Original Memory Book for Leonard "LM" Bowe

HOME GOING CELEBRATION FOR THE LIFE OF

LEONARD MAXWELL MITCHELL BOWE “LM”

BORN: December 27, 1939

DIED: February 26, 2023

AGED: 83 Years

SERVICE HELD AT:

The Christian Tabernacle Church

195 Robinson Road

Nassau, Bahamas

Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 10:00am

OFFICIANT

Apostle Christopher Russell

Pastor Anna Russell

MUSICIANS

Simmone Bowe Ensemble

The Christian Tabernacle Praise Team

INTERMENT:

Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery

East Shirley Street

Nassau, Bahamas

Obituary

LEONARD MAXWELL MITCHELL BOWE,

Leonard Maxwell Mitchell Bowe was born on December 27, 1939 to the proud parents of Leonard ‘Bowtie’ and Sybil Bowe, nee Gibson. The first born of this union, Leonard or LM as he was affectionately known, would take a special interest in caring for his other five siblings.

At a young age, he was called to assist with supplementing the family income and did this through various odd jobs such as shining shoes, running errands and taking in laundry. He would rise at 4:00am to deliver The Nassau Guardian to residents of Cable Beach, and in the evenings he would deliver The Tribune. Once done with his jobs in the mornings, he would complete his homework

LM was a mischievous boy who still found time to play with his lifelong friend, John Gordon. These two would get into all manner of escapades including riding horses in the sea, playing tricks on the neighbors during Halloween and swimming with the older boys at Malcolm Park.

EDUCATION:

LM attended Sands School and went on to Eastern Junior, Eastern Senior and The Government High School during his school days, he earned the name “Clever” from David ‘Doc’ Sweeting because he was quite knowledgeable and was quick to correct his school mates.

Though tasked with supporting his family, LM made his education a priority and dedicated himself to completing his studies.

He was a lifetime learner who read both local and international papers to stay abreast of current events. In his later years, he took to studying encyclopedias to keep his mind active and focused. He was well read and could converse on a wide variety of subjects.

WORK:

Upon graduating from high school, LM pursued a career in Land Surveying with Norman Aranha and Leonard Chee-A-Tow, which afforded him the opportunity to work and learn about most of the islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

His knowledge of the people and unique features of these Islands was extraordinary.

LM shifted gears and entered the Tourism Transportation Business; successfully building the Bowtie Franchise with his father, Bowtie and his brother P. Colin. He worked for many years in this industry until health challenges intervened. Even then, he continued to provide administrative oversight of the daily operations.

MARRIED LIFE:

LM met and married Norma Hanna in 1962. Their marriage produced three children who were the pride of his life: Stuart, Camille and Angela. Sadly, Norma passed away suddenly in May 1984.

LM met Bloneva Rolle and the two were married in July 1990. They remained happily married for the next thirty two years until his demise.

FAMILY LIFE:

As the eldest, LM always loved his brothers and sisters and assisted them in every way possible. This care and concern extended to his nieces, nephews and other family members and he was usually sought for his insightful comments and advice. This was always given with a story thrown in for good measure.

He was an historian and spent much of his time researching the ancestries of Bahamian families. He was able to expound on the various names and their islands and/or country of origin. LM spoke of the rich legacy of our Bahama Islands and was very vocal about keeping our unique cultural heritage alive.

Family was very important to him and he routinely kept in touch by calling on his patched up cell phone saying “It’s only me, LM Bowe here!”

In his later life, LM spent his time growing closer to the Lord and investing quality time with his children and loved ones.

CIVIC LIFE:

LM’s ability to converse led to a vibrant telephone ministry. Family and friends were the recipients of his weekly calls and looked forward to speaking with him on current affairs or chit chatting about old times. He had a wide circle of acquaintances and it was quite common for him to strike up conversations with total strangers.

Many were quite surprised at his sudden passing and exclaimed “But he just called my two or three days ago!”

SPORTS:

LM was an avid sports fan and followed a number of sports disciplines with his favorite being Track & Field. He was a regular listener and contributor to the various sports shows displaying a depth of knowledge on many track and field athletes both locally and internationally.

He shared a close relationship with Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson, which resulted in him coming to know a number of sport personalities... like Usain Bolt.

LM was known to call family members at all hours asking to Google information on lesser known details of Bahamian Track & Field history in order to be prepared for Hawk’s sports show.

LM began exercising in his later years to improve his health with his neighbor, Mae Davis. They would walk early on Montague Beach conversing with the

other early risers. This continued until the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic when health and safety protocols were activated.

PERSPECTIVE:

Leonard Bowe was one who assumed responsibility at a young age. He did not shy away but picked up that mantle and showed strength of character and grit.

Through hard work and determination, he enjoyed a rich life and had a profound and lasting impact on his family and friends.

May His Soul Rest in Peace.

Left to mourn his passing are:

Wife: Bloneva Bowe, nee Rolle

Children: Stuart (Vandorene) Bowe, Camille Harrison, Angela (Carlton) Munnings, Ricardo (Flores) Bowe, Elma McKenzie and Vashta (Simeon) Richardson.

Adopted Son: Kenwood Kerr.

Grandchildren: Stuart Bowe Jr, Shankira (Julio) James, Nicole (Barry) Dorsey, Dominique Harrison, Ethan Munnings, Kareem Bowe, Schelesque McKenzie, Travino Seymour, Tyrone, Tyrese and Tyrelle Davis, Raye and Gideon Richardson.

Great Grand Children: Myles, Mia and Zara James, and Tatianna, Shamar and Shamer Brown.

Brothers: P. Colin (Pamela), William Bowe, and Leonard Bowe;

Sisters: Helen Butler, Sonia Dames, Janeen (Charles) McCartney, Antoinette Bowe, Joycelyn Holbert, Rebecca Smith and Janien Bodie.

Uncles: Nigel (Stephanie) Bowe and Kenneth (Kwansa) Bowe.

Aunts: Visna (Charles) Mackay and Joan McKay.

Brothers-in Law: Emmanuel Rolle and Pastor Anthony (Walteria) Rolle.

Sisters-in-Law: Carmeta (Meramo) Jeanty, Teresa Armbrister, Terez Newry, Eunice, Keva (Freddy), Jacinta and Rhonda Rolle.

Nieces: Yvette (Charles) Sands, Jillian (M-Wale) Rahming, Nadya Bowe, Alexis Saunders, Anya Sawyer, Sonia Adderley, Ilsa and Simmone Bowe, Betty and Tania Roberts, Lillith Butler, Philippa (Richard) Brown, Hughresa Johnson, Chrishanda Deveaux, Shanika Newry, Malisha and Ashanti Rolle, Kachina Lightbourne, Megan Bodie and Nadia Bowe.

Nephews: Roscoe and Michael (Carell) Dames, Gowon (Evanne), Scott, Erik, and Stephen Bowe, Corin McCartney,

Sidney Sawyer Jr., Ross and Anthony Butler, Terrance, Antonius and Bruno Roberts, Hugh Johnson Jr. (Rishanda), Derek (Iceland) Colebrooke, Terez (LaShae) Johnson, O’Neil Carey, Tyrell and Teran Johnson, Omar and Asher Rolle, Marchello Cargill, Kenyan and Kareem Lightbourne, Jonathan and Justin Bodie, Kenton and Camren Bowe; Duvane Bowe.

Other family members: The entire Bowe clan, John Gordon, the family of the late Corrine Fountain, the Lightbourn family, the Bartlett family, the Newbold family, the Gibson family, Dr. Adrian Sawyer and family, the Harrison family, Herbert and Gabbly Franklin (New York), Marcel Lightbourn, Hebert Styles, Louis Dames, Bishop Rudolph Bowe and Family, Dean Harry Bain, Dane and Darron Bowe, the Archer family, the Farrington family, Hanna family and Munnings family. Bishop James and Elder Queenie Newry and family, Bishop Rudolph Balfour and family, Apostle Rick and Val Bethel (Fort Lauderdale), Livingston Sweeting

Sr. and family, Leanna Smith and family, the Bain family, the Bethell family, the Hanna family, the Neymour family, and the Knowles family.

Special Friends: Mae Davis and family, Iris Moxey and family, the Rahming, Major, Walkine and Cartwight families of Pyfroms Addition, Alpheus ‘Hawk’ Finlayson and family, Rosemary Hanna, Godfrey Eneas, Kim Major, Linda Sawyer, Christine Curry-Wong, Rudy Darville, Julia Burnside, Patricia Thomas and family, the families of Hawkins Hill, Canaan Lane and Dowdeswell Street, the Christian Tabernacle Church Family, Central Gospel Chapel of Dowdeswell Street, Shamica Duncombe and family, Vernette Lynes and family, Brad Outten and family, Althea Kerr, Esther Vincent, Dona Maycock and family, the Zonicle family, Apostle Christopher and Pastor Anna Russell and family, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kirkwood Andrews, Archdeacon James Palacious, Nurse Shanika Newry and a host of friends he called weekly too numerous to mention.

So when a great man dies, / For years beyond our ken, / The light he leaves behind him lies / Upon the paths of men.”

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

ORDER OF SERVICE

PRELUDE: Simmone Bowe Ensemble

WORDS OF COMFORT/OPENING PRAYER

Moderator, Pastor Anna Russell

AT THE RECEPTION OF THE BODY

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

(Chorus)

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided— Great is Thy faithfulness! Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above, Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

OLD TESTAMENT READING | Ecclesiastes 3:1-12 | Shankira James (Granddaughter)

MUSICAL SELECTION

NEW

READING

AS I KNEW HIM

Ms. Iris Moxey (Neighbor)

Mr. Gowon Bowe (Nephew)

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

The Christian Tabernacle Church Praise Team led by Eunice Rolle

EULOGY

Apostle Christopher Russell

PRAYER FOR THE FAMILY

Archdeacon James Palacious

RECESSIONAL Congregation

I’LL FLY AWAY

Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away;

To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

(Chorus)

I’ll fly away, Oh Glory

I’ll fly away; (in the morning) When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).

When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away;

Like a bird from prison bars has flown, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away; To a land where joy shall never end, I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

GRAVESIDE HYMNS

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 hilltops with hearts all aglow. 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.

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.

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 glad reunion day.

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, since Jesus took my load It’s alright now, I’m His I know.

(Chorus)

It’s alright now, for I am in my Saviour’s care It’s alright now; my Saviour hears and answers prayer He’ll walk with me, (He’ll walk beside me) Till I climb the heavenly stair, And everything (And everything is alright now)

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.

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.

WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace. In the mansions bright and blessèd He’ll prepare for us a place.

(Chorus)

When we all get to Heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory!

While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky; But when travelling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.

Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day; Just one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.

Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.

...in losing him I lost my greatest fan and sounding board, for he was always that to me.”

- Stuart

TRIBUTE

Losing L.M. feels unreal and there is a void that I cannot explain. Throughout the years we laughed, we cried but never gave up on each other. With God we made it through, richer or poorer, sickness and health. I will hold on to the love we shared and cherish the memories made.

Love always...Bloneva

LEONARD MAXWELL MITCHELL BOWE,

Daddy always counseled that while it is important to have book sense, it is also important to have street sense. However, it is not always easy to identify a “lecturer of the streets” that can be trusted (as it is the streets after all), but you have been such a lecturer for me and my immediate family, and I will take the liberty of saying on their behalf, my extended Bowe family. The lessons are certainly less than orthodox, but always with love and laughter.

From the days of school pickups and drop-offs, to the social outings, to the evening telephone calls checking that the family and I are alright, talking about track and field; there was always mischief, laughter and wisdom (conventional and non-conventional). Our moments together left indelible marks and you made it known, in your own way, your pride in seeing your clan succeed and make a difference in this Commonwealth that the Bowe clan loves so much.

Love always, Stuart & Family

GRAND & GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN

CHILDREN

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We, the family of the late Leonard Maxwell Mitchell Bowe, extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to our many family members, friends, and colleagues for your telephone calls, visits, prayers, support and many acts of kindness and graciousness during our bereavement. We will always remember all you did to console us.

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

PALLBEARERS

Stuart Bowe Jr.

Roscoe Dames

Michael Dames

Sidney Sawyer

Ken Kerr

Simeon Richardson

Pastor Anthony Rolle

HONOURARY PALLBEARERS

John Gordon

Nigel Bowe

Kenneth Bowe

Charles McCartney

Adrian Sawyer

Alpheus Finlayson

Dane Bowe

Wes Bastian

Clifford Culmer