Many were mortified on hearing of the death of the founder and CEO of Pulse Investments Limited, Kinsley Cooper.

Therefore, it was little surprise that many came out for his funeral ceremony held at the University Chapel, Mona Campus.

Kingsley Cooper was a refined man who carried himself with dignity. You could always rely on him for sage advice and insights. He always made time to hear you.

He will forever be regarded as both a champion and icon of the creative industries in Jamaica and Pulse was the first company of its kind to list on the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

I once put it to Kingsley that American music companies like Bad Boy, Roc-A-Fella, Interscope, Jive Records should go their own way and list. He chuckled and said in that Kingsley baritone, “Al, can they stand the scrutiny?’.

Kingsley Cooper had an artist’s soul, his vision, creativity and will were always manifested and he dared to go where others feared to tread and more often than not pulled it off. 

He has to be given immense credit for believing in and bringing to the world the beauty of Caribbean women. In this regard, he was a leader in his field and today many renowned Caribbean models talk of what Kingsley was able to impart to them, and how he elevated not only their careers but their lives.

Sitting at the chapel during his funeral, I was struck by the accomplished women of character he had in his life. His longstanding partner Romae Gordon, who many say was Kingsley Cooper’s muse but she was far more than that. His beautiful daughter Safia, articulate, and intelligent has effortlessly stepped into the business. His two sisters, the indefatigable writer and commentator Carolyn Cooper and his other sister a lawyer, Donnette Cooper.

Kingsley’s young son Cole must be around 11 now and he will be able to draw down on his father’s legacy—I’m sure Romae will see to that. 

Kingsley Cooper was always gracious, learned, generous, a man of sartorial elegance.

During the time I knew him, we would set aside time for long lunches and discuss current affairs and events.. He always invited me to his shows and I always wondered how he remained unflappable given the intricacies that go into these elaborate showcases.

He was proud of what he accomplished at Villa Ronai and his vision for its future. He had transitioned to being a real estate developer, another string to his bow. He had a prodigious work ethic and was always on the lookout for new opportunities.

Kingsley was cool, always. I will miss him and remember him. I have no doubt that both Safia and Romae will bring his dreams to life and carry on where KC left off. 

Our Today brings you these pictures from the funeral ceremony: