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He didn't strut through Trelawny like a giant, but Wellesley 'Gideon' Bolt left a legacy larger than life.

The father of sprint legend Usain Bolt passed away on March 31, but his memory still runs deep in the hearts of residents in Sherwood Content, Coxheath, and Windsor.

Tall and always smiling, Gideon wasn't just known as Usain's dad - he was the heart and soul of his community.

His wife, Jennifer Bolt, held back tears as she told THE WEEKEND STAR, "He was a devoted husband and a good father. He cared deeply for his family and treated everyone with respect. And trust me - he was funny! Always had me laughing. Extremely kind."

Jennifer also described the late Gideon as 'truly patriotic,' and rolled back the curtains to a moment that still gives her goosebumps.

"I remember in 2002 when Usain won gold in the 200 metres at the World Junior Championship and everybody was shouting and celebrating, Gideon ran with his hands in running fashion and shouted 'Anthem afi lik, anthem afi lik'."

The national anthem of the gold medal-winning athlete or team is played during the medal ceremony to honour their victory and celebrate their country's achievement. When Usain won the gold medal in the National Stadium in Kingston, he had created history by becoming the youngest World Junior Champion at age 15.

"When the anthem was being played, he (Gideon) stood at attention with a broad smile across his face," Jennifer said.

The impact of Gideon's life stretched far beyond his front gate. Mamre Flash, retired principal of Waldensia Primary School, has a vivid recollection of his purposeful steps from as far back as his youthful days.

"I am older than him, but I remember him coming to school, walking two miles from Windsor, and never being late," she said. Flash went on to sing the praises of the senior Bolt.

"He has never left the school. On Sports Day, you could pencil in his contribution without asking him. He was very, very kind," she said.

Childhood friend Vivian 'Ricky' Sterling, who grew up with Gideon, had countless memories.

"We grew up together, went to river together, and school for five days during the week. In fact, this two mile journey was six days per week as we had to come to Sherwood to buy groceries on Saturdays," Sterling said.

Eighty-four-year-old Pansy Hawkins, a retired health aide from Sherwood Content, saw Gideon as her guardian angel.

"Gideon and I became friends and we operated like schoolmates. He worked at the Coffee Board and I at the health clinic. On Thursdays, he had to go to Christiana. He never left me because groceries were cheaper there, and he wanted me to benefit from cheaper prices. On some days, Gideon would just drive up to my gate with my dinner. He was kind world without end, Amen," Hawkins remarked.

John 'Peck' Hylton, a carpenter and lifelong friend, spoke glowingly about Gideon, who he described as a lover of sports and a good fast bowler.

"As a carpenter, I built his first house. I didn't know how to charge him, but he insisted that I charge him. He was always kind to everyone," Hylton said.

Renee 'Tunky' Burns recalled their rides to St Ann.

"He was always thinking of family and wanted to visit them in St Ann. A group of us on bikes would take on the journey. The road was rough and rocky, and filled with potholes. Gideon seemed to know where every pothole was. We just watched his break light as he bobbed and weaved over the rocky road," Burns recalled.

As the community reflects on the unforgettable legacy of Gideon, loved ones, friends, and well-wishers are now preparing to bid their final goodbyes.

The man, whose quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and ever-present smile touched the lives of many will be laid to rest on May 4. A service celebrating his life will be held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Duke Street in Falmouth, with interment to follow at the Reserve Cemetery.