Celebrating His Spirit
Damien Kwanzaa Torrino Miller, D.T.M. December 20, 1979-December 29, 2016 SERVICE HELD AT: Evangelistic Temple Assembly of God Collins Avenue Nassau, New Providence The Bahamas Saturday January 28, 2017 at 10 a.m. OFFICIATING: Rev. Dr. Vaughn Cash Senior Pastor ASSISTED BY: Pastor Dave Cash Associate Pastor Pastor Broderick Cleare Associate Pastor ORGANIST: Anthony McQuay INTERMENT: Cremation
OBITUARY
Thursday, 20th December 1979 was no typical day in the lives of Freeman Miller and Daveann Smith. Freeman was off the island and anxiously awaiting news of Damien’s birth. With Christmas a few days away Freeman and Daveann waited in anticipation for their very special gift. Around mid-day 20th December Daveann began experiencing severe stomach pains and was rushed to the Princess Margaret Hospital. Freeman and Daveann waited some eight (8) hours to finally meet their healthy brown-eyed baby boy. Haven’t put in a full eight hour shift, the couple’s Christmas gift came five (5) days early. It was love at first sight! Aunt Rayanna the first relative to meet Damien, met mom with baby on her chest fast asleep that evening. A proud Freeman upon receiving the news of son’s birth forwarded the names he had selected for him: Damien Kwanzaa Torrino Miller to Daveann at the hospital. Dad’s name selection for his son came from two very significant persons in his life. Freeman’s mentor at Bahamas Customs name is “Damien” and “Torrino” was a close friend at Immigration. “Kwanzaa” is African for “first fruit” or “first born” of his mother. Freeman wanted his son to have the great character qualities of his two close friends who had significantly influenced his life. The news of Daveann’s healthy baby boy quickly spread amongst other relatives and friends. The moment Damien’s Grammy Viola held him she affectionately called him “Dedeboom.” Damien was the center of the attention in the home for sometime as he was the only child around. At the age of five (5) Damien was exposed to what would become his future profession, hospitality and event planning. Damien’s Aunt “Mayranna” as he affectionately called her until he could say her name “Rayanna” correctly involved Damien in her wedding planning business while she baby sat for Daveann. Damien’s role in the business was to blowup the balloons and place the candy favors on the tables. He was always excited to perform his part during setting up for the event. Damien began to show keen interest in event planning as a career in his teenage years by taking on planning his school friends’ parties. Damien began his early education at Busy Bee Preschool and Claridge Primary School. He entered secondary school with the attitude to strive for excellence and to deepen his bond with God and others. His faith in God grew as he studied with his family at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses giving his first talk at the age of six on the Theocratic Ministry School. This was a very proud moment for his family. In 1994, Damien graduated from R. M. Bailey Secondary School and went on to complete high school studies at St. Andrew’s School where served as Head Boy for the class of 1997. Damien expanded his knowledge
and experience in the field he loved by studying event planning and hospitality management at Florida International University graduating in 2002. Upon returning home in 2004, Damien began his hospitality management career at Cacique International before fully embracing his entrepreneurial talent opening his own destination management business DMC Bahamas in 2006. This decision would prove to be rewarding for Damien as he got the opportunity to serve a variety of customers and travel around the globe. His DMC would gain affiliation with the Association of Destination Management Executives (ADME), Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE), and Nassau Paradise Island Promotional Board. Damien’s educational and professional activities resulted in him touching the lives of thousands of persons from all walks of life. Damien built on his experience as a trained orator and decided to nurture his gift in Toastmasters. He joined Toastmasters International in June 2002. The Toastmasters experience proved to be fulfilling and rewarding for Damien. Serving in the various capacities at Club 3596, Division and District levels, Damien forged life-long friendship bonds with his fellow Toastmasters. He took advantage of everything Toastmasters has to offer! He reached his summit in the program when he received the Distinguished Toastmasters Award (DTM) in 2009. Damien was afforded what would
be a once in a lifetime opportunity in November 2012 to marry his professional passion, hospitality management with his civic passion, Toastmasters! He served as District 47 Toastmasters Fall 2012 Conference Chairperson when the conference was held in The Bahamas. Damien’s last Toastmasters leadership role was in 2013-2014 when he served as Lieutenant Governor of Marketing for District 47 Toastmasters. In 2013, Damien rekindled a seven (7) year friendship with Kay-Andra. He believed that if you haven’t loved you haven’t lived. Their love grew and blossomed in the few years that followed. Kay-Andra, Damien believed was his soul mate. Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the Lord directs his steps. Damien did everything with and for Kay-Andra as they shared similar professions and interests. Although unforeseen personal and business circumstances caused the couple to choose separate paths, Damien and Kay-Andra remained very close grounded in the bond created over a loving relationship. The 1979 December gift to Freeman and Daveann was returned to its Creator in Christmas 2016. Damien’s 37th birth date was spent with beloved family and friends where Aunt Judy shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Damien. A personalized movie trailer was created to commemorate the occasion. Damien’s sun set on Thursday, 29th December 2016. May Jehovah keep you in His memory! Left to cherish fond memories of Damien are: Mother: Daveann Smith; Father: Freeman Miller (Joanne Miller); Special Friend: Kay-Andra Gardiner and Family; Grand Mother: Viola Barbara Smith (deceased); Grand Father: David Samuel Simmons (deceased) (Eunice Olivia
Simmons Parkinson of West Palm Beach); Brothers: Wendell Miller and Lutz Julian Lewis; Sisters: Linda Evans of Lowe Sound, Andros, Sonia Miller, Deidre P. Miller, Kath Rina Darling, and Natalie Lewis; Nephews & Nieces: Matthew Moss, PC 3432 Dexter Evans, Davon Evans, Wendell Miller, Jr., Dr. Darnesha Evans of Atlanta, GA, Deixidra Josey, D’Shante Josey, Kenia Burrows, Sharanette Deveaux, Abbigail Major, and Londyn Mortimer; Uncles: Johnnie Smith, Kenneth Smith (Sonia Smith), Norman Hinsey (Karen Hinsey), Howard Thomas, Darren Evans of Lowe Sound, Andros, Howard Darville, Glen David Simmons of Harbour Island, Dr. Ernest Randy Simmons (Lucimar Campos Simmons) of West Palm Beach, Roderick Simmons (Sharnell Simmons) of South Andros, Jeff J. Simmons; Aunts: Rayanna Smith, Exevella Sears, Dr. Jean E. Simmons, Maryann Hart (Kenneth G. Hart Sr.), Elaine Simmons, Dr. Marilyn Simmons Bowe, Constance Simmons and Dr. Judy L. Simmons; Grand Uncles: R h o n Smith, Stanley Simmons Sr., Freeport, Grand Bahama, and Gerald Vincent “Jarruth” Thompson (Deceased); Grand Aunts: Jerona Babbs (Byron Babbs) of New Jersey, Cyprina Smith Graham of North Carolina, Lena Williams, Ida Thompson Rose; Cousins: Theola King (Kianna King Moody), Ricardo (Fredricka Smith), Kanari, Dominique, Malique, D’angelo and Kenneth Smith Jr., Jonathan Simmons, Kendra
Hart, Jamar Munnings, Kenneth G. Hart Jr., Trond Cleare, Robert Bowe, Ronald Bowe, Benjamin Simmons, Kenton Hart, Randi S. Burnett, William Simmons, Hope Simmons, Kristen Hart, Micah Simmons, Laleea Kinteh, Lucia Kinteh, Eugena Benjanique Butler and Eunice Benique Butler, Stristan Williams, Sarah Simmons, Faith Simmons, Shekinah Simmons, Micholette Hart, Kennitha Hart, Kenneth Samuel Hart, Kendice Hart, Kenyatta Kinteh, Kenecia Ferguson, Kaeleb Hepburn, Daleea Lewis, G’Nai Chisholm, Keliyah Feaste, Gkhairi Chisholm, Noah Simmons, Aria Simmons, Kaniya Burnett, Kiarra Burnett, Kevin Burnett Jr., Malik Hart, Kyle Jaden Russell, Alaya Nottage, Boa Simmons, Jamiya Munnings, Karter Brown, Roderick Simmons Jr., Alyssa Simmons, Jayden Simmons, Jordon Simmons, Destine Parks, Akeennia Johnson, and Linae Blanc; Other Relatives including: Margaret Davis, Ronand, George, Jenice, Sheila, Milly, Chia and Sheila Young, Ronald and Sybeline Taylor, Georgina Curtis, Cordell and Marsha Knowles, Freeda King, Maria Lewis and Family, Verlene Mackey and Family, Paul and Sarah Davis and Family, Marie Ferguson and Family, Rosie Sawyer and Family, Jackie Allen and Family, Derick
Brown and Family, Stanley Jr., Kevin, Reginald, Trevor, and Kaylesa Simmons, Anasaysha, Dorsinayer and Shavonda Thompson, Dr. Ava Thompson, Precious and Philjoy Thompson of New York, Donn Thompson, Baron Von Rose, Pastor Ellen Kennedy Williams, Claudette Nixon, and Ingrid Rose; Friends including: Nolan Carey and Family, Addis Huyler and Family, Charmaine Burrows, Dr. Michelle Major, Mario Sherman, Jason Dean, Roderick Wells, Shawn Hanna, Taran Mackey, Shaun Christie, Fredrick Barr, Alyc Carey, Anotonicia Sweating, Stephen Sawyer and the Melia Resort Family, Giovanni Wilkinson, Mario Sherman, Jermaine Wright, Anthony Rolle, Sales and marketing team of the Hilton, Joyce Rahming and Family, Anthony J. Longley, Deanna Morrison Elizabeth, L. C. Rodgers, Rayette A McDonald, Sashane McDonald, Jamaro Thompson, Ana-Alicia Burrows, Indira Sands, The DMC Bahamas Crew, Claridge Road Family, Highbury Park Community including Betty and Marina Davis and Family, Beverley and Shelly Archer and Family, Craft Cottage, Verlie Poitier, Lydia Isaacs, Terry Campbell, Charlene Harvey Smith, Dallas (Tamara) Knowles, Leanora Gray (Leonardo), Rena Rolle, Bradley Rolle, Calvin Rolle, Corey Rolle, Rodney Bowe, Horace Cleare, Wendal Munnings, Winne Thompson & Family, Marina Young & Family, Special Delivery Services, Edward Bostwick of Wideworld Forwarding, Ulric Armbrister and Charles Tucker of T & A Enterprises, Royal Bahamas Police Reserves, Commandant Juanita E. Colebroke, Supt. Locksley Knowles, Supt. Edison Deleveaux, Supt. Edney Gaitor, Supt. Thomas Butler, Central Detective Unit (Selective Enforcement Team), Reserve Construction Crew, Gladstone, Paula and Tyrone Davis, W/C 837 Desiree Davis, Natasha Ellis, Melvin Thomas, Ezra Strachan, Shanylah Bethel, Maya Evans, Lashon Bastian, Sis. Donna Cash, RN Beatrice Arthur, DTM Elvis Collie, TM Indira Sands, TM Carl Culmer, TM Patricia Hamilton, DTM Matt Kinsey of Ft. Lauderdale, USA, Sherwin Johnson, DTM Duquesa Dean, DTM Venessa Scott, DTM Anthony J. Longley, DTM Deanna Morrison of Jacksonville, FL., DTM Andin Edwards, DTM Vincent Edwards, E.T. Communicators Toastmasters (1050379), New Providence Branch of Toastmasters (3596), Management and Staff of Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, the Department of Cooperative Development, Toastmasters International, Rancho Santa Margarita, California, District 47 Toastmasters and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Special Thanks: Pastors Vaughan and Dave Cash, Pastor Bradick A. Cleare, Pastor Keno Smith and Evangelistic Temple Assembly of God Community Church Family, Pastor Leroy Major, PS Rena S. Glinton, US Cephas Cooper, Nolan Carey, Addis Huyler, Verlie Portier (Church of Christ Family), Harold Carter, Wendy Williams, Gwen Kerr, Eula and Patrick Edwards, Andrew and Marie Hanna, Denise Sears, Donnette Archer, Pamela Rolle Storr, Hazel Ellis, Lorraine Dames, Laverne and Albert Bowe, Sandra and Glen Ferguson, Samantha Bannister, Val Wallace, Jan Gomez, Elsie Roberts, Margaret and Tommy Sands, Alvin and Theda Jack, DTM Lynda Hammond of Ft. Lauderdale, USA, Sis. V. Moss, Raymond Bethel and Rashad Flowers and Mrs. Mackey of Evergreen Mortuary.
ORDER OF SERVICE ORGAN PRELUDE SEATING OF THE FAMILY INVOCATION OPENING HYMN | Blessed Jesus Hold My Hand
As I travel thru this pilgrim land There is a Friend who walks with me, Leads me safely thru the sinking sand, It is the Christ of Calvary; This would be my pray’r dear Lord each day To help me do the best I can, For I need Thy light to guide me day and night Blessed Jesus, hold my hand. Chorus: Blessed Jesus, hold my hand, Yes, I need Thee ev’ry hour, Thru this land, this pilgrim land (Protect me) by Thy saving pow’r’ Hear my plea, my feeble plea, Lord, dear Lord, look down on me, When I kneel in prayer, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand.
Let me travel in the light divine That I may see the blessed way; Keep me that I may be wholly Thine And sing redemption’s song some day; I would be a soldier brave and true And I onward go and daily meet the foe, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand. When I wander thru the valley dim Toward the setting of the sun, Lead me safely to a land of rest If I a crown of life have won; I have put my faith in Thee, dear Lord, That I may reach the golden strand, There’s no other friend on whom I can depend, Blessed Jesus, hold my hand
FIRST SCRIPTURE READING | John 3:16 | Mr. Jeff Simmons (Uncle) SOLO: Just Be There | Sis. Verninchia Moss (For Aunt Judy) CONDOLENCES | Mrs. Lynda Hammond, DTM
Toastmasters District 47 Director (Friend) Mr. Matt Kinsey, DTM Toastmasters International Director Region 8 (Friend/Mentor)
Mr. Mike Storkey, DTM Toastmasters International President
Pastor Bradick Cleare
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING | Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 8 | Mr. Jamar A. R. Munnings (Cousin) AS I KNEW HIM | Mr. Anthony J. Longley, DTM Past Toastmasters District 47 Governor (Friend/Mentor)
Mr. Addis Huyler (Friend) Mr. Nolan Carey (Brother & Friend)
VIDEO TRIBUTE | Damien’s Solo 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, Gather on the blessed hill- tops with hearts all aglow. That will be a glad reunion day.
There within the holy city we’ll sing and rejoice, Praising Christ the blessed Saviour with heart and with voice Tell him how we came to love Him and make Him our choice That will be a glad reunion day.
Chorus: Glad day, a wonderful day, Glad day, a glorious 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.
TRIBUTES | Ms. Venessa Scottt, DTM Toastmasters Division I Director (Friend/Toastmaster) Mr. Carl Culmer , ALB (Friend/Club Member) SOLO | Mr. Jonathan Simmons (Cousin) SERMON | Pastor Dave Cash (Associate Pastor Evangelistic Temple) PRAYER FOR FAMILY | Rev. Dr. Vaughn L. Cash (Senior Pastor Evangelistic Temple) RECESSIONAL HYMN | It is Well When peace, like a river, attendeth my way When sorrow, like sea billows, roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well it is well with my soul Chorus: It is well, it is well With my soul, 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 hath shed His own blood for my soul My Sin O the bliss of this glorious thou’t 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 For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live! If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life, Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait; The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice for the lord! Blessed hope! Blessed rest of my soul.
MEMORIAL REPASS OPENING HYMN | It’s Alright Now
There was a time I travelled, 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.
A-down a lonely pathway without a friend to guide, I walked in sin and sorrow all alone “Till Jesus came and found me, and drew me to His side, It’s alright now, for I’m his own.
Chorus: It’s alright now, for I am in my Saviours care, It’s alright now, my Saviour hears an answers prayer; He’ll walk beside me ‘til I climb the heavenly stair, And everything is alright now.
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, It’s alright now, I’m heaven bound.
PRAYER AND CAN IT BE
And Can it be the I should gain An interest in the savior blood? Died He for me, who caused his pain – For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love, How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, Shouldst die foe me? No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him, is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head And clothed in righteousness divine, Bold claim the crown, through Christ my own, Bold I approach th’eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own. VIDEO TRIBUTES
Tis mercy all: th’Immortal dies: Who can explore His strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. “Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. “Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; Let angel minds inquire no more.
MOTIVATE! INSPIRE! MAKE
Messages from Toastmasters International Dear family and friends of Damien Miller, DTM. We, his Toastmasters family, share your love for him and share in the profound heartbreak of losing him. Thank you for allowing us to join you and support you today in the celebration of this wonderful, dynamic, talented and loving man’s life. Thank you for sharing him with us! Lynda Hammond, DTM - District 47 Director 2016/2017 DTM Damien Miller will be remembered as a talented orator and a revered speech contestant. His radiant smile and distinctive laughter punctuated his engaging persona. Being unselfish with his gifts, Damien offered himself as a mentor to many emerging and experienced Toastmasters. I extend condolences to his family and associates and I pray that his legacy will give solace to all who mourn. May he Rest in Peace! Anthony (Tony) Longley, DTM - Past District 47 Governor 2014/2015 Jeanine and I are deeply saddened at the loss of Damien. His energy and enthusiasm always brightened any event he was a part of. We were honored to know and serve with him. Matthew Kinsey, DTM – International Director 2016/2018 and Jeanine Kinsey, DTM – Past District Director 2015/2016 Damien was one of the most dynamic and charismatic young men in The Bahamas. We the members of New Providence Branch of Toastmasters Club 3596 and indeed the wider Toastmasters community have truly lost a Toastmaster’s Toastmaster. Club 3596 will never be the same. Christopher McCoy, CC/CL - President, New Providence Branch of Toastmasters I was a proud second place to him the first time I competed at district. He inspired me to be better and work harder. I am a better speaker because of people like Damien Miller. Romaine Lindo – Toastmaster Member Such energy & infectious smile. Damian will be missed by many. Love & prayers to his family & friends. Valerie Johnson – Toastmaster Member We send our condolences and deepest sympathy from Kuching, Malaysia. John Lau, DTM – Past International President 2012/2013 I remember him from the time of my visit, he had huge potential, may god give him peace and his family the strength. Mohammed Murad, DTM – Past International President 2014/2015
My Dear Nephew as I affectionately called you, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” I will always cherish the memories we made together. Nephew Damien, have a peaceful rest... Love always, Aunt Judy To Cuz Damien, We’ve only known each other for a short while. From we found out that we were family you have always shown me love. Messaging me to see how my kids and I were and providing words of encouragement. Your infectious smile could light up any room. When I heard about your passing it was unreal. We had just wished you a happy birthday. You were so full of life. It’s going to be hard to accept that you are no longer with us. Going to miss you, Damien. May you eternally Rest In Peace. Loving you and missing you Your Cousin, Laleea TRIBUTE TO MY NEPHEW Memories linger though you are gone. Sadness consumes us as we mourn. You were my Nephew. How is it fair, that we no longer have you near? How is it fair, that we have to sit here in tears? We are all filled with sorrow and questions we ask. But we all know the truth you went just ahead to show us the path. We will always remember you and thank you for your time. The simple things that seemed unimportant are the ones now filled our minds. You are now in a better place. We will love you for eternity. Even though we mourn.
A BROTHER TO ANOTHER… In you I had a brother, a confidant and a best friend. For all the time you have been around, you were the perfect example to emulate. Damien you were loving, lovable, disciplined, intelligent, a perfect gentleman and a workaholic that always had an answer to our concerns. You were so devoted to your parents, our work and the friends who all was considered family to you. You were always sincere and ready to comfort and cover. Thirty years we have been friends, we grew up as brothers and your principles did not allow you to let something wrong stand unchallenged. It is this principle in you that I remember so strongly and would always want to follow. Your demise has left a great vacuum in my heart. I wish someone will reassure all of us that all of this is just one of those bad dreams. I am so lucky and proud to be your brother, and remain grateful for the years we shared together. Event after event we completed with pride. It was a pleasure seeing an idea become a breath taking event. Who would have ever thought a self-taught book worm, could have so much life and balance everything so well? You loved God so much. We all know you as a very private person and loving man whose quiet faith guided your actions, words and deeds. You strove always to be the best professor, brother, and educator. Your life has been punctuated with a series of successes and great achievements. It is true: you had many more projects; professional, social and family. However, The Almighty God you served thought you had done enough. I am comforted by the fact that you left this world knowing and acknowledging GOD. It is hard to say goodbye, so I prefer to say so-long. TOMORROW IS NEVER PROMISED TO US, TODAY IS OUR ONLY GUARANTEE. May you find Peace in GOD’S arms. Your Brother, Nolan
The Nearness of You It’s not the pale moon that excites me That thrills and delights me, oh no It’s just the nearness of you It isn’t your sweet conversation That brings this sensation, oh no It’s just the nearness of you When you’re in my arms and I feel you so close to me All my wildest dreams came true I need no soft lights to enchant me If you’ll only grant me the right To hold you ever so tight And to feel in the night the nearness of you. 1-4-6-4-3 Kay-Andra
Damien K. T. Miller, D.T.M. 1979 - 2016
Acknowledgements We, the family of the late Damien Kwanzaa Torrino Miller express our sincere Gratitude to each of you, who have displayed profound love and concern for us, during this time of bereavement. We are deeply indebted for your constant prayers, personal visits, words of comfort, telephone calls and other acts of kindness, especially your support here today. You have made our sorrow easier to bear and as you depart from this service, keep Damien’s memory alive in your hearts. May God bestow His richest blessings upon you! The Family
Honorary Pallbearers Wendell Miller (Brother) Lutz Julian Lewis (Brother) Wendell Miller Jr. (Nephew) Matthew Moss (Nephew) Davon Evans (Nephew) Dexter Evans, PC-3432 (Nephew)
“When Someone You Love Becomes A Memory, The Memory Becomes A Treasure - I Will Treasure You Always.” Aunt Rayanna
Glen Simmons (Uncle)
Ernest Randy Simmons (Uncle) Roderick Simmons (Uncle) Jeff J. Simmons (Uncle) Jonathan Simmons (Cousin)
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