“There is a time and purpose foreverything under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes: 3:1
A TIMETO BE BORN
On the quaint, picturesque settlement of Kemps, Bay SouthAndros, Livingston and Mutalyn Forbes (deceased), welcomed their first bornchild. The child was born on January 15, 1951, they named him Thomas Alexander.
A TIME TO LEARN
Thomasattended the Kemp’s Bay All Age School; this is where his love of reading anddesire to be a lifelong learner was fostered.
Uponcompletion of school, Thomas entered the workforce. He worked briefly at theCoca Cola Company in Nassau.
A TIME TO SERVE COUNTRY
On the 18thJune, 1969, Thomas began his dedicated service to the country, when he enlistedin the Royal Bahamas Police Force at just 18 years old.
Thomas’tenure in the Royal Bahamas Police Force was a defining moment in hislife. He took his career seriously. Duringhis 29 years of service on the force, Thomas would have served on numerousislands in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas; inclusive of San Salvador, Andros,Bimini, Exuma and Cat Island.
During Thomas’ career as a police officer, he also served in the CriminalInvestigations Department (CID) and in Security Intel Branch. He wasresponsible for the protection and safety of our nation’s first Prime MinisterSir. Lynden Oscar Pindling as his bodyguard as well as other foreigndignitaries. Thomas was committed toupholding the force’s mandate of policing The Commonwealth of The Bahamas with Care, Respect, and Trust.
Prior to hisretirement, Thomas was seconded To the Road Traffic Department, on 25thMay 1998 where he remained until his retirement from The Royal Bahamas PoliceForce on June 30th 1998. After his transition, Thomas served as aSupervisor at the Road Traffic Department until his official retirement frompublic service on January 15, 2016.
A TIME FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS & FUN
Thomas lovedhis family, particularly his children. Over the years, if there was a family function or church event, he wouldhave one or two of his children with him. He enjoyed familiarizing them withtheir extended family.
Thomas wasan avid domino player. Throughout his life he crossed paths with many people atthe domino table. He was a master player that could easily read the hands ofhis opponents within a few seconds into the game. During his illness, dominoes became a form oftherapy for Thomas. It was one of the things that gave him a sense of normalcyand he thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thomas alsoenjoyed reading and keeping up with current events. His brain was alwaysticking and he took pride in his knowledge of Bahamian history as well as worldevents. An evening for Thomas was usually spent watching numerous newscastsfrom around the world.
Sports wasalso a love for Thomas. He loved all sports, in particular Americanfootball. Not only was he a player in his younger days for the Dr. PepperStingrays but he was an enthusiastic fan of the NFL. Thomas loved the MiamiDolphins. His admiration for the Dolphinswas humorous and admirable; they truly lost their number one fan.
A TIME TO SERVE GOD
Thomas wasone of the founding members of Message of Hope Seventh Day Adventist Church in2003. He also became the church’s headdeacon and served in that position for over ten years. Thomas served the worshippers at Message ofHope faithfully. His years in service tothe church further deepened his relationship with God.
A TIME TO DIE
In the earlymorning hours of Monday March 27, 2023, before the sun arose, Thomas’ six yearbattle with cancer came to an end. In the days leading up to his death, Thomashad recommitted himself to the Lord and ensured his soul was ready for the dayGod would call him home. Thomas diedpeacefully. He is at rest, no more pain, no more troubles of this world. It iswell with his soul. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord,from henceforth, yea. Said the Spirit that they may rest from their labors: andtheir works do follow them.” Revelation14:13
Fond memories will forever linger inthe heart of all those who mourn his passing. Sons:Marvin, Steven,Thomas Forbes Jr. (deceased), Andre, Robin, Romeha, Karshiarnoeand Decoda Forbes. Daughters:Judyann Rahming, De’Ann, Latina and Kishlene Forbes, Tamara Gray, AlexandraWilson, Thomasina Forbes, Shavantae Albury, Shandera, Erin and Shemar Forbes ; Sons in Laws Clarence Sargent, RyanForbes, Lamont Gray and Clifford Albury ; Daughterin Law: Mavis Forbes; Grandchildren:Marvin Jr., Phelisha, Zaire, Steveanna, Malachi, Chance, Serenity,Robynique, Rayne, Romeha Jr., Akiem, Delontae and Dekai Forbes; DiandraWallace, Devontae, Devonique and Devin Smith; Shenika Forbes, Cheronda Roberts,Deangelo Forbes, Patrick Evans, Destiney Coleby; Phillip, Shanika and DanieshaMarshall, Keiranique and Keiara Dorsett; Ryan Jr. Kianne, Rashaun and RavaunForbes; Liam, Tahj and Lael Gray; Ashinique, Edricka, Edward, Ashton and AlexioWilson; Clifford Albury and Cattleya Bethel, Great- Grandchildren: Zion,Deidrick, Brandon, Kristen, Kayden, Kylie, Hazel, Ciara, Dawn, Heart,Kay’liyah, Amira, Devyna, Judaya, Summer, Shannon, Mataya, Clement, Clemcy,Jayden, Sherman, Philicia and Amara Brothers: Lester, Wellington and Norman Forbes, Retired R.B.D.F. Petty OfficerCharles Forbes and R.B.D.F. CommanderKenneth Forbes, Samuel Hepburn (deceased); Sisters:Sylvia Rolle , Brenda Mackey and Attorney Rosalee Ferguson; Brother in Law: Willis Rolle; Sisters in Law: Judy, Katrice, Kordelland Maxine Forbes; Uncle: Charles Miller (Ena); Aunts:Mina Dawes (Byron), Hazel Cleare (Willard) and Aloma Miller; Nieces: Kathleen Bain, Dencie Brown,Tracy and Monica Forbes, Marie Bain, Shanna Mackey, Victoria Russell, Sashaand Ariana Ferguson, Chrystal Johnson,Chloe, Candice and Jade Forbes, SheritaForbes- Ramsey; Nephews: Pastor LeoRolle, Willis Rolle Jr., Anthony Rolle, Terrance Lopez, Jason Mackey, TristinFerguson, Leslie, Leon, Carlos, Charles-Michael, Taureen and Darren Forbes and a host of other relative and friendsincluding: The Royal Bahamas Police Force,The Road Traffic Department,Elvis Ramsey, Jeff Ambrose, Adrian Brown, Paul King, Israel Clarke, KevinGrant, Jeff Ambrose Jr., Rev. Stubbs, Insp. Hanna (retired), Farquharson,Deacon Finley, “Short Hand” Bastian, “Monk” Sweeting, Mr. Collie, JackurlynSutton, Kirton Sutton, Comonseta and Nervil Campbell, Deidre Miller, ViolaJohnson, Carmen Jones, Charlotte Williams, Sharon Rolle, Erma Duncanson, Novelette Baker, Shelly Joseph, The membersof Message of Hope Seventh- Day Adventist Church , the community of Kemps BaySouth Andros and many others toonumerous to mention.
The family would like to extend theirappreciation and thanks to: Ms. Dotlean Flowers (friend), Dr. Robin Roberts,Dr. Darron Halliday, Dr. Corrine SinQuee-Brown and The Oncology Department ofThe Princess Margaret Hospital and all of those that cared for him.
