Sorrow fills our hearts, a sorrow that is deep and personalas our devoted father,husband, brother, community leader, and friend, Leonard Roosevelt Stuart, passedaway on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, in Bimini, Bahamas, at the age of 67. Leonard’s death is a profound loss notonly to his family, but to everyone who has ever met him.
Leonard was the eighth child born to Wilmoreand Inez (Levarity) Stuart on Monday, March 14, 1955, in Bailey Town, Bimini,Bahamas. His parents knew he was born to be a leader, so they named him inhonor of two great leaders, Bishop Paul Leonard Hagarty (Bahamas) and PresidentFranklin D. Roosevelt (United States). Becauseof his childhood bravery, he was nicknamed ‘Brave” from the meaning of his nameLeonard (Brave Lion).
Christianityand education were priorities in the Stuart’s household. Therefore, Leonard’spath to Christianity began early with his baptism at Holy Name Catholic Churchin Bailey Town, Bimini. Since hisgrand-parents and parents were the first converts to Catholicism on the island,and his grandfather, John Levarity, established the Catholic community on theisland of Bimini in 1941, it was expected that all the children would becomedevoted Catholics. He was a loyal Catholic who dedicated his time and resourcesto the church as the Eucharistic Minister/Lector at Holy Name Catholic Churchin Bimini. Leonard’s early educationbegan at Holy Name Catholic School, founded by his maternal grand-mother, Rosamond(Francis) Levarity in 1943. Later, he attended Aquinas Catholic High School inNassau, Bahamas. His love and proficiency in sports, gained him an athleticscholarship to Miami Dade College, where he earned his associate degree. Upongraduation, he was offered a scholarship (first Bahamian student athlete) toSt. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, under the guidance andmentorship of Coach George Williams. There he earned his bachelor’s degree inHealth and Physical Education.
Oftentimes,Leonard would reminisce about his childhood and the impact of losing his fatherat the age of eight. “That was devastating to the family and especially for me,I missed the fond times spent fishing and raising pigs to care for the familyof ten children.” Leonard cherished his modest beginnings and spoke of it withpride, because he felt that it kept humble. He loved life and took nothing orno one for granted. He credits his success and strong family values to hissiblings and the “village” of relatives who helped to raise him after hisfather’s death. He knew he was destined for greatness and oftentimes said, “Ialways knew what my true purpose in life was going to be. I was never afraid tomake a change – to take a risk, or fail and let my family down. My parents gaveme two great names, Leonard means Brave Lion and Stuart means Keeper of theEstate and I held them with high esteem”.
Then hefound true love: Being the distinquished gentleman that he was, it was on theisland of Grand Bahama, 43 years ago, Leonard met the love of his life, hisbest friend, his confidant and biggest cheer-leader; the one he said that willbecome his wife at his introduction. It was not an easy task for him to beBrave because he had a hardnose Police Officer to convince to ask for the handof his only daughter, Ingrid Tynes. Oneof the hardest task Leonard had to face in life and after 5 years of courting, hismission was finally accomplished. Leonard and Ingrid were married on August 11,1984 and was blessed with two sons. He was devoted to his wife Ingrid (38years) and sons, Lenville and Akeem. Leonard’s small immediate family wasmolded with love and respect. He was a hands-on father and grand-father. A manwho romanced his wife endlessly. “Leonard was my rock, my strength. “When I gotupset, he stayed calm. When I was worried, he said it would be ok. When Iwasn’t sure what to do, he figured it out, although we had 43 great yearstogether, it was just not enough time, but I thank God and I am grateful forevery minute”, his wife Ingrid expressed at his passing.” Despite his many accolades, none was moreimportant or took priority over being the best husband, father, grand-father,brother, nephew, uncle, god-father and friend. Hewas completely dedicated to his family. His granddaughter Mariah, wasthe “Apple of His Eyes” and the feeling was certainly reciprocated. Leonard wasa doting Papa and constantly shared stories of Mariah to everyone he met.
Leonardwas a consummate professional who was recognized for his strong moral values, astoundingleadership, innovative abilities, generosity, and deep sense of community. To say Leonard was a good man, is anunderstatement. Leonard Roosevelt Stuart was a phenomenal human being, who madea positive difference in all the lives he touched. He spent his life servingothers with patience, diligence, and selflessness.
Leonardwas a man of many facets. Humanitarian, Leader, Innovator, Community Advocate,Educator, and Athlete are a few titles he garnered through his life’s work. Athoughtful man by nature, he took family, service, and community to the heartof his existence. His pursuits connected communities throughout Florida theBahamas, and beyond.
ReligiousLife
Leonard was held in high esteem by everyone and always madehis presence felt when he was in the company of people, because of hisself-confidence, knowledge, and honesty. He was devoutly committed to hisCatholic faith and grew up within the church and school, Holy Name CatholicChurch in Bimini, founded by his grandparents, John and Rosa Francis Levarity.He became involved in many of the church’s auxiliaries and ministries. Leonardwas a member of the Knights of Columbus in Bahamas as well as Hollywood, Florida.He remained active in Holy Name Catholic Church even after moving to Florida.He continued to be the lead fundraiser for the church and led efforts to refurbishedifice of the church. His last fund-raising effort resulted in the donation offurnishing of the pews. Simultaneously, he maintained membership and choirmembership at St. Phillips Catholic Church in Opa-Locka, Florida.
CommunityLife
Brave was apillar of the communities in which he lived. Heconducted green space revitalizations in the communities as privately andhumbly as possible. Oftentimes, he used his own resources to stewardenvironment preservation in the communities. Mostof his adult life was spent as the “de facto” manager/groundskeeper/fundraising for the Bay Front Park in Bimini, Bahamas which he considered hislife’s worth. Brave was committed to making The Bahamas better andinvested his time and energy into the future of our beautiful islands. His lastact of altruism was spent reviving the green space in his community of Bimini.
Heconnected communities through innovative ideas and outreach, by empoweringpeople to be stewards of their resources and talents. Involvement and expertisein a wide range of pursuits was his true nature and gave meaning to hisnickname, Brave. He absolutely excelled at everything he put his attention to.With a personal mantra of, “Failure is not an option,” we can see that he livedby his words. His legacy lives and breathes kindness, bravery, andunselfishness.
Inaddition to his participation in church, professional and sportingorganizations, he played leading roles in the Progressive Liberal Party (atconstituency branch level and as a Stalworth Councilor), and Past Master, Prideof Bimini#12, Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge, Annual Bimini Native FishingTournament, Bimini Regatta, Glenda’s Annual Road Race and the B.U.B Bimini Drinking (Community Outreach Group)Team, Bimini Sporting Council (Executive Member, Public Relations). He was truly an outstanding communityorganizer with a caring personality, who made a remarkable contribution to thecommunities he represented.
TheMarathon Continues (Sporting Community)
LeonardStuart was an avid athlete. He excelled in Basketball,Baseball/Softball, Cross Country, and Track and Field. His success led him toachieving athletic scholarships upon graduation from Aquinas College (Nassau)to Miami Dade College (Coach Roosevelt Richardson) and St. Augustine’sUniversity where he ran for George “Pup” Williams, former U.S. Olympic Track & Field Head Coach.
Leonardwas a certified teacher and leader who was empathetic, kind, and createdopportunities for others. After graduating college, he relocated to The Bahamaswhere heworked at Mary Star of The Sea Freeport and Bimini Public School, as a teacherand coach. He introduced cross countryto Grand Bahama and also served as the first Bahamian President of the PEAssociation of Grand Bahama. His professional coaching pursuits later led himto the Broward County Public School system. He also served as the Track andField and Cross-Country Coach at Western High School (Davie, FL).
Brave was a passionate sports enthusiast, especially for hisbeloved Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, Miami Hurricanes, and Miami Marlins. Youcould not ignore his love for the Dolphins. His garage bore the unique colorsof aqua and orange along with the logo of their helmet.
Brave spearheaded the Bimini Sporting Council and was presentlythe Chairman representing the Bimini and Berry Islands Teams for the BahamasGames 50 years of Independence celebrations. In 1991, he became a Global Ambassador for theNo Bats Baseball Club, a non-profit group, dedicated to promoting charity andgoodwill through baseball. He was an integral part of the annual Larry Little LegendsGolf Classic, Miami, Florida, volunteering for the past 15 years. He wasalways willing to share his ideas and information and was passionatelyinterested in making life better for others.
Ambassador
Brave’s favoritephrase was, “There is no place in the world like Bimini.” He reveled in the fact that he was from Bimini and wouldintroduce himself at presentations saying. “I hail from BIMINI “The Gateway tothe Bahamas, 7 miles long, 1,000 miles sweet.” Therefore, it was not surprisingwhen he transitioned into a career with The Bahamian Ministry of Tourism, uponretiring from teaching and coaching in 2003. He became a phenomenallysuccessful tourism representative as he garnered progressively senior roles. He worked with passion, integrity, andenergy. As District Manager ofThe Bahamas Tourist Office in Plantation, Florida, he contributed significantlyto the success of the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, Naples Golf Tournament, andEAA Airventure Osh Kosh. He headed the efforts to erect the bust of MartinLuther King in the Bonefish Creek in Bimini, Bahamas – where King spent time writingand reflecting. His “enthusiasm and progressive leadership was a source ofenrichment” to all members of the team and won him the USA Sales Team Award. Brave had the vision and ability to makethings happen, for the benefit of his family, country, church, alma mater, andcommunity. He was stern but fair, overly active but very engaged, but most ofall, he was the peoples’ person. Other areas of excellence in leadership included:Sports Tourism and Recreation Management (Aviation, Fishing, Boating).
Reachingthe Endzone
As Albert Einstein said, “The value of a man should be seenin what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.” In one word Leonard“Brave” Stuart, was a man who gave. He was amethodical thinker, a visionary who was brilliant, innovative, and creative. “Leonard couldmake a millionaire feel like one of the boys, and he could make one of the boysfeel like a millionaire; because of how he treated people." Jeffrey Davis,2023.
Peoplewho met him never forgot him as he was altruistic, optimistic, energetic and aman of his word. Bimini was his heart, and he gave it his best. Thelegacy of the life he lived might be summed up in a few words: he was sincere,he was earnest, he was loyal. Our sorrow is lessened only slightly with thecomforting thought that we had the privilege to know him.
Cherishedmemories will forever be in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He issurvived by his loving and devoted wife Ingrid Tynes Stuart; Sons:Lenville and Akeem Stuart; Granddaughter:Mariah Toney-Stuart; Siblings: Marianette Thompson, Anthony (Janet),Veronica Pritchard (Gregory Sr.), Livingston (Carol), Fabian (Linda) Matthew Sr(Antoinette), and Walter Stuart (Eunice); Adopted Siblings: JosephRoberts, Philip Stubbs (Sharlamae), Neil Stubbs, Sharon Rahming, DainetteCleare, Marsha Thompson (Bishop Wesley Thompson), Simon Lewis (Emily), BarbaraLewis, Pamela Lewis, Stephen Lewis,Phillip Lewis, and Valerie Percentie; Aunts: Willamay Sawyer, IrisTynes, Eltha Tynes Knowles, Velma Tynes Richardson; Nephews: Doyle Saunders(Shandy), Gregory Pritchard Jr, Lamar(Emory), Luciano, Mario, Antone, Inzey, Ashley, Jaron, Fabron (Kenya), Donnie,Marcus, Sterling Saunders, Matthew Jr, Cai (Janay) Jawan and Sean Stuart,Draymore, Wilmore Jr., Jarius, Doyle Saunders Jr., Kendrick Sherman Jr, RashadAshley, Terrance Neely Jr., Travis and Ian Tynes; Nieces: Mable(Richard) Lillian (Holland), Kayla, Georgina, Griselda, Nicoya, Cherisse, Jade(Antonio), Mattisse, Mattinique, Willisha, Nicole Harris, Candace (Travis),Lessette (Elexio), Sherrell (Trevor),Shantel, Samantha, Erica, Ianthe, Khadijah ( Donny) and Nicoya Jones Dean; Numerousgrand-nephews, grand-nieces and great grand-nephews and great grand-nieces. Godchildren:Levell Rolle, Bianca Davis, Antonio Duncombe, Ailene Wilson, and Ianthe Tynes; OtherRelatives and Friends: Cousins: Magdalene Murphy, Alexander, Augustine,Monsignor Simeon, Micah, Stephen, Van Roberts, Sidney Jr, Mary, Hilda, Keva,Leo, Margo, Violet, Janice, Paul Levarity, Harriet Jones, Ruth Saunders,Angelo, Lawrence, Frances, Joyce Rolle, Caron Green, Earl and Eunah Miller. Descendantsof: Barbara Noel Roberts, Sidney and Alfred Levarity, Elsie Rolle, DorisLewis, Bernard Roy Levarity, Joseph Levarity, Garnet Levarity, Mary Levarity,Willis Levarity, Harold and Elisha Francis, Ella Francis Smith, Raymond andGeorge Jones, Langford and Bernice Stuart, Louis, Eric and James Stuart, WalterSmith, Maude Pinder, The Jones Family and Hanna, Heastie, Tynes Families. Lifelong Friends andFamily: Capt. Ansil Saunders, Capt. Patrick Brown, Arlington Rolle, Paul Ellis,Bennet Davis, Jeff Davis, Oral Ellis, Lloyd ‘Duda’ Edgecombe, Holland Bain Sr.,Tiko Opato, John, Joel, Percel, Park, McArthur, Randall, Dexter, Juan Rolle,Ebbie David, Stirling Wilkinson, Suslin Leathers, Charles Robins, Jr., AquinasHigh School Class of 1973, St. Augustine University and Prince William HighSchool Alumni, John A. Levarity Catholic Men’s Group, Holy Name Catholic ChurchLadies Auxiliary, St. Philip’s Catholic Church Choir, St. Philip’s CatholicChurch, Opa-Locka, Florida, Honourable Obediah Wilchcombe, Hon. Fred Mitchell,Honourable Iram Lewis, Honourable Mario Bowleg, Gregg Rolle, Staff of Bahamas Tourist Office, Plantation, Florida andthe Bahamas, Alnora Levarity, Nathan Butler, Rev. Wesley Thompson and Family, Kenneth Stanley, Monica & KelseyWeathers, Rochelle Wilkinson, Justice Petra Hanna Adderley, Justice Deborah andGarth Fraser, Corinne Laville, Maggie Colebroke Chrissy, Iris Tynes &Family, Inez Farrington & Family, Ruby Ferguson & Family, Keith &Stephanie Seymour, Gina, Rudolph and Ryan Greene, Julian, Dr. Ronald, KevinKnowles & Family, Apostle Gilbert Rolle and Family, Sharon & JimmyJones, Rev. Maria Greene, Woodrow, Joe and Woodrow Jones, Wilmore & DavidRolle, The Bimini Business Association, Henderson Rolle, Frederick Rolle ,Bersol Rolle, Aladdin Edden, RichardSmith, Glenrick Rolle, Shannon Harris, Shannon Bullard, Myron and MichaelSaunders, Ednol Hanna, Elisa and Jeffrey Johnson & Family, NathanielThompson & Family, Thomas Ferguson, Barry and Vince Sawyer, Deron andCassius Hinzey, Henderson and Hiram Rolle, Frederick Rolle, Lorrick and PedricoRoberts, Bersol Rolle, Aladdin Edden, Richard Smith, Glenrick Rolle,Shannon Harris, Shannon Bullard, Ronnie Cash, Larry Little Foundation, Myronand Michael Saunders, Ednol Hanna, Harvey & Ingrid Tynes & Family,Barry and Vince Sawyer, Bob Baumhower and Family, Wayne Huizenga Jr. andFamily, Bobby Krell, Tim Parker & Family, Scott Suitor, Jim (Jimbo)Stocktom, Joe Fernandez, Ted Simendinger, Andy Ingraham, Tropic Air, No BatsBaseball Club, Kevin and Candy Benedict, Dr. Jorge Bordenave, Larry Lake,Marcelo Caruso & family, Tim Parker and Family, Bahamas/USA Flying andBoating Associations and lastly friends and families throughout the entireBahamas and United States, too numerous to mention.
