your Glory” Kaelyn Castle, Cousin

Tributes -Church, Work, School, Sports Club

Musical Selection “A Better Day” Inspirational Choir

Tributes- Family & Friend(s)

Obituary- Tammy Stevens/Maceo Dill, Cousins

Musical Selection- Samona Mills-Pitcher, Family Friend

Words of Comfort- Dr. Richard Martin, Devonshire SDA Church

Benediction - Pastor Michelle Hill, Pembroke SDA Church

Closing Meditation- Inspirational Choir, Heaven

Recessional “Ride On King Jesus”- Inspirational Choir

Internment St. George’s Cemetery S.D.A

Graveside Selection P. Shawn Herman

Marco leaves to cherish his: Son Vega Warren

Parents Dwight Warren and Wendy Warren Siblings Chelsea and Zianna Warren

Grandparents Randy Bean, Dennis Warren, and Maymunah Abdul’Jabbar

Great grandparent Flavia Lambe

Madam Kalay Hollis

Uncles Blenn Bean (Sharmaine), Jamal Warren (Melvina) and Aldon Warren

Aunties Sabrina Warren , Dennika Sawyers (Rasheed), and Monique Evans

Great Uncles Dale Russell (Melody), Michael Russell, Kenneth “Jack” Castle (Donna), Derek Lambe, and Stevie Ingemann

Great Aunts Pat Dill (Shervin), Jacqulyn and Rose-Ann Russell, Kristy Trott and Marrcelle

Tickle (Martin), Angela Ingemann

Special Aunt Charryse Bean

Cousins Keishon, Amaya, Xha’Tore, Xhyyeed, Rhyyze, Jamai, Melae, JaKeem, JeZ’ae and Zehdi

Godparents Shawnette Simons, Alana Wilson, Raquel Bulford-Frazier, Owen Simons, Kenneth Simons, Vincent Bean, Lou Matthews, Clinton Caisey, and Marcus George

Godchildren Zaedyn Furbert and Kaio Evans

Special Friends Coshaun, Jomiko, Tristan, Mason, Jerez, Andre, Daren, Vashon, Chioke,Tsyi, Mical ,Enrique, Michael,

The Russell / Warren/ Bean / Lambe/ Philpott / Hollis/ Wilson Families, PHC Zebras Family, Department of Youth, Sports and Recreation, Paget Primary Afterschool Program, Flagler College Family, Bermuda Institute Family, Southampton SDA Church, the BFA

Family, and many other family members and friends too numerous to mention.

Predeceased by, grandmother, Deborah Bean, great-grandparents, Earl “Townsey” and Alice Russell, Thelma Bean, uncle, Dennis “Man” Warren, great aunt, Dawn Lambe, Kim Ingeman great uncle Derek Russell, Wayne, Norman and Eric Ingemann, and cousin Tokia Russell.

HYMNSOFCELEBRATION

I Am On The Battlefield For My Lord

Chorus

I am on the battlefield for my Lord. I'm on the battlefield for my Lord, and I promised Him that I would serve Him 'til I die; I'm on the battlefield for my Lord.

Verse 1

I was alone and idle, I was a sinner too. I heard a voice from heaven say there is work to do.

I took the Master's hand, and I joined the Christian band; I'm on the battlefield for my Lord.

Verse 2

I left my friends and kindred bound for the Promised Land, the grace of God upon me, the Bible in my hands. In distant lands I trod, crying sinner come to God; I'm on the battlefield for my Lord.

Verse 3

Now when I met my Savior, I met Him with a smile, He healed my wounded spirit, and owned me as Hs child. Around the throne of grace, He appoints my soul a place; I'm on the battlefield for my Lord.

HEAVEN

Our God reigns upon the throne, Coming soon to take us Home

One day He will crack the sky, We will tell this world goodbye

No more heartache, no more pain, No more sickness, no more rain

No more dying, no more fear, He will wipe away all tears

When my work on earth is done, And I know I've overcome I shall see Him face to face, He is coming soon, one day

We will walk the Golden Streets, And sit at my Savior's feet

Singing to the Great I Am, Glory, Glory, to The Lamb Glory, Glory, to The Lamb, Glory, Glory, to The Lamb

MARCOWARREN

“ExemplifyExcellence,ExceedExpectations&EmbraceEternity”

The only thing better than Marco the player, was Marco the man.John Lynch

LIFEREFLECTIONS

Sparky

Remembering Marco Randy Warren

Marco Randy Kenton "Sparky" Warren, was born on December 13, 1993 to Wendie and Dwight Warren

From the moment of his birth, he filled the hearts of his parents with immeasurable joy, and their first priority was to nurture him in the fear and admonition of the Lord. His arrival marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would touch the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family

As the first grandchild and nephew of the Bean and Warren families, Marco's presence brought boundless happiness to his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins He was a beautiful baby and his playful spirit would light up any room he entered, leaving a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to be a part of his life He was very congenial, analytical and loved words a lot like his dad; while his competitive, nurturing spirit was probably from his mom as she beat him at everything and was quick to brag about it. He had a special bond with Nana Bean, Nana & Daddy Russell and their clan such as his cousin Twan who were raised with a legacy of Love. To his granny and Papa Warren, he was a perfect gentleman.

In 1995, the Warren family grew with the arrival of Marco’s beloved sister, Chelsea, who quickly became Marco's closest confidant and partner in countless adventures Their bond was unbreakable, filled with love, laughter, and shared memories that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who witnessed their sibling connection She was the visionary catalyst behind his 'Marco Warren' boots, and he, was her graphic designer behind her Uptimum brand. Adding another chapter to their family story, Dwight and Wendie welcomed Marco’s youngest sister, Zianna, into the world in 1996. Marco naturally took on the role of protective and caring older brother. Together, they formed an unbreakable trio, with varied experiences highlighting their love and support of one another, which would ultimately define their family's journey through life He always claimed that Zi bought the vibes as she was mischievous and lively She would participate whole-heartedly in events with he and his friends and she felt no way about beating them

Football, Fishing & FIFA

A special bond was also shared between Marco and his papa, Randy Bean. Papa was not just Marco’s grandfather; he was Marco’s closest confidant and best friend. Their inseparable bond touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of witnessing their relationship Together, they created an abundance of cherished memories, spending countless hours engaged in activities they both loved, such as football, golf and fishing

Fishing was Marco’s favourite past time He was a fishing enthusiast He also fished with Aunt Kristy, Kalay and her dad Don and caught fish for seniors like Aunt Rita, Papa’s long time neighbor and friend and his Granny and Papa Warren Dwayne Hill recalls Marco’s fishing escapades at Pathfinder Camp whereby the missing Marco would need discipline: being an opportunist, He saw Pathfinder's Camp as more of a pathway to find fish Our honourable Premier can probably relate to this side of Marco having recieved a letter voicing his concern about fishing spots in Bermuda becoming privatized He loved fishing near The Reefs Hotel and would share his vast knowledge of fish with countless interested tourist. Another special relationship that would develop would be that of Marco with his Uncle Blenn, and his cousins Keishon and Amaya. From the moment Marco entered the world, Blenn’s heart was filled with immense pride and joy. Blenn cherished Marco as if he were his own son, which led to Marco living with his uncle for a period of time. The stories of their shared experiences including Fifa, football banter and flying golf clubs proved to be a testament to the deep bond they formed, and Marco became a source of inspiration and admiration for his uncle and his cousins

Faith & Foundation

Marco's upbringing revolved around the pillars of home, school, and church, where he devoted his time and energy The values instilled in him were rooted in faith, character, and a profound knowledge of God and his matchless love. At the tender age of 7, Marco took a significant step in his spiritual journey by being baptized at Southampton SDA Church. Both he and his little sister Chelsea took the initiative to organize their own baptism demonstrating their deep commitment to their faith. They called up Pastor Donneival Walker and when told that they were a bit young, Chelsea said: “What, do you adults think they are the only ones who need to be saved?” They then postponed their baptism because they said that their Granny, Deborah Bean, who was at Agape House needed to be there God honoured their faith; granny woke up from her coma and was able to witness their baptism

From kindergarten to Grade 11, Marco attended Bermuda Institute, a close-knit family that played a vital role in his academic and spiritual development He had decided he would attend there from the age of 3 At the age of 7, his parents were going to take him to Paget Primary in order to help his Uncle Blenn to complete college. But after a dress rehearsal drive to Paget, mom took one look at him, put him back in the car, and took him back to B.I. , the school that he loved. Within the school environment, Marco's presence commanded respect and admiration from his peers and adults alike. His inner strength, far exceeding his small physical stature, was evident to all who encountered him There he was a sheltered leader, and could be seen with his boys Mase, Tris, Ko and Meeks and Vash and an army of other great friends, organizing their signature kicks in the auditorium with Mr Davis This also included a whole army of close knit friends and supportive teachers The boys would never forget the time Mr Ty-ron Douglas had them ride in the 24th of May Race and Marco pedaled a ‘lil’ old bike belonging to his 3 year old cousin Kei from Somerset to town He was tenacious, determined and outside the box, and Mr Douglas seemed to celebrate this trait.

Football Career: A Force to be Recogned With

Marco’s initial encounter with football occurred when he was only 5 or 6 years old, during his attendance at David Bascome’s Camp. However, it was not until he reached the age of 7 years, under the guidance of Troy Harvey at North Village, that his extraordinary talent was recognized In order to provided Marco with ample playing opportunities, games were arranged on Saturday nights Marco managed to score in every single game he participated in Recognizing Marco’s immense potential, Curtis Degraff escorted him to the esteemed Shultz Soccer School, where he mesmerized e his remarkable stature captivated the audience Spectators excitedly flocked to whichever side of the field Marco occupied, vying for a better glimpse of him in action

At the age of eleven, Marco was presented with a remarkable opportunity to play football overseas A BFUT scout from Brazil had arrived on the island, searching for local talent Although initially overlooked due to the coach unexpectedly leaving him on the sidelines ; God intervened, and Marco still caught the eye of the scout who observed him playing by himself. He could not help but notice Marco’s impressive skills on display. Recognizing his potential, the scout extended an extraordinary opportunity to Marco, inviting him to attend trials in Florida. Marco stood alone as the sole player from his team selected for this once-in-a-lifetime chance.

The trials in Florida held the promise of propelling aspiring footballers to a second round of competitive play, where only the most talented individuals would be scouted to play in Brazil Driven by the opportunity at hand, Marco fearlessly faced the challenge head-on, leaving an unforgettable impression on the coaches His skill on the field, combined with his exceptional thinking abilities and methodical approach, earned him the prestigious honor of being chosen to travel to Brazil, the home of his favourite athlete, Ronaldinho. Given the option to invite two guest players, Marco selflessly chose to bring along his cousins, Gandia and Markeem, to join him on this extraordinary journey. Together, they embraced the opportunity to partake in rigorous training sessions alongside Marco, bound together by their shared love for the game and their unwavering determination to excel. In Brazil, the coaches meticulously evaluated every aspect of the players' performances, scrutinizing their dribbling, passing, skill set, and overall game intelligence It was during this intense evaluation process that Marco's exceptional qualities truly shone through The said he had a football brain Despite being exceptionally tiny in size, his journey exemplified his unwavering determination and the incredible potential that lay within him

Marco’s high school years at Bermuda Institute proved beneficial to his overall growth and development as it relates to his Christian values, his academics and his participation in athletics. On one occasion, Marco was selected to play in the East vs. West All Star Football Game. However, God would again have his way with Marco, and he and his friend Tristan Hall and Donte Brangman were given an opportunity to display their skills in an exhibition match for Nahki Wells During this exhibition match, Marco's exceptional performance caught the attention of recruiters from Montverde Academy in Florida, who offered him a scholarship for his final year of high school Though reluctant at first, his parents, ultimately accepted the opportunity, and Marco flourished, leaving an unforgettable mark on the American football scene. His team, coached by the outstanding Mike Potempa, went undefeated for an entire season, earning him a place in the History Book of America and having him being interviewed on ESPN. He also earned the Coaches Player of the Year Award which was a testament to not only his football ability but his outstanding character as a team player It was at Montverde that he got the opportunity to play with players from at least 5 continents speaking various languages where their motto was “La Familia”: the family

After graduating from Montverde Academy in 2011, Marco was accepted into Flagler College, located in Saint Augustine, Florida While at Flagler College, he made a significant impact on the football field, earning several accolades as a member of the college's football team People would drive for hours just to see 'Mini' play He, a little David, was merely 5' 3" while the average player was a 6' 2" Goliath Marco's agility would leave them on the ground. He was undaunted as his Godpa Marcus was 6' too, with a size 15 shoe, and he prepared Marco while playing with him for his first 16 years in the backyard Although he started as a redshirted freshman, Marco's dedication and skill impressed his coaches and teammates throughout his college years Reflecting on Marco's character, his football coach expressed profound admiration, referring to him as a talented angel. According to coach John Lynch, Marco's exceptional qualities as a person surpassed even his remarkable abilities as a player “The only thing greater than Marco the player was Marco the man.” John Jordan, assistant director of Sports at Flagler College informed the family that they would be making a graphic of Marco to honour his life: “ Marco touched so many lives here and was such a positive influence here that we feel it is important that his life be honored in such a way "

This gives further testament to the person who Marco was Marco's talents at Flagler College extended beyond the realm of athletics Marco pursued his passion for Graphic Design and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in the field This achievement served as a catalyst for his entrepreneurial journey, as he fearlessly established his own company, Marcowarren Design.

As the visionary CEO, Marco’s exceptional talents in print design, branding and photo editing shone brightly, capturing the essence of his clients’ businesses through captivating visual representations. Time and again, Marco became the creative force behind the branding and logo designs for many of his family and friends’ ventures, and his community at large Such was the case with Marco’s sister, Chelsea, whose logo he created for her clothing line – Uptimum Bodied and the countless number of church design projects worked on with his great Aunt Ro-Ro He creative ability would be evident in his position as supervisor for the Paget Primary After School Program. The activities that he planned for the kids were exceptional, and his bulletin board, created by hand, was meticulous He also made creative memes for his football team PHC to make them laugh and lighten their spirits when they fussed or to simply make fun or get a point across His many design projects can be seen at Youth & Sports, The BFA and his beloved PHC Club He also branded and created impressive logos and business cards for his family and friends Aunt Rita holds her cookie jar design that Marco created just for her dear to her heart He valued people

In addition to his ventures on behalf of others, Marco boldly explored his own artistic visions. Blending his passion for design and his love for football, he carefully designed his very own Bermuda boot and tracksuit, showcasing his talent and innovation Through these personal creations, Marco demonstrated the remarkable fusion of his degree and entrepreneurial spirit, turning his creative abilities into a fulfilling reality. He couldn't find a professional boot to fit; so with the encouragement of his Sister Chelsea, he made one It was a labour of love

I thought my purpose was football until I figured out that my purpose was to make a difference in people's lives. - M.W.

Following Marco’s return home from college, he was a force to be reckoned with on the field. Marco's fearlessness and competitive spirit were unmatched. He never hesitated to face opponents who possessed physical advantages, using his early experiences in life as opportunities to grow and develop resilience. Marco's actions spoke louder than words, and he consistently proved his worth, silencing doubters and proving that he could compete with the best. His unwavering dedication and unmatched drive inspired his teammates and those who witnessed his extraordinary skills.

As the captain for the PHC Zebras, Marco’s remarkable talent and leadership qualities led to him being crowned as the league’s Most Valuable Player not once, but three times, in the years 2018, 2022 and 2023.His consistent excellence on the field earned him well-deserved recognition. This year, the team that he loved won the Friendship and League just missing the coveted ‘Triple Crown’. But his Papa said, Marco’s 3rd crown would be the crown of life. Marco loved his beautiful PHC family: the coaches, players, members and fans alike, and they loved him. They were his community, and he lived with them to make Bermuda just a little bit better.

Marco's vision for football in Bermuda, however, extended beyond individual success; he was seeking to transform the island’s football scene by building camaraderie and teamwork among players in order to play a small part in bringing unity to the community. His commitment to excellence would eventually extend to him founding the "Backyard Ballers," a summer training program outside of the official Bermuda Football Association's domain. Through this initiative, Marco handpicked individuals, analyzing their skills and proving them with guidance to help them improve. His goal was to create a football community that thrived on shared passion, where players pushed each other to excel, fostering a vibrant and competitive football culture. Through Backyard Ballers, Marco believed that all involved could become an active force in their individual communities and Bermuda at large and make a difference in the lives of others. It was on Purvis’ field, that the impact of Marco's initiative was evident. He dedicated himself to the game he loved and became a catalyst for positive change He and his papa Mr Randy Bean would cut the grass, build goals from scratch, coach the players, critique them and give them report cards, give Skittles to the winner of the scrimmage, edit the footage, design a logo and post it on YouTube, all for free

He saw Backyard Ballers as a start to mending divisions and fostering unity among all the local clubs that would spill into them providing a safe, positive place for our youth to thrive. But in order for players to convince spectators to come out to the games, they had to give them something special to watch: They had to entertain the crowd. Through the vehicle of sport, he would help to bring people together to make a difference in the lives of others and positively impact his country that he loved! It was for this reason that he had also passionately talked about forming a players' union In order for the game of soccer to improve and positively affect change in the community, the voice of all stakeholders needed to be heard and blended, and then the country on a whole would win! While Marco was small in stature

(5' 4' with a size 5 shoe), he was a giant of a man with a huge heart He did not let his small stature stop him from achieving his goals and succeeded in much against all odds Perhaps God made him small for His glory so that his exploits would be 'ReMarCable', Memorable; 'A Marc of Excellence' for all to see; one used to point us back to a loving Saviour who died on Calvary for you and me He was truly a 'Gift from God' used simply to make a difference in the lives of others: A special One with a Special, with a special message for such a time as this.

Fellowmen & Fisher of Man, Building Foundations with Purpose

Marco possessed a remarkable intellect that deeply touched the lives of all who knew him. His brilliance was a fundamental part of his identity, shaping the course of his life. There was no room for chance or luck in his accomplishments, as he approached each task and endeavor with a commitment to thoroughness and meticulous attention to detail This could be witnessed in all facets of Marcos life; football, teaching, graphic design, building and caring for people, but it could most definitely be seen in his work at 'Youth and Sports'

For a remarkable span of thirteen years, Marco dedicated himself to the working for the Department of Youth and Sports, where he had the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in various roles Initially, Marco volunteered his services working at Camp Chameleon, then as a Jr Counselor, Youth Counselor, Sports Specialist, Boys Club Leader, After-School Program worker, and Supervisor at Paget Primary Marco also lent his expertise to the East End, West End, and Hamilton Youth Centers. In these capacities, he not only organized football kicks and fun activities, but he also imparted knowledge to countless children throughout his journey. Investing in the youth of Bermuda was important to Marco, and he took this challenge on with a commitment to making a positive difference. His kids and co-workers alike loved him.

At Youth and Sport Marco also demonstrated his creative spirit, organizational skills, and visionary mindset. He effortlessly built a remarkable rapport with the kids From Pre-K students to seniors, he possessed the extraordinary gift of teaching and crafting detailed lesson plans to ensure an exceptional learning experience

Marco's love of God and family, his intelligence, outspoken nature and unwavering self-assurance were defining characteristics that influenced all aspects of his life His commitment to excellence was evident in his relentless pursuit of improvement, always striving to raise his game and inspire those around him both on and off the football field

Marco truly lived a remarkable life of service to others

Over the span of four years, he devoted himself to the craft of masonry alongside his Papa and his friend Hank. Together, they selflessly undertook numerous building projects, generously renovating the homes of those less fortunate. Notable among these endeavours was the construction of a beautiful brick pathway laid for the Southampton SDA church.

Marco’s commitment to service extended beyond the realm of physical labour. He actively participated in church programs, collaborating with his Aunt Roseann and generously offering his time and expertise without expecting anything in return It was through his dedication that he was recognized and honored for his invaluable contributions to the church community In a truly humbling display of selflessness, Marco accepted a new responsibility the following week Fueled by his passion for spreading knowledge and nurturing the spiritual growth of others, and Evelyn Browne’s untiring belief in him, he willingly took on the role of teaching Sabbath School to a group of seniors one of them being his great-great Aunt Brenda Bean While it was but a few weeks, it was a testament to his willingness to assist wherever asked His life seemed very fluid He wove his way throughout the island serving others and making so many people feel valued and special, and most times, it was just his little acts of kindness that would leave such a lasting impression

All who knew Marco knew that family was perhaps the most important component of defining who he was as a person. Marco spent much time with his family on the football field and at various other gatherings. For those who were not living on the island, Marco was able to bridge the distance and forge meaningful connections with family members and friends via WhatsApp with his infamous voice note ministry whereby so many were sure to get a word of encouragement, a rebuke, a visionary plan or a good laugh as his sense of humour was unparalleled, and with an extremely high verbal IQ, his banter and debates were unmatched He loved to challenge people to think outside the box, and his verbal comebacks were quick He was both handed and both footed, so this might explain the unique way his mind seemed to clock

It would be Marco’s love of family that would indeed lead him to start his own Marco met Kalay (Hollis), and their love soon resulted in the birth of their son, Vega 'Marco' Tobi Warren, who was born on January 22, 2023 Marco's heart overflowed with joy at the arrival of his son, and he was eagerly anticipating the opportunity to pass on his love for fishing and instill in Vega the values of his heavenly Father that guided his own life.

Kalay and Marco had much in common: football, fishing, FIFA, their love for Vega and their seeds of faith Quickly, Aunt Keisha, Don, Patrice, Selah, Granny Hollis and their family opened their arms to Marco and treated him as one of their own, while the Russell and Bean’s did the same for Kalay The bonding of the two families was evident at the shower where Kalay thought she was surprising Marco. The surprise was on her, and the myriad of well wishers ushering the birth of Vega was an event to remember. They shared games nights with Keishon, Darren, Shaquan, Tajae, Tysai and friends. Jarez was added and Andre Lambe and his wife T’iana became an extension of family

Marco lived a life of purpose; fostering unity within the community His legacy extends far beyond his athletic achievements as he utilized football as a powerful tool for bringing people together Serving as an agent of change Marco, brought people together from all walks of life. Marco's life was a shining example of true leadership, defined by the strength of his character and his ability to inspire others. Today, we bid farewell to Marco Randy Kenton "Sparky" Warren, grateful for the profound impact he had on our lives May he rest in peace, knowing that his remarkable journey on earth will be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him May he inherit that 3rd Crown: The Best Triple Crown on that 'Great Getting up Morning' with the promise of 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 and John 3:16 and the gift of eternal life, and may the rest of us 'not get ready, but be ready' for that awesome, special day!

MARCOWARRENDESIGNS

They didn't make boots for players small like me, so I had to "find a path or make one".

Introducing Marco Warren, the Genesis.

FAMILYTRIBUTES

Tribute from Zianna:Sister

Tribute to Marco

From the time we were kids in the yard playing football, to the challenge of seeing which one of us can go the furthest to steal mom and dads cookies without getting caught, to baptizing each other in the tub we have been inseparable. Up into adult years the only thing that separated all of us was distance once

Sister

Marco was far more than a brother; he was my childhood adventure. Before there were three, there were two. As soon as I got out of the womb, an eager, little fellow welcomed me; someone who made it their mission to teach me everything they knew, protect me from this wicked world & push me to be the best that I could be. I had him all to myself, until out pops baby number three! Our parents didn’t waste any time. He took Zi, Yella Banana, under his wing and they became partners in crime. My nickname “SNITCH” still follows me today! I would “prick” on them when they disobeyed, then cry when they had to meet their consequences, aka the belt. I explained that I told on them because I never ever wanted to see them hurt, I was trying to protect them, however, my explanation didn’t hold up in the courts of Marco. Life was fun with three and I always felt like the luckiest girl in the world to be blessed with siblings… it’s like God knew we needed each other. We had an unforgettable childhood! We would stay up late and play games after our parents tucked us into bed. They would chill out in the living room to finally catch a break. Marco with his competitive nature, made up a game to see who can make it the furthest to the living room without being caught. A fun time we had, as we would giggle when one of us failed the test and got in trouble!

The partners in crime duo started to wear off on me, and I remember participating in one of their high-risk activities. We weren’t allowed to go trick or treating, however, Zi and Marcs wanted candy so bad! Cut-out sheet ghost costumes, courtesy of DJ Chubb, had us ready to roll. We jumped out of our back window and headed for a fun night out! Of course, consequences met us at the door, but the fun with siblings was worth the licks. From playing football in the yard with DJ Chubb, Dillan, CJ and many of our neighbors, to running from dogs and playing Ding Dong Ditch up Cedar Hill, we had the best times together! Oh, the memories we had! Having a brother like Marco, the pressure was on.

Marco was remarkable. Because he taught me everything he knew, I started to become good at A LOT of things. When I started to win against him, I expected him to own up to my greatness but instead, he would simply just call me a FLUKE! I could have beaten him three times in a row, but he would still insist that I was a FLUKE. We recently went fishing, and on the way, he told me how I was a chomp, and I wouldn’t catch anything! Welp, triumph came my way, as I was the first person out of everyone to catch something! He simply looked at me and said, “YOU’RE A FLUKE”, and kicked my tiny fish overboard. (He said it was too tiny to keep lol!) Marco was far more than a brother, he was my legal counsel, my confidant, my relationship counselor (aka the love doctor), my motivator.

I loved being his big little sister! I would send him my IG pictures and tell him to rate them because annoying him would bring out Marco’s funniest remarks! I never cared for validation from anyone else, but him. I would send him all my graphic work, just so that he can grade it, and shower me with praises! LOL! Because of his caliber of excellence, he was a tough one to please, therefore I knew when he gave me a compliment, he meant it. I would wear it like a badge of honor! He never gave out 100 percent because he felt like I needed room to improve no matter how great we both thought it was. He always could tell when I felt low or down, or I was on the verge of giving up! He would pump me up with jokes, words of affirmation, and remind me of how proud he was! He knew that’s all I needed to get back in the race! He used to tell me STRESSED spelled backward was DESSERTS, so go get some then come back and fight the good fight!

Apart from annoying him, I had his back and he had mine too. If I went to my brother for advice and he told me I was right, that’s all that mattered! There were times when I had got into it with the ENTIRE family, except Marco, and he would assure me that it was not me but them! When it came to him, I always stood ten toes down! As siblings, we vowed to protect each other and be there through the good and the bad.

My brother will forever be my keeper. One thing that I admired about Marco was that the little things surely mattered to him in a big way. He valued thoughtfulness, he valued time, he valued family, and support! Every time I would travel home, I was flooded with texts from people asking me to bring things home. Not one of those texts was from Marco, ever. I would intentionally write him to see if he wanted anything. I would even keep him abreast of the newest sneakers, or gadgets to see if I could sway his mind. Two days before my flight, I would receive a message from Marco asking me to bring home this same African necklace I would purchase each time, and a beaded bracelet.

Last Christmas, he simply asked for some Southwestern sauce from Buffalo Wild Wings! For Marco, I would jump hoops to make it happen, so Zi and I began our journey! When I arrived the worker looked perplexed, as I don’t believe that specific one was sold in a bottle. To be honest, I’m not sure if they sell it at all. I explained to the worker that I really need it. After 30 mins, I walked out with a circular container filled with sauce, just for Marco. When I arrived home, he lit up like a Christmas tree and explained that my efforts were more valuable to him than the sauce.

Support meant everything to Marco! Once, I landed in Bermuda my mission was to attend every single game! When dialoguing with him, he was very simple but deep. I didn’t have to guess what he was thinking as he kept it real. For his most recent awards ceremony, I called him to ask him if he wanted me there. He left me in awe with the explanation of wanting to support him being a choice, by saying “It’s very simple, either you want to support me or you don’t!” Marco was remarkable. He was like a sponge; he was dedicated to knowledge, and he would write his vocabulary words down. Marco was far more than a brother, he was my business partner, my right-hand man!

We were inseparable, I decided to pursue and test my entrepreneurial skills at the age of five, knocking on my neighbor's doors to sell my birthday cake! With Marco standing right next to me, he collected the sales! I made $25; I kept $20 for myself and gave Marco $5. We often worked closely together on various projects! Marco would chuckle as he went to school for graphic design, and I just picked up the gift from watching him and studying this app called Canva! Our memorable experiences were at 1a.m; that was the best time for us to get our creative juices flowing! When I started Uptimum Bodied in 2017, Marco was the one, that propelled it forward! He designed the official logo for my brand which has been recognized worldwide. Marco supported me to the core. He wore Uptimum almost every single day! He believed in the brand; he believed in me! He didn’t just talk the talk he walked the walk. I anticipated having my big break so that I could bless him with a big fat check! But now looking back, I think the reward for him was watching me never give up and us bouncing ideas off each other. He was constantly on my mind, and I wanted to reciprocate the love he showed me! One day he was complaining about his boot size, and that’s when the lightbulb for me turned on! I prayed to God and asked Him if this was something I should push Marco to do. Welp! The rest is history! He was in awe of the idea! I figured he was bluffing, but a few months passed, and he came to me with statistics from surveys he had completed with his team. There it was, I was able to assist him in his manufacturing process and teach him what I knew! I felt victorious because finally the little big sister reigns, and it wasn’t NO FLUKE!

I constantly had to remind Marco, that I do not work for him as I was my own boss. Oftentimes, I would wake up to a to-do list of what needed to be done. He even would slide in times he needed me to be available to watch my nephew Vega. I didn’t even bother to argue or negotiate, I was ready for whenever he called. Marco was more than a brother; he was an activist. God doesn’t do anything in vain. After ten years, I spent almost a full year in Bermuda, and I couldn’t understand why. But God knew. Everything always falls into place for reasons unbeknown to us. We needed to live our last few moments together. He needed us to be present for him and witness him shift the community. He applied pressure under his beliefs and started the conversation of change and reform.

Marco may not have been the richest guy, but he left riches of fellowship, community, love, and kindness. He was the epitome of if you don’t stand for something you'll fall for anything. He stood firm on principle. Right was right and wrong was wrong. I AM PROUD! I AM HONORED TO HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH MARCO’S INFECTIOUS PRESENCE A small fella with a big heart, my gem!

Apart from football Marco the mediator Marco the minister Marco the motivator, Marco was the meaning of how to live in your purpose.

Let this be motivation, to find your purpose, purpose is based on helping one another, purpose is based on how many people you’ve touched. My brother was a great man! I often told him he was a legend, but Marco being the humble man he was, would always just chuckle. He was greatness personified and I'm so glad that I got to experience that.

The journey we started I’ll do my best to continue. I usually come running whenever you need me, I’m there but for this, I couldn’t get there. There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone the light remains

For Marco, I would, for Marco, I could, for Marco, I should continue to be the best I can be, and allow his Legacy of love, life, laughter, and liberation to live on, not only in this life, but in preparation of the life ahead; eternal life.

Tribute from Keishon:

Cousin

To a soul that has touched more lives than we may ever know, I just want to say thank you to a cousin, whose role turned out to be a brother in my life. Countless memories cannot describe how much of an impact you really were on the family. The orchestrator, one who always took the initiative to do things. Whether it was football kicks or a games night at Aunt Wend's house, you were the glue to all operations and made sure that not a soul missed out. Even in our earliest memories, when poppa used to make four trips on his bike just to make sure that all his grandchildren made it to the fishing spot, you were the one reeling in all the fish even before me and poppa got a chance to get a line out. Occasionally, Zi would brag about catching more fish than you and that would spark the competition.

As I said countless memories are not enough to describe how much that Marco was one of the greatest to ever walk this earth. Marco was a very kindhearted man with a goal of changing lives wherever he went. He was very person-oriented, wanting to make sure that the people around him excelled best first, while also excelling on his own. The person that I loved to see entirely was Marco the father. The amount of love that was shown to his son in his parenthood was amazing, you can tell that he was going to be the best father in his child’s life. In closing I just want to let Marco know that that same love he showed for Vega will be reciprocated through the unbound love and support that all of our family and friends will have for him. Once again, thank you for the everlasting memories and experiences that I will cherish for the rest of my life, until we meet again.

-Love your little cousin Kei

As I sit and contemplate the time I got to spend with my nephew, tears cannot help but stream down my face. Conflicted with sorrow and happiness all at the same time. The sorrow in realizing that Marco is gone and the joy I feel knowing how much he was loved. I am reminded of the countless moments we had together. They will be forever etched in my memory. Marco spent a wealth of time with me. Before I had my own children, he was like my son. He lived with me for a time and we played football together every chance we got. I can recall the first time Marco began playing with PHC at the premier level. We had a game down St. George’s and we travelled with a few other players. As we passed St. George’s, Marco with a serious look on his face asked, “Are we still in Bermuda?” We laughed at this for a long time. Marco was typically content at remaining within his circumference prior to this. He normally remained solely in Warwick parish. All other places outside of Warwick and Southampton were unknowns to him previously. As he became a permanent fixture on the team, he would find himself traveling beyond the borders of Warwick and Southampton quite often. It was a joy to watch him grow over the years. Outside of seeing him travel far and wide on the island, he began to take risks as he entered into young adulthood; he got his license to ride a bike and drive a car. This newfound freedom and independence would ultimately lead him to not only start a family of his own but in establishing many other relationships everyday with people across the island. Being a witness to his growth made me a proud uncle. I feel very honored to have been a part of this process. Another memory that I have about Marco is when we played together at a memorial tournament in honor of Jason Smith, who coincidentally also played for PHC. When we arrived at the field, we realized that the opposing team consisted of several star players that somewhat intimidated my goalkeeper, Nigel Burgess. I can recall him noticing Marco for the first time who I brought along to be my teammate. I know he questioned our chances of a win but I assured him that we were in good hands being in the company of both Marco and Tristan. I told him, by the end of this game you will know who my nephew is. Truer words were never spoken. During the course of the game, Marco scored two goals. One with his right foot and one with his left. Nigel’s response at the end of the game – “Ok, I know who he is now.” I think we can all say that we felt honored to be amongst greatness that day.

Marco touched so many people from all walks of life, which can be realized from the outpouring of love and support that we as a family have received not only locally but globally. I pray that my family finds peace at this time and that we lean on the beautiful memories of time spent with Marco to sustain us. Gone too soon, love you Marco!!! Until we meet again!!!

MADAM

To My Love,

We were more than just two people in love …. We were two imperfect people in a loving friendship. Marco and I were inseparable. We did everything together. We were bestfriends, lovers and soulmates for sure.

We weren’t connected by materialistic things but more of genuine experiences , adventures and the beauty of raising our son.

Friendship

Our adventurous fishing trips will be a huge miss. I finally found my fishing match. Someone who loved fishing just as much as me. I used to fish off of my papa’s boat before we met. Once we got together, he showed me all the ropes of how to fish off the rocks which isn’t an easy task. But as time went on, our fishing together was incredible. The Different types of fish we caught off the rocks was ‘Beautiful’. Our chemistry, the way we worked together to catch some dinner, and the fun we just had spending time with each other was ‘Momentous’. I loved the competitions we had, to see who can catch the most fish and the biggest fish. Majority of the time, I would catch the most fish and he would call me a fluke!

The competitions were endless.. with cards, call of duty, FIFA, football, rapping, dancing and more. Can’t forget the debates: disagree on anything Marco has to say, and he would be going back and forth for hours. When I say hours, I mean HOURS. We had so much fun!

Call of Duty times, we were Madamfluff and Fluffy11 the gamer couple. We had our set up of two TVs, two Xbox’s, and we would play next to each other. Some people online loved to play with us, while other didn’t. We would roast each other some days, and other days we would team up and roast our teammates. At times, the game would end, and we would lose and Marco would say “Madam quick, they are talking. I’m gone in game chat.” I knew what that meant, it’s time to ROAST. I would quickly go in game chat and join him. The type of jokes that Marco made were the best like how did he just think of that so quickly, and it always made sense. My family can tell you how it was. They would come to the house to say hi, and all you would hear is Marco and me shouting at our TVs roasting people, headphones on and all. It’s not going to be the same playing without him there, my Fluffy.

Football

To see how much time and effort he put into football was really inspiring. I knew, once he pulled out the tactics board, to sit back, relax and not disturb him. It was always a joy to watch him make his videos. I loved going to Purvis field and Shelly Bay field to watch him practice before his games. To see how dedicated to the sport he was gave me motivation when it came to my season. I made sure to be at every one of his games to lend support. I loved to watch him play. The things he did on the field was MAGIC. Marco is and always will be the best in my eyes.

KalayHollis

BESTFRIENDS

When I think of Marc’s a quote from Ellen G. White comes to mind which states, "The greatest want of the world is the want of men-men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall."

I believe that Marco was that type of man.

Co

Marc's, My bro this life will never be the same without you. I already miss you my friend, struggling to shake these feelings of emptiness. Remembering all the memories we created over the years puts a smile on my face. All this sentimental stuff wasn't your forte so I'll keep this short. As I sit here reminiscing about those memories, I am truly grateful for the competitions we had. It pushed me to be a better version of myself both physically and mentally. Even though you're gone you will never be forgotten. You're watching over us now, but we'll do all we can to take care of Vega and Madam Skippa until we meet again. Love you kiad, Sleep in peace my brother.

Tris

Thinking back to the my earliest memories of Marc, it all started at Bermuda Institute. Although we rarely shared the classroom, it was our love for football that connected us. Lunch time football on top field, gradually progressed to tournaments in the auditorium and from these moments our friendship grew. One of the my favorite memories from BI was when we rode from Somerset as a class with Douglas, and Marcs came to the start with the smallest bike you could imagine with no gears; I thought to myself he can’t be serious, someone has to bring this guy something with gears. To everyone’s surprise he made it to town. He was full of determination.

Some memories include going out and packing everyone into my tiny VW, whether we were going up to Dockyard or into town. Or taking us to his fishing spots. Other times would involve chilled nights of music, games, and laughter until the early hours of the morning. These moments brought us closer together as a group and will forever be remembered. Marcs was the first to bring new games, teach us how to play then show no mercy in the next round! The competition was serious. The game of the night was usually sequence; with an abundance of luck on Marcs’ part; although I’m sure he would say ‘ What luck? Luck had nothing to do with it, it was all strategy bie’. The last games night didn’t end until 5 am at Aunt Wendy’s, little did I know this would be the last time I would see him in person. The night was filled with so much laughter. It was also the night Marcs introduced us to the name of his son, Vega, which will forever be one of the best nights of my life. I could feel the joy that Vega brought into his life, with every new video and voice note there was always excitement.

Marc, although our lives have been forever changed, I am proud to have known you as a friend and as a brother. I find comfort in all the memories created, starting 20+ years ago and it’s safe to say that these moments created our brotherhood.

Your soul was pure and your heart kind, I’ll miss you bro. Mase

Marco was my lil brother, my good good friend. We shared countless memories and moments from the time we met in kindergarten all the way up until now. We didn’t have to work that hard to stay closely connected through life, it was natural.

I can recall some of my fondest memories with Marc’s from our younger years playing tag and running through trees at school to building our science fair projects in our early teens. As we grew older, I remember all the times I gave him haircuts and he would say “ay ya Meeks dats clean” “well done bie well done”

I have several stories of times when Marc’s and I would be on the rocks up south shore fishing all night. One of the most memorable was the time Marc’s hooked this huge lobster. When we realized how big it was my boy says “ay Meeks I don’t know what to do now! I don’t know what this thing is capable of!” So we both ended up holding the line and we worked as a team to bring our catch home, dancing and celebrating afterwards.

To my boy Marco, I’m proud of you. I watched you evolve as I have grown with you. You decided to become a role model in your community and you have touched the lives of so many. Well done.

Victor Montagliani President

Via E-mail

Bermuda Football Association (BFA)

Mr. Mark Wade President

mwade@bermudafootball.com

Miami, May 23, 2023

Condolence Message

Dear

President Wade,

I write to offer my sincere condolences following the tragic and sudden passing of Marco Warren, current BFA Most Valuable Player (MVP).

I know that Marco was a prominent and very talented player who made tremendous contributions to football in the BFA and Concacaf at the Youth and National level. Marco was an inspiration to his colleagues and the young generation of players that had the pleasure to learn from him, he leaves behind a legacy, and he will always be remembered for his skills, confidence, and for the energy and professionalism he showed at every game.

My thoughts, and those of everyone at Concacaf, are with Marco’s family, all his friends and colleagues and of course you and everyone at the BFA.

Sincerely,

Víctor Montagliani President

CC:

Marco Leal, Chief Officer Member Associations & Office of the President

BERMUDA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Tribute to Marco Warren

Marco Warren!

Dinyo, Magician, Van Basten, Skipper. Marcs

There are so many words we can use to describe Marco. I choose:

Thoughtful – Always thinking whether on or off the pitch.

Loyal – PHC was the only club for him. Inspite of the lucrative offers

Respectful – Challenged what is and what was, with respect Role Model – Think of his interaction with children. It was special. Perhaps because they were the same size his was.

Fisherman – We have all seen the fishing videos Kalay and his papa. Father – If you ever saw him with his son you know what a father he was to become.

Personally I am honored to be on the list of people that receive whatsapp messages and voicenotes from Marco. Mine were about what the BFA should do And his thoughts about league structure and the state of the game in Bermuda. When my heart is ready I will listen to those messages again one day.

He was small in stature but we all know he was the biggest player on the field. Sometimes as a coach you would be concerned about him. But time and time again he would handle himself and the physicality of matches with no issue He was a player who had the technical skills, tactical awareness and mental capacity He was equally effective defensively and could be seen putting in tackles that he had no business doing or tackling people twice his size He was what we call a cerebral player He applied his brain just as much or more so than his physical and technical attributes.

His senior International debut was a 2-0 victory against Greneda. Although his career was brief, he was a part of history when we recorded our first victory at the highest level in our region. A 2-0 victory against Nicaragua in the 2019 Gold Cup at the Red Bull Areana in Harrison, New Jersey on June 24th. I know there were numerous conversations to get him back in the Senior Men’s National Team. We will never know what he could have done!

God doesn’t make misstakes

Marco was a gift to us.

God gave his gift the right genes,

He gave his gift the right family

He gave this gift the right village to raise him

He was brought up in the right parish

Marco played for the right team

The right country.

God doesn’t make mistakes he gave us this gift with purpose.

To challenge us

To lead us

Member of The Federation Internationale de Football Association Member of C O N C A C A F

To give us vision

To give us art to cherish

BERMUDA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

To give us voicenotes that will last forever.

To make us laugh with his antics

To entertain us

God doesn’t make mistakes

Now we must trust him as to why we are here today.

How do we honor such a man? How about we ask ourselves what would Marco do. WWMD. Then proceed…

Honor him

Be thoughtful

Be Loyal

Be Respectful

Be a good father

Form that players union to help improve football in Bermuda

Make people laugh

You can even be a fisherman!

The words to a song by “West Love” come to mind in times like these because I know each one of us will experience bad days”

I know you feel alone in this place

Crying out in this place

Mind racing

Pain raging

Fears chasing you

And sometimes it feels like you can’t breathe in this place

But God’s voice whispers through the hurt in this place

The tough times don’t last

But tough people who don’t give up do

So remember the race isn’t given to the swift

But to the one that endureth

Don’t cry because its over. Cry because he happened. Marco lives on!

Submitted by, Mark Wade, President

Member of The Federation Internationale de Football Association Member of C O N C A C A F

On behalf of the PHC Executive and members, we extend our condolences to Marco's family, friends and community.It was a joy to watch Marco, both on and off the pitch. You could tell he really loved what he was doing, and it made others excited to play too. On the field, Marco demanded the best of himself. He was dedicated to the sport which made him become a leader long before he became the team captain. His greatness made others want to be great. As a person, he was so humble, kind-hearted, and considerate. Everyone was excited for him when he became a father and looked forward to watching him guide little Vega through life. When asked about Marco, Quincy Hunt - Senior Team Coach said, “Marco was a True Captain. He led by example which made his teammates better. He believed in everyone and encouraged them to work together for common goals. He saw himself as just another player on the team. ‘Treat me equally’ he would say. He was humble but a Beast. He took information well and applied it when needed. He was the “Complete Footballer”. He saw the value that everyone had to offer. - My Road Dog.”Thomisha Fubler, team manager, said “Marco was one of a kind. He started as one of my players and quickly became a friend and family. Whether I was listening to his 5-minute voice notes or dropping him an activity for his after-school program, or him just simply saying ‘Hi Mish, I need your help with something’, these are some of the things I will miss. I saw the energy he brought to the team and the encouragement he gave. He will be a great miss to us.” Former Senior Team Coach Winston Trott said: “I grew up with Marco’s parents, so our relationship goes way back. I was his first coach at PHC and I remember how his teammates gravitated to him even at an early age. Even though he was small he was always thinking and playing above his size. Getting to know the leader that was inside of him over the years, we were both able to learn from each other. He cared so much for his teammates that I used to get mad at him for trying to help everybody instead of getting others to do what they needed to do. His teammates understood that he was never one to give up.” His teammates always had positive things to say about him.

As a captain I can say he was very honest with his teammates. If it was by hitting you up on the side or telling you in person, he would let you know if you were playing bad. He always had high expectations for his teammates because he saw their potential. Marco as a teammate was one of those guys that if you got him mad you were going to know. He was a joker in the changing room and always came with a positive attitude.

CJ Fubler, Teammate and Friend

-Marco was everything you could ask for in a teammate and a captain. He wanted everyone to get their moment in the spotlight. When one of us succeeded at something he celebrated it like it was his own accomplishment. He just wanted to get the best out of everyone. But as easy going and fun loving as he could be, he could just as easily be ferocious and critical if you weren’t doing your part for the team. I’m sure Shon & Jaylon (especially last game of the season) could attest to that. I can not once say I’ve seen Marco give less than 100% when it came to anything. Just to be close to him and be able to pick his brain and see how he thought about the game was amazing, to put it mildly. It’s hard to imagine this team without him but I know that he’s instilled something in each one of us that we’ll carry with us into each session, each game and beyond the field through life.

-

Kadeem Abraham, Teammate and Friend

Marco as a captain and teammate was different things to different people, but knowing him, that was by design. As a teammate, he was the most unselfish person on the field, sometimes to his detriment, as he’d rather someone else be the star. He was happy to be the one to assist, so much so that he created an assist register just to show how unselfish he was. This was cause for plenty of arguments as Marco was the final judge of what counted as an “assist” so there were some questionable calls in favor of him and there was no changing his mind. He was a joker and was always good for a laugh even if he didn’t mean to be funny, he couldn’t help it. As a captain, he was a student not only of the game but of people. He knew how to get the best out of everyone in whatever way they needed, even if that meant calling you at 2 in the morning to give you an idea that he had. He was a tactician and would send 2-minute voice notes with ideas or videos breaking down phases of plays or ways we could break down a defense, many times he would do this in the middle of games on the field. He was a perfectionist and held himself to a high standard, so he expected the same out of everyone around him. That meant he wasn’t going to ask you to do anything he wasn’t doing 10x over already. He embodied leadership, and while everyone didn’t know all he was going through the few of us who did know just how much he gave of himself to this team.

Shaquille Trott, Teammate, and Friend

Marco had a lasting effect both on and off the field. Listening to the many tributes that have poured in from around the world has really highlighted how much of an impact he made, and the void he has left behind.

To call him Family and Friend will forever be an honour. Rest in peace Skipper. Black and White Always.

WORDSOFLOVE

Competing on & off the field together, whether it was football, games nights at Aunt Wendy, warzone, or our occasional Ronaldo vs Messi debates, I’ll cherish each moment. Thank you for giving me my godson Vega. I was ready to watch you grow into the amazing father we all know you were going to become, but also thank you for your friendship & brotherhood. Until we meet again Dinho

-Daraldo Daren

In reflection I met you before I had Kei. You, Chels and Zi became my children from the moment we met when your uncle Blenn introduced me to your family over 24 years ago. Once Kei was born you all were not just first cousins but his big brother and sisters. Marco the ever loving, playmate, teacher and role model for Kei. You would make your way over to our house you stayed sometimes for days and Kei loved it. You would let Kei win at Mario Cart and then tell me in my ear that you let him win cause he was only 4. Kei hated when you had to go. Our house was your house. Thank you Marcs for being that for Kei from the very beginning till the end. All through your life consistently being that for Keishon. Blessed to have you as a son, Kei’s big/little brother.

AuntRyse

I was lucky to know Marco a lot better than words can explain. He was a multi-faceted individual that excelled in several aspects of life, such as being a meticulous creative, a leader, a fisherman, a golfer, a cards player, a “top” chef, and a voice character for animated movies (he knew Finding Nemo word for word) amongst other specialties. There are so many memories from all that we experienced over the years that I could write this tribute for hours and still not be able to detail all the significant memories. You showed me how to be selfless and family-oriented and for that, I cannot thank you enough. First and foremost, I want to thank Marco for all that he contributed to me and my family over the years.

Khyla

I have known Kalay since she was eight or nine years old but only met Marco in the maternity ward, when I first met Vega too. A couple of weeks later the three of them spent an afternoon on our porch. What a lovely little family they were - such joy they brought to the world. What a delightful and impressive young man, Marco was! He talked about his aspirations for their son, his career, his days at Flagler. He spoke so modestly about his football that I didn’t appreciate at the time what a giant he was in that field. I feel so honoured to have been asked to be a godmother to Vega. I can’t begin to imagine the pain you, Marco’s father, his sisters and Kalay are feeling, but I know your faith is carrying you through. Sending you and your family love and prayers,

Mary

When Marco’s Granny Deborah was sick in Boston, I took him (age 6) and Chelsea (age 5) and Zianna (age 4) to Boston Hospital to see her. Marco and I have been tight ever since, and there not too many Aunts who can boast about having such a great relationship with a great nephew. He was truly my fishing buddy and great company. Marco is going to be a great miss to our family, and especially to his newborn baby Vega, and his mother, Kalay. Hold on Marco’s family; Until that great getting up morning!

AuntKris

MARCOIMPACT

Hank/ Friend/ Contractor & Marco’s Boss

Hi my name is Hank and I’m just gonna tell you a bit about Marco. My experience with Marco was that of when he came back from college. He was so close to his papa, and he didn’t have any work, so he came to work construction with us. I had many good conversations with Marco about so many things. He was a perfectionist: everything he did, he did to the best of his ability. And when I say everything, I mean everything. One of the main things I knew about Marco was the fact that his heart was too big for his body. Another thing about Marco was that he stood for what he believed in. Marco was a young man that believes in the word of God. When advocating for ideals such as traditional marriage, he always made his point clear and in a very humble way. Even in this time here, Marco was so humble that if he was here right now, he would tell us to stop making so much fuss over him. He always put himself last. I am thankful to the Lord for the time that we spent with Marco.

To Dwight, Wendy and family we send our heartfelt condolences to you on the tragic lost of Marco. When we started BFut Bermuda in 2006, Marco was an invaluable member of our elite U13 traveling select. He was selected at our player talent search run by BFUT Brazilian Professional InstructorThadeu Goncalves. He then travelled with the BFut U13 select to a residential developmental camp run by prof. instructor- Thadeu in Deerfield, FL. Marco and the boys were introduced to what it takes to be a professional player. They were exposed to conditioning sessions, technical sessions, theory sessions on game analysis and nutritional meals. He then travelled with the select to Sao Paulo in 2007 with the likes of Zeiko Lewis, Shaquille Wade, Quadir Maynard, Jonte Smith and Dale Eve to name a few. Marco stood out for his technical ability, football I.Q, dribbling and passing vision. Coach Degraff remembers many Brazilians coming to watch the ‘Little Magician’. In 2008 he was selected with 3 other players to attend a trial at Dr. Shultz Academy in Boca Raton,FL. Dr. Shultz was the founder of IMG Academy and Pele’s former agent. It was on this trip that coach Joell remembers having a one-on-one with Marco to explain that he must give more in the physical part of training because as he gets older his skills alone wouldn’t take him to the levels he was destined for. Marco continued to develop and went on to fulfill his potential by having a successful college career, representing the Bermuda National team and winning numerous individual and team trophies with P.H.C. It has been a pleasure watching Marco and the others as they matured, using their talent to advance their education or play at the professional and international level. Let’s remember to continue the traits of Marco by being spiritual, humble, dedicated, student of the game, focused on the task at hand, leader, educated, giving, physically fit, technically sound, tactically aware and a Heart larger than life!

In Prayers,

Curtis DeGraff

urtis DeGraff & Eugene Joell BFUT CurtisDeGraff

EugeneJoell

BFutBermuda

Flagler College Teammate

In Loving Memory of Marco Warren

On Sunday, May 14th, the world lost an extraordinary individual, Marco Warren. At the young age of 29, Marco's tragic passing left his family, friends, and the football community devastated. Marco was more than just an exceptional footballer; he was a beacon of light, radiating wisdom, compassion, and love beyond his years. His infectious smile could brighten the darkest days, and his thirst for life shone even brighter than his brilliance on the field. Marco's genuine care for others and his tireless work ethic made him an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. He taught people how to succeed. But more importantly, he taught people how to live. As we reflect on Marco's life, we are reminded of his impact both as a player and as a human being. His football resume speaks volumes, 12 goals and 13 assists for Flagler College, appearances for his national team, Bermuda, in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and captaining the professional football team, the PHC Zebra’s. But these accomplishments fail to capture the essence of the incredible man he was. Marco was a gift to all of us fortunate enough to experience his presence on and off the field. His departure leaves a void in our hearts, but his memory will forever be cherished. May his memory inspire us to work hard, to love passionately, and to cherish every moment. Rest in peace, Marco. Heaven's team has gained an angel, but we will forever miss you.

CameronSilbar

Coach at Montverde National Champions USA 2010-2011

Very rarely in life do you come across a person who you view to be truly “one of a kind.” That was Marco Warren to me. In 2011, Marco arrived from Bermuda to Montverde Academy in the USA as a timid and quiet young man. The smallest of the Senior Class, Marco began his time with us always questioning whether or not he should stay to continue his education and football so far away from home. He would wait for me outside of my classroom wanting to talk about making plans to fly home and my advise to him was always the same, “Get through this day, and things will begin to get easier.” What we would soon discover was that Marco’s love and passion for football would change the entire landscape of the Academy as he helped us win our first ever National Championship in school history. As a player, Marco was superb. He was confident with the ball, could play every position on the pitch, and had the heart of a lion. He was always willing to play for the team and the brotherhood that was created during his Senior year would last all of us a lifetime. Marco would go on to have a tremendous career at Flagler College and he is the only player to this day that I would get phone calls about from opposing teams the day after a match telling me what a real talent he was. Marco represented his country with the National Team of Bermuda, and was always a student of the game sending me text messages late at night asking about tactics, or seeking advice to help his team on the weekend. But what I will never forget is how happy he was the day his son was to be born. He called me the night before as he was extremely nervous, and I assured him everything was going to be okay. He told me he would call me to tell me how it went, but I never heard from him. But to me it was perfect because it showed me that he was now able to live life independently and responsibly with a family of his own. I could see how much Marco had grown as a man to now be welcoming his own son into the world. It was something that made me so happy as I think about how our journey together began. Although he is no longer with us, his spirit will live inside us all. He was a special person and someone I will always keep close to my heart. Rest easy my good friend and thank you for the time we had together, thank you for the impact you have made in my life and so many others in this world, and thank you for teaching us all what life’s really about. You are truly “one of a kind.”

I first met Marco when his grandad, Randy Bean and his uncle Blenn, brought him to play on the dominating team of the Sunday League, Equalizers. Marco and I shared the privilege of being brought on to the team by Randy – Marco as a player to be nurtured in what Randy called “the Academy” and me as an example to Marco that old people can still be ambulatory! that was 20+ years ago. I have memories of one of our Sunday games where the opposition, being upset enough with facing the talents of Randy, Blenn, Torie, Tokia, who has also been taken from us too soon, Antwan, Bubbles, Toast, Curtis Azhar, Vince Bean, Kurt Johnson, William Tull, Lloyd (Telford), Lloyd (Holder), Chris Wright, Sandy, Kilian and Damian (who was it who didn’t play for Equalizers!), saying they wouldn’t play us because there was a little kid on our team who might get hurt. After we pushed back on that, they discovered another reason why they didn’t want Marco playing as he then showed his amazing skills on the ball, so young and so small holding his own, which skills only became more honed with passage of time – Creative, Technical, Dynamic, Lethal!

It may not be surprising for those of us who know the great football talents of Mum and Dad. But even having that God-given talent, Marco did not allow it to take away from the important things in life such as respect for others, respect for himself and not sacrificing the cerebral side of life. Marco got his degree in graphic design at Flagler, built a successful business and was a force to be reckoned with in fighting for what was fair, as the BFA would have found out if Marco had been given time to help the football players of Bermuda form a union.

Marco generated love and respect for his talents off the field as much as on it. He grew up to be a man of integrity, being given respect but never asking for it because he earned it. Marco was well-educated, talented with computers and design, with humility and humanity aplenty. Marco could have been anything he wanted to be. He didn’t choose to be a lawyer but as his mum shared with me, after Marco and I had talked one day about what to do with a traffic infraction and a ticket to attend Magistrates Court, he took my advice and turned it into a speech to the Magistrate which resulted in the lowest possible fine and a round of applause from those sitting in court!

Death is the most inexplicable concept that we can face, particularly when it comes to one so young and so good. Yet even when it comes to death, we are taught to bless God. Jewish people say the following blessing on a death – “Blessed is the True Judge” ךורב תמאה ןייד “Baruch dayan ha'emet.”

Why? Why bless God? Because we cannot know his ways.

Marco is gone. He will never be forgotten. For those of us who knew Marco, he will be forever in our hearts. For those who learn about Marco, there will be regret not to have known him – “He was a mantake him, for all in all we shall not see his like again”

Goodbye Marco

JeffElkingson

Marcs, my guy. Not gonna lie, this one hurts. We’re heartbroken, guƩed, shaƩered, deflated. Never in a million years I’d think I’ll be wriƟng a tribute to you under these circumstances. But all I can say is, THANK YOU. Thank you for all the memories. Thank you for being the amazing human being that you are. Thank you for being a friend, a teammate and ulƟmately family. Thank you for always being you.

As I scroll through my phone and find random pics and videos of you, there’s a mix of emoƟons: smiles, laughter and tears. There’s a million quesƟons like, Why Marco?? We all know you didn’t deserve this. A humble, fun, bubbly, loving person. You had an infecƟous personality and the ability to brighten up any room. As I look through all the social media posts about you, it is very evident that this is not only my impression of you, but many others as well. You touched so many lives in so many different circles, in so many ways and I’m glad you were able to touch mine. You loved a laugh, but once you stepped across that white line, you meant business, you had your game face on. Easily the best player I’ve played with for PHC. It was an honor to line up next to you. It was so easy to play with you, you were just always in the right place at the right Ɵme. It was quite telepathic at Ɵmes, we just understood each other on the field. The thing I loved the most about playing with you was that I felt assured; assured that no maƩer what, we’d win the game because we had Marco. You were aggressive and tenacious, yet calm. Whenever we’d go behind, there was no arguing and ranƟng and raving, we’d just give each other that look and we both knew, it was Ɵme to turn it up another level. And that you did! (not so much me lol). You’d turn it on, every single, last Ɵme. Something out of nothing, a moment of brilliance, a moment of magic; simply put, Marco being Marco.

You were a true student of the game and that’s why you became the master, the BEST! Most people when they return from school will conƟnue to play, but football becomes a side thought. But not for you. You sƟll studied, analyzed, breathed, slept, dreamed, pracƟced, lived football and it showed on the pitch. When you weren’t on the pitch, you were thinking of how we could be beƩer on the pitch. You’d oŌen send videos, pictures of white boards and 5 minute voice notes (lol), but it was because you were a winner, a true champion at heart.

So many games, so many goals, so many highs, so many celebraƟons, so many trophies. But if I’m being honest, I’d give them all up in a heartbeat to see you become the amazing father I’d know you would be. Cause as much as I know you loved football, I know you loved your family. Once you found out you were becoming a father, you had a different aura about you. You were so excited! Nervous lol, but excited. I just know you would have had Vega out in the yard with a ball and some cones as soon as he could walk. It’s heart wrenching to know that you’ll never fully experience fatherhood beyond your first few months; you, Kalay and Vega deserved that. In more recent Ɵmes, you had messaged me about starƟng a players union which is something that you were extremely passionate about. We’ll make sure that happens and that you’re recognized as the founder.

To Aunt Wendie, Payback, Chelz, Zi, Uncle Randy and the enƟre Russell clan, thanks for raising and sharing this gem with us. My deepest condolences and may God comfort and guide you during this difficult Ɵme.

Marcs, Magician, Dinho, MVP, LEGEND! Thanks for my touching my life, my guy. Thank you for all the moments of magic. Thank you for all the memories. Thank you for being you. May you rest in peace.

Love Always, -Merk

MarquelWaldron

MARCO WARREN - The employee, the Man, and the Friend

Marco Warren possessed that ultimate “I can” attitude and approached his tasks with a positive energy, enthusiasm and that contagious smile with his head tilted ever so slightly. His upbeat personality and engaging style enabled him to interact with clients, co-workers and the children in the community. He was well organized, attentive and would take note of minute details which others might dismiss when designing flyers or videos for our events in order to capture what we wanted. The end result was usually more than we anticipated every time. Some of his signature designs will continue to be utilized within the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation. Marco was not afraid to get involved and assisted without hesitation with odd jobs around WZCC whether it be painting, putting up the basketball back board or guiding our youth through difficult discussions regarding life choices. He was always thinking of ways to improve the community. During a brainstorming meeting last August, I asked everyone for 3 ideas. Marco came up with 5, including brief outlines and also assisted others within the allocated time period. Marco was truly a talented young man. In March 2023 Marco said he wanted to learn how to make a traditional Bermuda kite, so we worked late a few days before Good Friday. He picked out the frame, selected the various colours, then we measured and cut the tissue paper. He started the process to complete at home but before he left in true Marco style be labelled the sticks and put a mark on each piece of tissue paper. I advised him to be very careful and watch that he doesn’t cut the string because he may get so upset that he would want to ‘mash it up’, he smiled and said, “Really it gets like that, I’ll be careful then”. Of course, Marco cut the string and wanted to mash it up, but said his girl was there to save the day and showed me a picture of the end result. When I asked him what he learned he said patience and pride. He also shared that the real reason he made the kite was to show his father he could do it and now understood how fulfilling it was to achieve that goal.

Marco and I would often greet each other with a hug, or I would pat his back when passing his chair at the department. I felt so privileged to meet Vega and offered some words of advice to the proud parents.

When thinking of Marco, the song Heaven by Nathan Grisdale comes to mind. It is what kept me stable when I heard the news when travelling overseas and will continue to keep Marco in my heart. I am sure everyone could relate to the lyrics.

We miss your presence - Can’t believe you’re in heaven now - Knowing you was a blessing - The pain we feel now you’re in the clouds. Everything keeps on changing - All the heartache we’re facing nowWhen the sun shines - We know you’re looking down.

I see your smile - I hear your voice - The times we shared - Can’t believe you’re gone - I miss your laughs - I miss the past - I’m gonna miss the love we had.

Now you’re an angel - Wish I could’ve saved you - You’re in the sky right now - I can see you wavingI can see you dancing - Behind the stars you are flying - When it rains, when it rains - We know it’s your tears that are crying ……

Marco, thank you for creating an indelible mark in our hearts.

Mrs. Diana M. DeRoza Centre Supervisor WZCC 29/05/2023

TEACHERSTRIBUTES

Marco though small in stature was larger than life. His effervescent smile would light up our classroom. He was very respectful, kind, and humble. Marco loved a good laugh. As he grew older he never forgot about his "old" teacher. Whenever we would see each other he would bring me up to date on what was happening in his life. Marco left an indelible impression on all he met. He will definitely be missed.

Marco was one of my "babies"...my first group of students at Bermuda Institute. I remember the first day of school when I met Marco and the rest of my 1st-grade students. Most of the girls and some of the boys were about my height. And then there was Marco. He was so small and adorable with a great smile. It was a joy to teach Marco. I remember whenever his feelings were hurt or he was upset about something, he always wanted to come and sit at my desk to do his work. And most times, I would let him. Even at that young age, Marco was very competitive and his eyes were always on the prize. Whenever he finished his work, before the rest of his classmates, he always wanted to know what his prize was. I would tell him a good grade if his work was done correctly. His response was always a smile. He will definitely be missed by those who had the opportunity to meet and know him.

I had the privilege of working with Marco in Grades 7 and 8 as his Science teacher. He had a very cool and calming demeanor. Though very competitive he was very respectful and took pride in giving his best work at all times. Despite his small stature when compared to the other classmates he held his own and commanded the respect of all his classmates. He had an infectious laugh and a commendable teamwork spirit. He would set the tone for his siblings that followed him to my class in later years. Years later, when I met him outside of the school environment, Marco’s smile and greeting were filled with warmth and great respect as though time had never elapsed. He will be greatly missed. Gone too soon but not forgotten.

Marco made teaching look easy! He was in my first multi-grade class. I was new on the block but he helped to make it an exciting experience. His precision and his competitive nature were a great addition to the daily lessons. Sometimes he would quietly sit at his desk working and would start giggling. We always wanted to know what was so funny! His patience and kindness with his classmates never went unnoticed by us. He refused to accept that the short people were inferior! That was what we had in common and we often joked about it. In his older years, he would take the time out to find me and see “If anything had changed” with me and tell me all about his various adventures. His love for his family was very deep. Even at a young age, Marco Marco Warren has always been the calming force in the class with Terrilyn, Jahshuntae, CoShun, and Shaquonne. He was a stable character, and they all looked up to him, whether he realized it or not. His humble spirit, kindness, and willingness to help others did not change. Each time I read or heard about his accomplishments, I felt proud to have been a part of his journey. I am ever so grateful that I had an opportunity to speak with him the Thursday before he passed and could tell him how proud I was of him. He informed me that he was now a father, and I could see his pride in that fact. So many will miss Marco, but I am thankful to God that his legacy will live on. He has positively touched so many lives. Rest in peace. would talk about how much his family meant to him. I will miss our talks, his laugh, his jokes, and his sincerity. Such a beautiful soul gone too soon but will always have a place in my heart.

MrsAprylTuzo

I substituted for Wendy at Paget Primary when she went on maternity leave after Marco was born. I was pleasantly surprised to have this handsome little boy in my Kindergarten class. He was a gentle soul. Marco was very obedient, I rarely had to speak to him about his behavior. His sweet smile always warmed my heart. He came by my classroom to say hello after he left Bermuda Institute. When Wendy told me that he was having a baby, I was overjoyed for him. I had to get a gift for his son. Wendy said he was excited to receive the gift. He walked this earth with humility, poise, purpose, and a deep understanding of who he was becoming. I am deeply saddened by this loss and pray for peace.

MsElizabethKnight

Marco Warren has always been the calming force in the class with Terrilyn, Jahshuntae, CoShun, and Shaquonne. He was a stable character, and they all looked up to him, whether he realized it or not. His humble spirit, kindness, and willingness to help others did not change. Each time I read or heard about his accomplishments, I felt proud to have been a part of his journey. I am ever so grateful that I had an opportunity to speak with him the Thursday before he passed and could tell him how proud I was of him. He informed me that he was now a father, and I could see his pride in that fact. So many will miss Marco, but I am thankful to God that his legacy will live on. He has positively touched so many lives. Rest in peace.

MrsJoanGoulbourn

LOVEMOM&DAD

Marco Loved Us All

We knew that God had smiled on us,

When He blessed us with our b

Kind, gifted, thoughtful and te

Such a beautifully spirited littl

But who was special to Marco

Wa s i t y o u ? O r w a s i t me ?

Wi t h s o man y hea r t s bein

I t a p p ea r s a m y s t e r y .

He lo v ed u s all s o com p le

And e x em p lified hi s famil

Hi s big hea r t and no t iceab

Co u ld onl y ha v e come f r o

He p la y ed a diffe r en t p a r t

And he ca u s ed u s t o r eci p

Ho w man y he t o u ched ?

So man y , he t o u ched ?

Too man y fo r u s t o name ?

F r om fi s hing , he lea r ned t

F r om b u ilding fo u nda t ion s

F r om foo t ball , he lea r ned

And s e r v ing hi s fello w men

I t t ake s a v illage t o r ai s e

And Ma r co ’ s v illage w a s v

The s eed s and im p r e s s ion

Reall y w e r e made t o la s t

So t hank y o u God fo r t he

w r a p p ed in t he fo r m of Ma

Ma y w e che r i s h hi s memo

Un t il w e mee t again .

The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all who have offered their help, expressed words of comfort, showered us with expressions of love, and called and prayed for us during this very difficult time. A special thank you to Augustus & Sons Funeral Home, Bermuda Institute Faculty and Staff, Bermuda Conference of SDA, El Shaddai Florist, Phc Family, Bermuda Football Family, Earl Basden, Owen Simons, Shawnette Simons, Charryse Bean, Roseanne Russell, Shanna Hollis, Inspirational Choir, Torrey Tacklin,

TRIBUTESCONTINUED

Marco, is a soul loved by many. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have been able to call you a friend. The impact you have had on my life cannot go unnoticed. From helping me become a footballer as well as a better person, I am forever grateful. Although our time has passed, for now, I am happy that we had the chance to make the memories we have together. Competing on & off the field together, whether it was football, games nights at Aunt Wendy, warzone, or our occasional Ronaldo vs Messi debates, I’ll cherish each moment. Thank you for giving me my godson Vega. I was ready to watch you grow into the amazing father we all know you were going to become, but also thank you for your friendship & brotherhood. Until we meet again Dinho.

Marcs, thank you for being you! Thank you for gracing the world with your presence and blessing us all with Vega! Because you were always you, the world made sure to give you your flowers. The humbleness that you portrayed will always stick with me. After each game I ever watched, I always asked you to be more selfish with the ball, always! But all you ever did was smile, laugh and proceed to tell me that you couldn’t because it was a team. That spoke volume because Marcs I truly believed you were the greatest, you could have been a team all by yourself! But no, you were selfless and that’s something God was proud of. I promise to take that humbleness both you and Jani had and walk each day with you in my heart. Seeing our sister’s worlds stop, has been so heart shattering. But I got them Marcs, just like they have me! I know you will live through them! So thanks for showing them a big brothers love, honesty and compassion! Thanks for showing us all! It’s never a goodbye, it’s a see you later!

To a soul that has touched more lives than we may ever know, I just want to say thank you to a cousin, whose role turned out to be a brother in my life. Countless memories cannot describe how much of an impact you really were on the family. The orchestrator, one who always took the initiative to do things. Whether it was football kicks or a games night at Aunt Wend's house, you were the glue to all operations and made sure that not a soul missed out. Even in our earliest memories, when poppa used to make four trips on his bike just to make sure that all his grandchildren made it to the fishing spot, you were the one reeling in all the fish even before me and poppa got a chance to get a line out. Occasionally, Zi would brag about catching more fish than you and that would spark the competition.

As I said countless memories are not enough to describe how much that Marco was one of the greatest to ever walk this earth. Marco was a very kindhearted man with a goal of changing lives wherever he went. He was very person-oriented, wanting to make sure that the people around him excelled best first, while also excelling on his own. The person that I loved to see entirely was Marco the father. The amount of love that was shown to his son in his parenthood was amazing, you can tell that he was going to be the best father in his child’s life. In closing I just want to let Marco know that that same love he showed for Vega will be reciprocated through the unbound love and support that all of our family and friends will have for him. Once again, thank you for the everlasting memories and experiences that I will cherish for the rest of my life, until we meet again.

-Love your little cousin Kei

Doraldo Keishon

Marco Warren, the big brother I never had. I always wanted a brother. You instantly became family when I became best friends with your sisters. They became my sisters, and you were indeed my big bro. Funny enough, years later we found out we were cousins, even though you often forgot. I enjoyed constantly telling you that you were more than my best friend's brother, it was deeper than that, you were family. I remember bragging about you to a few people. They would express how great of a footballer you were. I will gladly smile and say, “That’s my cousin you know”. You always made me so proud Marco. Your football skills, your graphic design creativity, your ability to crack jokes and make everyone smile, your kindness, your humbleness. You were truly one of a kind.

From the laughs, the Debates, the dance competitions, and the late-night rap sessions, you surely kept a smile on my face whenever you were around. You were truly and will always be someone so special in my life Marcs.

So many memories to hold close, which I am truly thanking God for. So many people to hold close, who will always remind me of you. Chels, Zi, Kalay, Vega, Aunt Wendie, Uncle Dwight, I will always see you through them. You’ve made us all so proud. You’ve left your mark. God really blessed us with you.

Forever your sister/ cousin! Forever your Fan!

“MARCOOO WARRENNNN” in my football cheering voice! Every time I saw you, I chanted your name, because you were and always will be GREAT! I love you so much, Marco! Until we meet again!

Love, Donnae Donnae

First and foremost, I want to thank Marco for all that he contributed to me and my family over the years. Marco helped me to see life in ways that I would characterize as thought-provoking, selfless, and most of the time absolutely hilarious. Many only know Marco as the passionate determined footballer who left his all on the field no matter the circumstances and the opposition.

I was lucky to know Marco a lot better than words can explain. He was a multi-faceted individual that excelled in several aspects of life, such as being a meticulous creative, a leader, a fisherman, a golfer, a cards player, a “top” chef, and a voice character for animated movies (he knew Finding Nemo word for word) amongst other specialties. There are so many memories from all that we experienced over the years that I could write this tribute for hours and still not be able to detail all the significant memories. From St. Augustine to Orlando to Daytona Beach to London and of course to Bermuda you touched so many people and I am proud to say that you have left an everlasting impact on me. You showed me how to be selfless and family-oriented and for that, I cannot thank you enough. Thank you for all the support and memories throughout the years. Rest in Peace Marco Warren aka Cheeseball.

Khyla

To my guy Marco, I am blessed to have had some of the best advice from a younger brother about women. I am blessed to have had you understand me as a man. I am blessed by your loyalty. You are and always will be my friend and family. I am blessed to have known you.

This is going to be hard. Marco you were a leader, a teacher, a friend, the life of the party, down for a laugh, somebody that would keep it honest, showed such humility, solid morals, well rounded, respectful, calculated person you’ll meet. So articulate and well-spoken. Just a great Human being. My guy. He made everyone feel comfortable, he made us all feel capable. He made us feel “able”, made us want more out of ourselves. We always talked and challenged each other. We use to compete with each other, he was very statistics oriented. Kobe Bryant esc. Lol. He made me realize that impact can come in all shapes and sizes and at any moment.

We were a duo. Marco + Tre. We terrorized everybody; we took pride in how we set out to play. I followed your lead. To me he was MJ. If I spoke of Marc it was followed by the best. The man wears a size 4 shoe and the ball we play with is a Five. Lol. When people said it the other way around I’d quickly fix that. You’d laugh and say, “Mingy!” You made me want to be better. You wanted so much out of your community and always reiterated that it starts with self. That struck at home for me. We had countless talks about how football has put us in position to have a voice to be listened to. You told me if we can’t give back with our feet, do so with your mind and output. His words had a way to stick on you. You’d always feel the magnitude of what he said at random ass hours . (2am/3am pending a voice note from him)

The story I love that we can all relate to is: we played against cougars, Zardae was going back and forth with me (I’m the talker, Marco spoke with his feet, until..) Zardae saying I’m got Marco and Tre quiet, I’m got Marco in my pocket. Why he do that?! I’m begging Zardae say what you said again. Marco’s got this look on his face, like, “Okay.” This sly nod. Halftime coach trying to talk Marco stopped him Mid talk, I’m got this.

This man came on the field scored twice set me up and Zardae got subbed. Marco walked halfway cross the field to him to tell him, “Got who In what Pocket!” Them moments man. Lastly when Marco first one MVP I told him it’s time to ascend and stay there. When I won MVP in my speech I said Marco let me win it, he did. But that’s what he told me, Tre ya my boy and you have what it takes you just have to want it and be obsessed with the moment. (I swear he was made for moments like them) I won’t hold you. Seeing you become a father was so heartwarming, we ALLLL KNEW Vega was gonna be blessed with not just sports but with a great deal of wisdom! I always told him when he retired you have to do what Kobe did and say “Marco out”. Love you Dinho. Forever. I’m gone miss them Salsa dances!

TreyMing

Amaya’s Tribute: Cousin

Today, I honor you and want to thank you for the lessons you taught me directly and those you taught me even from a distance. Thank you for helping me to catch my first fish, for sharing with me your dance moves, for the times we laughed, the hilarious voice notes you would leave me on WhatsApp and for the constant banter between us about who was the best manager on Fantasy Football. These interactions hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for being a positive role model as my older cousin. Although we did not have the chance to build a lifetime of memories, the memories that I have of you will last a lifetime. I will hold them close as a reminder of the bond we shared as a family. For this, I am grateful. You will always occupy a special place in my heart. Forever loved and missed, Marco. I love you!

Amaya

Tribute from Sharmaine: Aunty

As I reflect on my recent communications with Marco, I can't help but smile at the impact he had on me, transforming me from a non-football enthusiast into a passionate vision board player of Fantasy Football. Marco added me to his league, fittingly named "Managerial Warfare," and from the moment I became a part of it, I witnessed firsthand his unwavering competitive spirit that extended beyond the football field.

Marco had a unique approach to managing his team, often deviating from the plans of other group members with his stubbornness and refusal to conform. While this sometimes put his esteemed "top manager" status at risk, he was never discouraged. His determination to outdo us all, opting for Harry Kane over Haaland his striker in the early stages of the league, ultimately led to his downfall and our triumph. In this league of players, one of my missions was to defeat a few key opponents: Blenn, Keishon and most definitely 'Chris P Bacon’ – Marco. He was a master ‘trash-talker’ and took great pleasure in attempting to school me, ‘Bermy Gal’ as a rookie. His spirited voice notes on the chat will definitely be a miss.

All the stories shared about ‘Marcs’ provided us with insight into the person he truly was - a lover of football, fishing and FAMILY. A great orator, a leader, a nonconformist, and a fiercely competitive player, both on and off the field. He possessed so many gifts and talents that he generously shared with us all.

Although Marco's absence is being felt by family, friends and the entire community, I pray we find comfort in knowing that he understood his purpose in life – to bring the community together. This realization holds immense power! Marco lived a life of purpose and service, using his passion for football as a vehicle to foster unity within the community. We were blessed to have him for the time that God saw fit to share him with us. Rest in peace, Marco!

With love, Aunt Mainey Sharmaine

Marcs: Happy Mothers Weekend aunt Ryse buh!

Me:Thanks favorite nephew.

Marcs: Thanks favorite aunt!…shh tho lol :)

Me:Shhhh emoji

This was lateFriday nightbefore you left us. Who would have thought that was the last of our many conversations that we would have. The night Vega taught us who was in control and you took him on a drive of reflection of your life. Blessed to have shared those last moments with you.

In reflection I met you before I had Kei. You, Chels and Zi became my children from the moment we met when your uncle Blenn introduced me to your family over 24 years ago. Once Kei was born you all were not just first cousins but his big brother and sisters. Marco the ever loving, playmate, teacher and role model for Kei. You would make your way over to our house you stayed sometimes for days and Kei loved it. You would let Kei win at Mario Cart and then tell me in my ear that you let him win cause he was only 4. Kei hated when you had to go. Our house was your house. Thank you Marcs for being that for Kei from the very beginning till the end. All through your life consistently being that for Keishon. Blessed to have you as a son, Kei’s big/little brother.

You where constantly on my mind and I would tell you in our office meetings or what’s app chats; what’s the plan Marco; have you written it out, look Marco you could make a living of off coaching; I mean you are way more talented then Thompson and he is doing it, the market is there, Marco what you doing with your life, come and let me know by next week cause you have a gift, ok so when can I talk about the boots, what’s next Marcs and no you can’t quit, I love you but you need to get a full time job, no fishing is not a full time job if you don’t have a boat, Marco you need to have insurance and a job you have Vega now….. Marco would sit back in the chair and say ok aunt Ryse with a smile and proceed with his reasoning and rational of why or what he was doing. Always ended with I love you and a hug. Blessed to have you close. We have so many moments that we shared. I will forever be grateful for your family welcoming me in Marco. I love that you trusted me to be part of your world. And I will never forget how proud you made me in all that you did. Thank you my favorite nephew.

Love Aunt AuntRyse