E Pinder

Each person is given a gift of time on this earth… to live…to learn…to love and to leave a legacy!

WE CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF

25TH DECEMBER 1955 - 28TH OCTOBER, 2021

Memorial Service

17TH NOVEMBER 2021 AT 11:00A.M.

LEGACY CHURCH, JFK, Nassau, Bahamas

Officiating:

Pastor Rosmery Pena

Funeral Service

20TH NOVEMBER 2021 AT 10:00A.M.

UPPER ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

Pinder’s Point, Grand Bahama

Officiating:

Pastor Michael Pinder

Assisted by:

Pastor Allison Pinder • Rev. Ron Dames

Father Jude Edomwonyi

The Lord saw Elkanah before he was born. Every day of his life was recorded in the Lamb’s book of life. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed (Psalm 139:16). God knew that “K” would transition to eternity, in peace, on Thursday, October 28th, 2021 at 10:30pm, at the age of 65. This did not take God by surprise, in His infinite wisdom He knew from the beginning the number of Elkanah’s days, even though in our hearts and minds we did not anticipate that this day would be so soon. Elkanah’s life was fruitful - he nurtured 7 children and lived to see 7 grandchildren; Elkanah lead a fun filled life – he was an entertainer who enjoyed putting smiles on the faces of those he interacted with; and during his later years “K” dealt with some hard blows as he was confronted with health challenges which took a toll on his body. He mourned the death of his brothers Larry and Ryan; Elkanah celebrated life and doted on his wife, who was the love of his life, he laughed out loud because of the joy he experienced as God gave him a new release on life – a fresh start with his beloved wife, and he cried – he shed those tears for the excruciating pain he felt when he lost his beloved parents - Raymond Whitfield and Verlene Louise Pinder for whom he displayed an overwhelming support and care during their twilight years. In all of that Kanah enjoyed and experienced life together with friends, family, love ones and foes. He labored in every community that he was a part of, his presence was always felt. He was always seeking ways to find the best resources that would provide his family, friends and countrymen the best opportunity to be the best that they could be. He worked with churches, schools, both Government and Independent organisations, and whole communities for

the empowerment of Bahamians and progression and development of our nation. It was his belief and hope that through the provision of coaching and consultative support, and the provision of professional development opportunities, in the areas of education, wellbeing, social change and innovation, organisational development, self-care and self-awareness, and our natural environment that our nation would become the greatest “Small Island Developing State” in the world. He was constantly learning and always seeking to do whatever he could to add value to the lives of those he came in contact with.

He will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a devoted and loving husband, a caring and committed father, a faithful and a beloved brother and friend, a distinguished gentleman, an avid learner, an astute political pundit, and a talented performer and vocalist.

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?

Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?

These are the units to measure the worth of a man as a man, regardless of his birth.

Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed? But had he befriended those truly in need?

Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer? To bring back a smile, to banish a tear.

Nor what did the sketch in the newspaper say. But how many were sorry when he passed away?

25TH DECEMBER 1955 - 28TH OCTOBER, 2021

~ 3 ~

ELKANAH GEORGE PINDER

His precious memories will be cherished by

his loving wife: Brenda T. Harris Pinder;

5 Children: Eldacia, Elkeir (Sheldera), Elyse and Deanza Pinder, and Brenique Nixon;

2 Adopted Sons: Joseph Riley and Justin Smith;

Grandchildren: Elkeir Jr, Elcaiyah and Scinceir Pinder, Jameir McBride, Edwinique Sturrup, Jovayah Munnings and Breanna Bowe.

Mother In-Law: Cecelia Walker Harris;

God Child: Eden Thurston.

Siblings: Linda (Tyrone) Gibson, Melanie (Kirk ) James and Lowell (Aurelia) Pinder.

Sisters & Brothers In laws: George Harris, Dave (Kirklyn) Harris, Kim (Res. Inspector Reuben Stuart), Tracy Harris, Angenica Ellis and Phaedra Pinder.

Uncles & Aunts: James (Lavern) Pinder, Elizabeth Grey-Mackey, Kirkland Wildgoose, Shirley Knowles, Cyril (Claire) Barr Jr., Kendal (Stephanie) Barr, Claudine Barr, Katherine Forbes, Iris Culmer, Jenny (Herbert) Huyler, Hilton (Janet) Bowleg, Inzelet Bowleg, Alice (Wellington) Ferguson, Annette Hernandez, Jeffrey Bowleg and Elvis Bowleg.

Grand Aunts: Sheila Grant and Magnolia Bethel.

Nieces & Nephews: Tara (Calvin) Bing, DaMon (Takia) Pinder, Letitia Gibson, Trumaine Gibson, Edward Scott Pinder, Kristina (Courtney) Willis, Anna (Steve) Jean, Larzhee Pinder, Lomir Joshua and Stevie Pinder, Shameka, Deandra and Devon Rolle, Georgette (Joshua) Collins, Sandy Harris, Nyoka (Otis) Rahming, Kendra, Ryan (Chamein) Harris, Chavonté Cambridge, Deangelo and Brandon Harris.

Grand Nieces & Nephews: Shamiya Rolle, Christian, Chandler and Cooper, ShaMyiah, DaMon Jr., and Zakhyra Pinder, Josiah and Delilah Pinder, Joshua Collins, Stevon, Arianna, Theron Harris and Cataleya Pinder, Keshelle Pinder; A host of other relatives and friends including: Kenneth (Georgie) Russell, Larry McDonough, Stuart & Jenelle Tempalski, Dwayne Grant & Family, Women United in Prayer, Bahamas Manning the Gates, 242Travail, Maurice Moore & Family, Talmadge & Alice Pinder & Family, The Grant Family, Shuffel Hepburn, Maggie Colebrooke-Crissy (Dennis), Evelyn Hanna and Adsel & Alvira Pinder, Pastor Rosmery Pena, Apostle Gail Mckinney-Johnson, Apostle Benjamin Smith, Pastor Roslyn Astwood, Apostle Brenda & Dwight Pratt, Donnna Delancy and Family, Cherise & George Mckinney, Simmone Bowe, Christopher Mortimer, Brandville McCartney, Omar Smith & Family, Micheal & Shelia Tempalski, Simmone Bowe, Valderine Heastie, Crystal Rolle, Sally Thompson, Mylia Yallop, Patrina & Wayne Farquharson, Karen (Dyke) Passard, Calynn (Eddie) Thurston, Brian (Brenda) Jones, Reece Chipman, Samuel Strachan, Steven Greenslade, The Collins Family, The Riley Family, The Smith Family, Oniel Wallace, Peyton Bevans, Tanya Rev. CB Moss (Francisca), Sharmie Austin. Joette (Antoine) Edwards, Crystal (Brent) Ferguson, Deborah Mackey, Joetha Jones, Helena Rolle, Laurene Maycock, Cassius Stuart & Family, Adrian Francis, Cynthia Brown, Virnita Gilbert, Helen Kwan, Donnalee Minnis, Hon. Leon Lundy, Father Jude Edomwonyi and Family, His Excellency C.A. and Shirley Smith, Hon. Michael Pintard & Family, Rev. Michael & Stella Pinder and Family, Rev Allison Pinder and Family, Sabrina Heild, David Thompson Velma Cooper and Family, Hubert and Dorothy Roach, George Pinder, Maurice and Lin Glinton, Rev. Leonard & Juanita Pinder and Family, The Bowleg Family, The Cooper Family, The McKinney Family, The Coakley Family, The Walker Family, The Kemp Johnson Rolle Family, Sandra Rolle, Nurse Agatha Michelle Mortimer, Nurse Juva McPhee, Pastor Gina Smith, Pastor Rodena Sands, Dr. Anthony Hamilton, Pastor Lequient Bethel, Dr. Khalil Philile, Glen Braynen, Dr. Gertrude Holder, Legacy Church Family, Upper Zion Baptist Family, Management & Staff of Star General Insurance, Management & Staff of Scotia Wealth Management, Management & Staff of Pinder’s Plumbing, Management & Staff of RBNTV, Pinder’s Point Community, East Grand Bahama Constituency, The Bain Grants Town Association, The Bahamas Civil Society, The Youth Empowerment Program, Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Other relatives and friends, to many to mention.

Memorial Service OF Thanksgiving AND Praise FOR

THE LIFE OF

17TH NOVEMBER 2021

LEGACY CHURCH, JFK, NASSAU, BAHAMAS

Prelude Legacy Praise Team

ENTRANCE OF FAMILY

Opening Prayer ................................................................................................................................................

Reading Of Obituary .................................................................................................................

Pastor Delton Ellis

Rodena Sands (Legacy Church)

Opening Remarks .................................... Rev. Dr. Roslyn Astwood, Women United In Prayer/The Bahamas Christian Counsel

Hymn “I’m Glad I Counted The Cost”

When first I started to seek the Lord, I’m glad I counted the cost; I fully measured to Jesus’ Word; I’m glad I counted the cost.

I’ve paid the price and obtained the prize, He saved my soul that was lost; And now my treasures are in the skies, I’m glad I counted the cost.

I laid my sorrows at Jesus’ feet, I’m glad I counted the cost; And now I’ve pleasures so pure and sweet, I’m glad I counted the cost.

I’ve bid farewell to this world of sin, I’m glad I counted the cost; And now my Jesus abides within, I’m glad I counted the cost.

I cast on Jesus my every care, I’m glad I counted the cost; And all my burdens He helps to bear, I’m glad I counted the cost.

‘Twill not be long till the Lord shall come, I’m glad I counted the cost; And bear my soul to that heav’nly home, I’m glad I counted the cost.

As I Knew Him (2 Mins. Each) ...........................................................................................

Dwayne Grant (Cousin - Live Stream)

Stuart Tempalski (God Brother - Live Stream)

Larry Mcdonough (Friend - Live Stream)

Kenneth Russell (Friend - Live Stream)

Solo Simmone Bowe (Friend/WUIP)

Condolences/Remarks (3mins.)

Legacy Church

Omar Smith (Friend)

Donna Delancy (Cousin)

Pastor Faith (Lioness Arise International - Live Stream)

Christopher Mortimer (Friend - Live Stream)

Solo Freddie Munnings Jr

Condolences/Remarks Continued (3mins.)

Reece Chipman (Friend)

Rev. Dr. C. B. Moss (Bain Grants Town Association)

Apostle Brenda Pratt (Bahamas Manning The Gates/242travail) Atty. Sharmie Farrington-Austin (Friend)

James Pinder (Uncle- Live Stream)

~ 5 ~

ELKANAH GEORGE PINDER

A Tribute To My Husband (Read By Pastor Rodena)

Tribute ................................................................................................................................................ Justin Smith (Adopted Son)

Scripture Lessons Joseph Riley (Adopted Son)

Musical Selection Legacy Praise Team

Sermonette Pastor Rosmery Pena

Prayer For The Family Apostle Benjamin Smith (Embassy International)

Acknowledgment East Sunrise Mortuary

National Anthem Recording By Elkanah G. Pinder

Recessional Hymn ............................................................................................................................. “When Peace Like A River”

When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”

It is well with my soul; it is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control: that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! my sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more; praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend; even so, it is well with my soul.

ELKANAH GEORGE PINDER ~ 6 ~

Prelude

Funeral Service

20TH NOVEMBER 2021

UPPER ZION BAPTIST CHURCH PINDER’S POINT, GRAND BAHAMA

ENTRANCE OF FAMILY

Upper Zion Praise Team

Opening Remarks

Pastor Allison Pinder

Hymn “When The Battle Is Over”

Am I a soldier of the cross, A follower of the Lamb, And shall I fear to own His cause, Or blush to speak His Name?

And when the battle’s over We shall wear a crown! Yes, we shall wear a crown! Yes, we shall wear a crown! And when the battle’s over We shall wear a crown In the new Jerusalem

Wear a crown (wear a crown) Wear a crown (wear a crown) Wear a bright and shining crown; And when the battle’s over We shall wear a crown In the new Jerusalem

Must I be carried to the skies On flowery beds of ease, While others fought to win the prize, And sailed through bloody seas?

Opening Prayer

As I Knew Him - Live Stream (2 Mins. Each)

Rev. Izetta Bain – Women United In Prayer (WUIP)

Tyrone Gibson (Brother-In-Law)

Kenneth Russell (Friend)

Stuart Tempalski (God Brother)

Solo (Live Stream)

Condolences/Remarks (3mins.)

Pastor Lequient Bethel (“Revival U”)

Rev. Lucian Laing (Upper Zion)

Joetha Jones - Women United In Prayer

James Pinder (Uncle)

Michael Pintard, M.P. – Marco City, GB

Solo Evangelist Crystal Ferguson (WUIP)

Tribute ............................................................................................................................................... Justin Smith (Adopted Son)

Elkieir Pinder Jr. (Grandson), Elcaiyah Pinder (Granddaughter)

Hymn “What A Wonderful Savior Is Jesus My Lord”

A Wonderful Savior Is Jesus My Lord, A Wonderful Savior To Me;

He Hideth My Soul In The Cleft Of The Rock, Where Rivers Of Pleasure I See.

He Hideth My Soul In The Cleft Of The Rock, That Shadows A Dry, Thirsty Land;

He Hideth My Life In The Depths Of His Love, And Covers Me There With His Hand, And Covers Me There With His Hand.

A Wonderful Savior Is Jesus My Lord, He Taketh My Burden Away, He Holdeth Me Up And I Shall Not Be Moved, He Giveth Me Strength As My Day.

With Numberless Blessings Each Moment He Crowns, And Filled With His Fullness Divine, I Sing In My Rapture, Oh, Glory To God! For Such A Redeemer As Mine.

When Clothed With His Brightness Transported I Rise To Meet Him In Clouds Of The Sky, His Perfect Salvation, His Wonderful Love, I’ll Shout With The Millions On High.

~ 7 ~

ELKANAH GEORGE PINDER

Reading Of Obituary Shuffel Hepburn (Cousin)

Prayer For The Family ....................................................................................................... Pastor Danny Clarke (Family Friend), President Of The North Bahamas Conference - Freeport, Abaco, Bimini & Berry Islands, Pastor -The Freeport Adventist Church

Musical Selection The Bowleg Family

Scripture Lessons Pleasant Bridgewater (Family Friend)

Musical Selection Upper Zion Praise Team

Eulogy Pastor Michael Pinder

Acknowledgment ............................................................................................................................................... Russell & Pinder

National Anthem

Recording By Elkanah G. Pinder

Recessional Hymn “Glad Reunion Day”

There will be a happy meeting in Heaven, I know When we see the many loved ones we’ve known here below Gathered on that blessed hilltop with hearts all aglow That will be a glad reunion day

Glad day (that will be a happy day yes), a wonderful day Glad day (that will be a happy day yes), a wonderful day There with all the holy angels and loved ones to stay That will be a glad reunion day.

When we live a million years in that wonderful place Basking in the love of Jesus, beholding His face It will seem but just a moment of praising His grace That will be a glad reunion day.

Committal

“IT’S ALRIGHT NOW”

Pastor Allison Pinder

Assisted By Rev. Ron Dames

There was a time I traveled

A lonely sinful road

Beneath a heavy burden bending low

But now all things are different

For Jesus took my load

It’s alright now I’m His I know

It’s alright now

For I am in my Savior’s care

It’s alright now

My Savior hears and answers prayer

He’ll walk beside me

‘Til I climb the heav’nly stair

And ev’rything is alright now

And down a lonely pathway

Without a friend to guide

I walked in sin and sorrow all alone

‘Til Jesus came and found me

And drew me to His side

It’s alright now for I’m His own

No more in sin I wander

No more in darkness roam

The Lord has placed My feet on higher ground Each day new heights I’m gaining My soul is nearing home

“CITY OF GOLD”

There’s a city of light where there cometh no night, ‘Tis a city of beauty of untold;

All my treasures are there and its beauty I’ll share When I get to that city of gold.

When I leave all trouble and care, I will say good morning up there; I will have great gladness untold, When I get to that city of gold.

There’s no sorrow up there in that city so fair And no sickness can enter I’m told; Shadows all will have flown, I will meet friends I’ve known When we get to that city of gold.

Won’t you go there with me to the home of the free, Would you see heaven’s beauty unfold?

If you will come along we will sing heaven’s song, When we get to that city of gold.

~ 8 ~

ELKANAH GEORGE PINDER

My Darling Husband!

One would think I was not use to having you as my husband, as one of my nick names for you was “Husband” in my english accent this was when I needed your tender loving touch. I called you Kanah when I needed your attention, “K” when I was concerned about your well being and Elkanah George Pinder, your full government name when I needed you to be serious because I needed clarity and desired conversation with you. You said you didn’t like to talk much but that was only in the evenings or at night time but in the early morning hours when I desired sleep you wanted to have conversation. I called you honey when I needed most to be wrapped in your arms, where I felt, safe protected and loved, away from the storms of life.

A life time...

“Man I can’t believe this is for real”… we had a deal, you promised me at least 15 years, Elkanah we had only just begun. Nonetheless, God knows best.

You did it your way...

When I think about you “Honey” the song “I did it my way” by Frank Sinatra comes to mind. You knew “the end was near,” Elkanah although you knew that I am a strong woman, you instructed Joey to be there for me because you knew losing you would be tough for me. So you “faced the final curtain, it was clear to you,” Kay, as you were concerned and could not understand why you were in so much pain. You questioned why you were diagnose with cirrhosis of the liver, you were not one who drank nor smoked. “You stated your case, of which you were certain” before the courts of the Lord. ElKanah you would always joke about how you would hold on to the “hem of my garment” and you knew for sure you could not miss going through those pearly gates. But I reassured you that even though my sisters from Women United in Prayer and I were interceding on your behalf you would have to go to God for yourself. So for the last five hundred days of your life, you tune into our 5am morning prayer. Notably in the last 3 months of your life, you began to ask me to pray for you every morning after I was finished with the Zoom prayer platform. I would anoint you, rub you down from head to toe and go into intercession and sometimes warfare for you. You would join in the prayers. It was funny, when I had asked if you could hear me praying from the prayer room and you would say “honey the whole neighborhood could hear you”, so I would respond “well then my objective was met.” But, interestingly enough, when you begin to pray you were louder than I was. So I would wait for a few minutes after we had finished praying and I would say, “Honey the whole neighborhood heard you praying, and all you would do is shake your head and smile.”

“You lived a life that was full, you travelled each and every highway and more, much more than this you did it your way.” I was a witness to your mentorship to men both young and old from your profession as a master plumber, to politics and governance, fishing and just doing life together. You were a source of encouragement and strength to so many. You were

unassuming but strong in your beliefs yet loving and gentle in all your ways. You touched the lives and the hearts of so many.

“Regrets, you had a few, but then again, too few to mention, you did what you had to do and saw it through without exemption.” Your desire was to love and provide for your wife, children, grandchildren and to serve your country. East Grand Bahama with extension the entire Grand Bahama was one of your top priorities and when you relocated to Nassau it became all about Bain & Grants Town because of my undying love to carry out a mantle that God gave me concerning this bedrock of our society. You contributed tremendously to the development of our Nation, you were never short on ideas to propel our nation forward and you were candid and open in disclosing these views in the public domain. I remembered you sharing with me that when there was a major oil spill in the United States you actually found the solution to the problem. You sketched out how it could be resolved, which you share with Ken and “low and behold” a few weeks later the very same idea you came up with, was the resolution to clean up of the oil spill. WoW! That was the amazing mind that you were blessed with, this was how you captivated my soul. I can go on about the many situations where you provided solutions to many complex plumbing, infrastructural and building challenges without receiving a dime in consultancy fee. But you love what you did and you did it your way.

“You planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway and more, much more than this you did it your way.” I remembered how I use to crack jokes with you on how you were like “Monk” the television character in the sitcom “Monk”. You moved with precision, though to me it was slow, nonetheless, I knew the Lord had sent you into my life to be my stabilizer. You brought balance and support that I needed, even though I did not think I needed it (LOL!). But God in His infinite mercy knows exactly what we have need off in the precise timing that we need it.

“Yes, there were times, and yes I knew, when you had bitten off more than you could chew, but through it all, when there was doubt you ate it up and spit it out.” We had many heated discussions because I needed clarity and was strong in my stance and you were headstrong, stubborn and set in your ways. Elkanah, you would always come back and say “honey I am sorry, you were right, I should have listen to you, you are always right.” I would respond that I am not perfect only

God is but yeap pretty much, I am right most of the times (LOL!). However, there were the occasional times where I was wrong and I would come to you and say “honey forgive me, I was quick to jump to my own conclusions and I did not hear you out, you were right and I’m sorry.” Kay, you would say “Brenda I don’t like when people say I am sorry, just leave it alone.” Yeap I know you were all up in your feelings but I would always find away to put a smile on your face. The one thing we both knew was the love we shared was for real. One thing you would say is that no matter what challenges we faced we never got angry with each other.

“You faced it all and you stood tall and you did it your way.” Moving to Nassau was not easy for you not being in the position to do all that you wanted to do for your “wifey” was very unsettling for you, nonetheless you did everything in your power to make me comfortable, feel loved, protected and secured. Everyone you met knew that I was your wife. We laughed many times when persons would say is this your daughter, we were both annoyed and would just turn around look at each other and then embrace with a kiss and then you would say no this is my wife.

“You’ve loved, you’ve laughed and cried. You’ve had your fill, your share of losing, and now, as tears subside you find it all so amusing to think you did all that, and not in a shy way. Oh, no, oh, no, not you, you did it your way.” I can say that you truly loved me “Husband” like Christ loved the Church, our love was for real. Many nights since your birthday, on Christmas day 2020, you would cry out in pain, and I did not know what to do to relieve that pain. I did all that I could to ensure that you were comfortable and all you were concerned about at the time was the fact that I was working to hard, doing to much and needed to rest. And all I wanted was for you to be restored to good health and wholeness, but God had a different plan.

“For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has not, to say the things he truly feels and not the words of one who kneels. The record shows you took the blows and did it your way” Kay. Despite the pain, disappointments and the fight to live, you fought the good fight, you finished the race, you kept the faith. You made peace with God, and for this I am forever grateful to Abba. So sleep on my love and take your eternal rest in the arms of our Father.

~ Your loving wife Brenda T, “The Defender” ~

Tributes to

Dad!

Daddy,

It’s been the hardest to lose you. You meant so much to me. But you are in my heart Daddy and that’s where you’ll always be. I know that Heaven called you, but I wish you could have stayed. At least the memories I have of you will never fade. I did not want to lose you but you did not go alone, because a part of me went with you, when heaven called you home. So just remember one thing we are not apart, you’re with me in my memories and in my broken heart.

Your baby girl! ~

Darci~

peanut, Papa, (Daryl Miller) “Elkaannaa,” K to few & Kena to many, but most use by me was “Daddy”! This is so hard for me; I just spoke to you Tuesday before you took flight. You told me the doctor is in the room to call you back in an hour, called back but you never picked up. I said you was probably resting, or your phone was on charge and waiting for a nurse to get it. Then I got a call from Brenda and from the tone of her voice, my heart’s BPM from then to now is still off. I haven’t taken this easy, but God knows best. You sent the boat so that we could take Dad out on the water, that didn’t happen. Then we planned fishing trips that didn’t get to happen (due to COVID) but if you were here, you would’ve wanted me to make it happen. I want to take Meir, Keir, and Ceir to teach them the waters as you wanted. I learnt a lot from you, and I would past down to my kids. Love you lots big guy!

~ Elkeir~

Memories of Dad

We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds. The days we do not think of you are very hard to find. Each morning when we awake we know that you are gone. And no one knows the heartache as we try to carry on. Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you no one will ever know. Our thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill. In life we loved you dearly; in death we love you still. There will always to be a heartache, and often a silent tear. But always a precious memory of the days when you were here. If tears would make a staircase, and heartaches make a lane, we’d walk the path to heaven and bring you home again. We hold you close within our hearts; and there you will remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. Our family chain is broken now, and nothing seems the same, But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

~ Brenique, Joey & Justin ~

I can’t believe that you are gone. I feel so robbed, robbed out of time and memories. I wish that this was a dream so bad. Now I’m just stuck with the memory of your infectious smile and you telling everyone “This my woman” every time we went out. I’m so in denial, I just want to call you, and hear at the end of the receiver your voice saying “hey, baby”. I wish I had more time with you, if I had known you would be gone so soon I would’ve taken advantage of the opportunities to see your smiling face. I know that you will be looking down on me and I hope that I continue to make you proud. I only ask one thing of you now that you are gone, please be my guardian angel and direct me to make the right decisions. Until we meet again you will always be in my heart. I love you daddy!

~ Elyse~

…

~ 12 ~

ELKANAH GEORGE PINDER

Tribute to

Papi

You’ve always being my hero. You have always been my pride. You’ve always given so much love and shown what’s deep inside.

~ Elkeir Jr., Elcaiyah and, Sinceir Pinder, Jameir McBride, Edwinique Sturrup, Jovayah Munnings and Breanna Bowe.~

Tribute to our Big Brother

My oldest brother had a fond love for me. His first job was as a welder in BORCO’s yard in their development stages. He used to give me a small piece of his salary, which I always looked forward to. He was truly a big brother, loving and caring. He would take my late brother Larry and me on trips to the beach and other little outings. When he worked at the casino with Lou Seiler, I had an opportunity to watch one of his shows, and he was a talented performer and singer. His voice could move the hardest soul. Elkanah was a fond domino player in his later years as a favorite pastime. On many days, you would find him at the domino table at the taxi stand in the Bazaar and if I ever needed to find him, I knew where to go.

He was a natural clown. One of his favorite questions to any of his loved ones was “Who you is?”. His nephew, Jameir, once beat him to it and asked him the famous question “who you is? Where you come from?” and all Kanah could do was laugh and say “boy ya pull ma button”. He had few loves in his life, but one of them was most certainly politics. His favorite music artist was Johnny Mathis. I never thought it would be like this. I thought I would get to grow to a ripe old age with my brothers. I love you and will always miss you Kay.

~ Lowell Pinder ~

RememberingElkanah…

Where do I start? Whether I called him Kay, George, Old socks…. he was my brother. We were the December born babies and he would remind me of that but more importantly he was Verls first born. My brother had the best voice…. (Yes, I am prejudice and make no apology for it) a Johnny Mathis voice. Always singing in the house whether it was “Misty”, “She Believes in Me”, “Too Much too Little”, “Chances Are”, or “O Holy Night”. He also sung “Abide with Me” (mama song), “When Peace Like a River”, or the Bahamas National Anthem he could handle them all.

I was indeed his baby sister. When we came home from school in Nassau, he would let me go with him at Catholic High. He made sure Daisy took care of me. Kay was loving. He did not have much but he meant well with a large heart. I never knew we had so much family –everyone was our family. That’s your cousin, and he would go on to explain it (though I did not believe him).

I could remember him taking pride in making sure Lowie’s afro was well groomed. I remember watching him shave with some ‘awful smelling’ stuff but oh when he was finished, he looked so handsome, preparing to go to the El Casino where he performed with the best like ‘Apple Elliott and the Band.’ Kay would practice in the garage with his guitar and friends, Wesley Donaldson, Mikie Wilchcombe, Big Van and others. I would always be around with preferred seating.

He made the best homemade fluffy pancakes. He loved the kitchen and when dad and mama were getting low, he cooked the best peas and rice for them. When we last spoke – I never thought it would be the last, and had I known, much more would have been said, but one thing I knew “George loved ole cid and ole cid loved George”. He always assured me that all would be well especially after dad and mama passed. But having said all of that I end with this, Elkanah assured me of his salvation. Here in lies my strength and comfort

Knowing absent from his body is present with the Lord. Days leading to his passing one song resonated in my heart and my sister’s heart was ‘Farther Along.’ Truly we will understand it all bye and bye.

~ Melanie James~

~ 13 ~

ELKANAH GEORGE PINDER

Remembering My Big Brother

KANA, KAY

Tribute from your Cousin!

Farewell my dear cuz, you’re leaving. it’s time for you to go. your friendship was a blessing, and I will miss you so. We shared so many secrets, you brought me so much happiness with your kind and loving ways. You lifted my spirits when I was feeling down no matter what was happening, you knew just what to say.

Through all the ups and downs of life the good times and the sad, you pushed on smiling all the way. God is here to take you home, now you and I must part. I love you my Brother, and forever you will live within my heart. Today is the day you will be laid to rest, but you know what they say, God only takes the best, this time I must agree. You gave when you didn’t have it to give and never thought twice about it. Everything happens for a reason, just promise to look after us, and if you can, save a spot up there for me. The thought of never seeing you again brings tears to my eyes, and even more so, because all of this was such a surprise. But I never question what God has planned, sometimes it’s not meant for us to understand.

Who is ever prepared for the death of a loved one? When the news came – every regret, every delay shouted at me because life’s equalizer – Mr. Death, showed how life should be lived. The memories of the past pains and consequences of bad decisions no longer mattered – only the happy and good memories crowded my thoughts. I longed for more time to share and be together. Kay, I wish you were still here. I wish we could hear you sing again. I truly miss you!

My earliest memory of Kay was just he and I – no Mel, no Larry and no Lowell - around the dining table. A proud Dad sitting at the end of the day with his first born, teaching him math and wanting only the best but like most fathers in our childhood – discipline was the way. He was teaching you math and I am under the dining table whispering the answer because I didn’t want him to hit you on your knuckles a second or third time. How can this paper hold all the memories? The stories that happened when we were living in our first home in Pinder’s Point: us never being without a pet – the singing dog Ringo, our parakeets, sheefie our black poodle; the crossroad next door that lead to the bay where we would dig curbs when mudda came up from West End; Aunt Toni telling us stories about people who lived in the grape trees and we believing her; walking the bay to go to mama – our great grandmother - and sometimes beyond to the lighthouse; picking sea grapes near the end of summer and naming a few of the trees; going to visit families on Sundays after dinner – remember the white long station wagon?; shooting marbles in the crossroad; cartwheeling in the road; stealing Ms. Olive’s fruits out of her yard; knowing every family by name who lived in each house as we daily walked to and from St. Vincent School; buying

candies for pennies or tuppence from Cousin Rena shop (Rev. Allie’s mother); you and Shuff playing Cowboys and Indians; you climbing overhead into the manhole to steal a few ripe bananas of the bunch for us to eat; Daddy taking us to Landry’s music school, and I tune deaf can’t even learn to play the organ; picnicking in the sand dunes of Xanadu and East End. In the second home in Pinder’s Point – covering ourselves in white sheets and running through the house playing ghosts, listening to you, Mikey Wilchcombe, Eddie Claude band practicing in the garage; the Christmas parties at our home with a tightly packed house; me and you dancing in sandpiper nightclub and I looking for you but you stooping on the floor trying to shake up yourself and I laughing so hard; us listening to records by Johnnie Mathais –your favorite singer at the time and mine – Roberta Flack and Dionne Warwick. So, so many wonderful memories too numerous to write but like I said, this booklet cannot hold them all.

Someone wisely said, it’s not how you start but it’s how you finish that really matters. To me my big brother finished well. In Kay’s later years he was the BIG BROTHER that everyone should have and I’m so happy he was mine. Kay never spoke cruelly to me about anyone; he was easy-going, kind, gentle, funny, loving and always willing to listen. I am going to miss him dreadfully, but he is in my heart. Memories will come and go – sometimes with tears, other times with laughter but I’m so proud to have been his sister. Everyone who knew Kay, knew of his GREAT love for the Miami Dolphins and politics. His God-given gift – singing. Whenever Kay sang – I cried; his voice was simply just that great. Rest in Peace Kay!

~ Love and kisses, Linda~

So, as we sit here and mourn the loss of a beloved friend, I have to keep telling myself that we will meet again. We are here to celebrate your life and the measure of its worth and every single life you touched while you were on this earth. I wish to pay our last respects, that’s why we all are here, to thank you for your friendship and all the memories we hold dear. It’s been a privilege to have known you. We were family, not just friends, and I will carry you in spirit until we meet up once again.

~ Dwayne & Dejanae Grant

Unc,

You were the best uncle and stand in dad this girl could ask for. You brought so much joy into my world. When daddy passed, you told me that I wasn’t without a father, and there simply aren’t enough words to thank you for keeping that promise to me. Thank you, for every lunch date, for holding my hand through some life’s toughest moments and for being my friend. It’s hard to process your absence, because it still doesn’t make complete sense to me, but you did well, and if nothing else, you deserve to rest. I love you, from here in time, all the way to your space in eternity. Show heaven what you’ve got and sing with the angels.