CELEBRATION SERVICE OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING FOR
Cyril
Gladstone Thompson II
Sunrise: June 18th, 1950
Sunset: June 21st, 2024
Age: 74 years
Transfiguration Baptist Church Market and Vesey Streets Nassau, Bahamas
Saturday, July 6th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Officiating
Pastor Robert W.T. McKinney
Assisted By:
Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Thompson
Pastor Calvin C. Parker
Organist: Calvin Chaz Parker
Cremation will follow
Obituary
I fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.
(II Timothy 4: 7-8)
On June 18th, 1950, a baby boy was born to the late Cyril Gladstone Thompson and Luella Maud Thompson. They named him Cyril Gladstone Thompson Jr. He was the third of nine children. He received his early education at Western Junior School and later Saint Augustine’s College, where he graduated with honors in 1968. He was an avid sportsman and loved tennis, short and long distance running, badminton, softball, baseball, high jump and long jump, winning countless awards and trophies in these ventures. He spent many years playing badminton with his sister Colene and even his later years enjoying the sport with his daughter Valencia. Softball was another favorite of his that he continued into his later years as he played for the BEC Blue Jays and Shockers softball teams. Cyril played softball in the Old Timers Softball League as well. He also played baseball with Spotless Cleaners.
In 1968 after completing high school he began employment at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) while being enrolled in an Electrical Course at the C.R. Walker Technical College. He was granted a six (6) year in-service award to study Electrical Engineering in England. Upon completion of his studies in England, he went to Scotland for about four (4) years working on the gas turbines that were eventually installed at the Blue Hills Power Station. He had many good times at BEC that included leading the Mathematics Clinic as well as the Safety Training Program. In 2002 his Executive Administrative Assistant, Taynia Farquharson nominated him for the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Boss of The Year 2002/2003 award, which he successfully won. Cyril was a stern boss and it was often noted that the dominoes would go flying once his white Toyota Camry pulled into the yard at BEC. He was excited to share his knowledge and showed his brother Colyn the ropes when he began his journey at BEC as well. Cyril remained at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation for forty (40) years retiring as the Assistant General Manager, New Providence Field Operations Division.
He was introduced to Ellen Lockhart by the late Prince Woodside. Cyril and Ellen fell in love and were married in 1983. Cyril and Ellen lived
in England for a number of years before moving back to Nassau, Bahamas. He loved his wife and was an excellent role model for their four children. He kept a passport photo of his wife in his wallet and was always eager to show her off to others. He was stern but kind and often joked about having to keep a shotgun in his home because he was responsible for so many beautiful young ladies. His dream however was to have a son and he was on cloud nine when he was blessed with Cyril Gladstone Thompson III in 2000.
An excellent support system, he insisted he take his children wherever they needed to go. He held education and achievements in high regard often sponsoring educational pursuits as well as gave tokens to graduates as encouragement to continue further. Praying together as a family was important to him. He made time every Sunday night to host what he called Family Night, where the bible was studied and important family matters were discussed. He loved his grandchildren as his own and insisted they call him Daddy. They affectionately called him Daddy as well as Big Guy.
A great protector, whenever anyone who visited his home inquired about dogs, his response was always, “There are no dogs. Anyone entering my yard will have to go through me.” He was not fond of anything that flew, crawled or barked and if you wanted to see his best dance moves, just
tell him an insect was crawling on him. He was however very fond of desserts, his favorite being his sister Glenice’s famous fruit cake with extra walnuts.
Cyril also loved music, especially classical. He came from a strong musical background as his parents and grandparents were all musicians excelling in the piano, violin, and organ. In his early years, he sang as a tenor in the church choir, which he enjoyed immensely. He often performed special music at church. He insisted that at least one of his children learn the piano, ensuring Cyril Thompson III began lessons at the age of four. Cyril III followed a strict schedule with three piano teachers, and eventually organ lessons were added with Cyril III’s main teacher, Preston Ferguson. His grandsons will also carry on the music legacy having currently being trained under the tutorage of his nephew Calvin Chaz Parker.
The church was a major part of his life. His Christian walk began at Transfiguration Baptist Church, and then on to the Worldwide Church of God, now known as Grace Communion International. He was an active, loyal, dedicated and committed member, a faithful steward who honored God in all that he did. He participated in bible study, small group prayer meetings, Men’s Ministry, and annual church festivities.
On Friday, June 21st he stepped out of time and into eternity to be with the Lord. We his family, give thanks to Almighty God for his life and his legacy. He will always be remembered and we are assured of one thing, we will see him again. To a loving husband, exceptional father, supportive brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, until we meet again.
Left to cherish his memories are:
Wife: Ellen Thompson
Children: Elaine Thompson, Dr. Cyrilee Thompson, Valencia Thompson, and Cyril Thompson III
Grandchildren: Chase and Darrell Moxey
Brothers: Vaughn Thompson, Charles Thompson (Brenda) of Oklahoma, Sydney Thompson, Brian Thompson (Angie) and Rev Colyn Thompson (Christine)
Sisters: Glenice Thompson, Colene Parker (Calvin) of Freeport, Grand Bahama, and Eulamae Smith
Sister-in-Laws: Rosetta Ora Woodside and Juliet Cartaya Ochoa
Brother-in-Laws: Wilfred Smith and Romeo Smith
God Sister: Judy Charlow
Nephews: Sydney Thompson III, Garron Thompson, and Colyn Thompson Jr. (Anja), Inspector Jemel Brown (Elricha) of the RBPF, James Miller Jr. (Kendera)
Christopher Parker (Conswella), Chaz Parker (Rashae), and Chavez Parker (Garrett).
Nieces: Nikeysha Thompson, Pamela Rosetta Woodside, Nicole Thompson of Oklahoma, Colette Parker, Chelsea Thompson, Courtney Thompson, and Felecia Smith
Grandnieces: Princess, Sydia, Gabrielle and Alana
Thompson, MoNiyah Davis, Jemella Brown, Taylor and Gianna Parker
Grandnephews: Sydney IV, Gemari, Jonathan, Charles and Brendan Thompson, DeCarlo Gray, Monteino Davis Jr.
Jemel Brown Jr. Christopher, Isaiah Thompson and Calvin Chaz Parker Jr.
Great Grandniece: N’Zyah Charlene Grant
Great Grandnephew: Cairo Sydney Thompson
Other Relatives and Close Friends: Rev Dr. Stephen E. Thompson & Siblings, Philip Stubbs & Siblings, Jay Johnson & Siblings, Lorraine Daley & Siblings, Granville Butler & Siblings, Claudia & Monte Ferguson, Rev Carla Culmer & Family, Renae Russell & Family, Michelle Culmer & Family, Harlene Pinder & Family, Lydia & Altamese Issacs & Family, Pastor Robert McKinney & Family, Elder Clifford Barton & Family, Kevin Basden & Family, Ian Pratt & Family, Sterling Moss & Family, Taynia Farquharson & Tatiana Farquharson, Brensil Rolle & Family, Reggie Saunders & Family, Trevor Bridgewater & Family, Terrance Wood & Family, Desmond and Gillian Curling & Family, Agnes Bain & Family, Catherine Fraser & Family, Gena Johnson & Family, the Bahamas Congregations of Grace Communion International, Mario Bowleg & the Garden Hills Community, Transfiguration Baptist Church family, the BEC and Retirees Association Families, the Doctor’s Hospital Physical Therapy Team, the Ragged Island Community, and many other nieces-in-laws, nephew-inlaws, and relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Order of Service
MUSICAL PRELUDES | Organist Calvin Chaz Parker
SEATING OF THE FAMILY | “Zadok the Priest”
OPENING SENTENCE | Pastor Calvin C. Parker (Pastor of GCI Freeport)
OPENING PRAYER | Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Thompson (Pastor of Transfiguration Baptist Church)
HYMN | “Jesus Loves Me This I Know”
Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so; Little ones to Him belong, They are weak, but He is strong
Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me! This I know, As He loved so long ago, Taking children on His knee, Saying, “Let them come to Me.”
Jesus loves me still today, Walking with me on my way, Wanting as a friend to give, Light and love to all who live.
Jesus loves me! He who died, Heaven’s gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, Let His little child come in.
Jesus loves me! He will stay, Close beside me all the way; Thou hast bled and died for me, I will henceforth live for Thee.
OLD TESTAMENT READING | Job 14:14-17 | Terrance Wood (Grace Communion Intl.)
TRIBUTE | Sterling Moss (BPL: Director of Field Operations)
TRIBUTE | Nurse Janet Bridgewater (Neighbor)
HYMN | “Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven”
1. Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; to his feet your tribute bring. Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore his praises sing. Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!
2. Praise him for his grace and favor to his people in distress. Praise him, still the same as ever, slow to chide, and swift to bless. Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness!
3. Fatherlike he tends and spares us; well our feeble frame he knows. In his hand he gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes. Alleluia, alleluia! Widely yet his mercy flows!
4. Angels, help us to adore him; you behold him face to face. Sun and moon, bow down before him, dwellers all in time and space. Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace!
VIDEO TRIBUTE | Kevin Basden (BPL: Former General Manager)
AS I KNEW HIM | Ian Pratt (BPL: Chief Administration Officer)
HYMN | “Oh How I Love Jesus”
There is a Name I love to hear, I love to sing its worth; It sounds like music in my ear, The sweetest Name on earth.
Refrain:
Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus, Because He first loved me!
It tells me of a Savior’s love, Who died to set me free; It tells me of His precious blood, The sinner’s perfect plea.
It tells me of a Father’s smile, Beaming upon His child; It cheers me through this little while, Through desert, waste, and wild.
It tells me what my Father hath, In store for every day, And though I tread a darksome path, Yields sunshine all the way.
It tells of One whose loving heart, Can feel my deepest woe; Who in each sorrow bears a part That none can bear below
SPECIAL SELECTION | Video Presentation (Music by Chavez Parker- Nephew) (Videography by Tony Williams-Friend of the Family)
NEW TESTAMENT READING | I Thess 4:13-18 | Gabrielle McKinney (Cousin)
SPECIAL MUSIC | Joseph Wood (Grace Communion Intl.)
EULOGY | Pastor Robert W.T. McKinney (Regional Director GCI Caribbean Churches)
PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY | Pastor Robert W.T. McKinney
CLOSING HYMN | “And Can It Be”
And can it be that I should gain An in’trest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me who caused His painFor me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Refrain:
Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
‘Tis mystery all, the immortal dies; Who can explore His strange design? In vain the first born seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. “Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.
He left His Father’s throne aboveSo free, so infinite His graceEmptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race; ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold I approach the eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
BENEDICTION | Pastor Robert W.T. McKinney
RECESSIONAL SONG | ”Hallelujah Chorus”
CAREER JOURNEY
1968-2008
Cyril Gladstone Thompson Jr. joined the Bahamas Electricity Corporation on July 8th 1968, as an Apprentice/Engineer Trainee.
He was awarded a two-year OND Degree scholarship at Kingston College of Further Education (1970-1972) where he completed with high commendation.
From 1972-1976 he completed a four-year BSc, Degree Program at Kingston Polytechnic, Surrey, U.K., and was awarded with Third Class Honors.
From 1973-1976 he completed five Industrial Training Courses at John Brown Engineering (Clydebank) Ltd., Scotland, Brush Electrical Engineering Co. Ltd., Yorkshire Switchgear and Engineering Co., Leeds, U.K. and North Eastern Electricity Board, Newcastle, U.K.
Upon returning from studies abroad, in 1976 he assumed the position of Graduate Training Engineer and was appointed Assistant Operations and Maintenance Engineer in 1978.
On September 4, 1987, he completed a one-year program in Distribution Engineering at British Electrical International.
In 1989 he was appointed Acting Senior Operations Engineer and he went on to hold various positions in the Distribution Maintenance and Operations Departments between 1989 and 1995. On October 1, 1996, he was appointed Senior Manager, System Control and Distribution Maintenance and held this position for seven years.
On December 1, 2003 he was promoted to the position of Assistant General Manager, New Providence Field Operations, the position he held until his retirement in 2008.
DEAR DADDY,
On June 21st there struck a deep and somber note which resounded far and wide and our lives were changed forever. We are devastated by this loss. The grief of your death will be felt for a long time. A man who was greatly loved by many stepped out of time and into eternity. However, we shall remember you as the unique and exceptional individual you were. Your memory will live on.
Your bright smile and warm hugs will forever be in our hearts. We remember the happy times like your love for music, cake, ice-cream and a good buffet. The excellent support system you provided is greatly appreciated. Your traditions will live on. Family night, bible study, family outings, bookstore trips, and big bear hugs all hold a place in our hearts. The way you clicked your fingers as an alarm clock or to get us to behave as children. Your love for church and praying together as a family. The way you insisted you carry our school bags to class and hug us in front of our school mates. The way you always found time to help us with our homework. The way we waited with baited breath as you inspected our school bags and school shoes every year before deciding IF you would purchase a new one. The way you taught us how to budget, save, and to always pay our tithe and offering. The way we could not miss a church service. The way you showed up to every production, event, and extra-curricular activity. The way you encouraged us to pursue our God-given talents. The way you took away the television and insisted our only form of entertainment be books. Your rule of no television or electronics has made us who we are today, sharp minded and creative. Your rules of vegetables with every meal, drinking water before juice, and always wearing a seatbelt will live on. Safety was always priority for you as your traditional gift of choice for newlyweds was a flashlight and smoke alarm. The way you valued achievement and always gave graduates a token upon graduating. The way you always sponsored educational pursuits. You shall be the first to come to mind whenever we hear the Hallelujah chorus or visit the food festival, Adastra Gardens, National Youth Choir, Police Band performances, Poop Deck, Pizza Hut, TCBY, carnival, and the car show. You were a man of class, a man of duty, and a man who always put his family first no matter what. You were a rare breed. Your death comes at a time when humanity teeters on the brink of destruction. A time when your values and morals are needed now more than ever however your legacy will live on. We love you.
-Your Children
TO OUR BROTHER & OUR FRIEND
You were the different one, the one who stood out from the rest of us. You were the one who did unique and extraordinary things. We loved your positive approach to life. You were the stern strict disciplinarian, always keeping us in line. Maybe you felt like our Daddy at times because you and Daddy had the same name.
Not many people can accomplish what you did in one lifetime or even three life-times. You were a legend, and we will do our best to uphold your legacy. You were always there for the family. You toiled, cared and shared. You led a humble and respectful life, behaving in a unique and special way. Your simplicity, loyalty and generosity will never be forgotten.
When you were born, you became our brother. Death may have taken you away from us, but you will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace our dear brother. We know that you are in God’s hands. May the Almighty God forgive, accept and grant you a perfect place in His Kingdom until we meet someday.
Love: Your Siblings
A BROTHER AND DEAR FRIEND
Cyril and I were friends since 1963. We first met at Saint Augustine’s College, SAC. Over the years we were not only friends but we became brothers in Christ. Cyril was a man that loved God and took great care of his family. He was a good husband, role model, father, grandfather and a professional on the job. Cyril was dedicated to whatever he put his heart and mind to do. He will be missed but his love, kindness, dedication, and humility will be felt for generations to come. Thank you my brother and friend for showing us how to be a good man of God. Rest in Peace.
Love Clifford Barton
TO OUR UNCLE
Uncle Cyril was a great example for us all of someone very dedicated and hard-working who touched many people’s lives—ours included. We’re grateful we got the chance to call him family.
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. — Psalm 29:11
TO OUR COUSINS, WISHING YOU COMFORT AND PEACE
- Chaz, Colette & Chavez
You lived a life full of energy, always dedicated to work and family. When we were very young, you used to throw us up in the air and then catch us. We had lots of fun going for rides in the car, especially by the airport to watch the planes take off and land. We enjoyed playing in your backyard to many family functions. And oh, the food was delicious. We had to eat healthy food, and was not allowed any desert until we ate all our food.
You were interested in what we wanted to do with our lives and was there to help us achieve our goals. You instilled good Godly principles in us, and taught us to work hard and provide for our families. You will be missed by all of us. Take your well-deserved rest.
Love: Your Nieces & Nephews
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The family would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation for all of the love, thoughtful gestures, prayers, and calls that have been bestowed upon them during this time of bereavement. These acts of kindness have helped to ease our pain and prove that you cared. We are eternally grateful.
May God bestow His richest blessings on each of you. The Family
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Cyril Thompson III (Son)
Vaughn Thompson (Brother)
Brian Thompson (Brother)
Sydney Thompson (Nephew)
Colyn Thompson Jr. (Nephew)
Garron Thompson (Nephew)
Chavez Parker (Nephew)
Charles Thompson (Brother)
Colyn Thompson (Brother)
PALLBEARERS
Inspector Jemel Brown (Nephew)
James Miller Jr. (Nephew)
Terrance Wood (Adopted Son)
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 818-3478 SCAN
