State Recognized Service For
Press statement By
The Prime Minister
The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie On the Passing of Thomas Augustus Robinson November 25th, 2012 I am very deeply saddened by the passing of Thomas Augustus Robinson. This is a great personal loss for me because Tommy Robinson was one of my oldest and dearest friends. Far more than for me, however, Tommy’s passing is a great loss for our nation. As the pioneer of international track competition for the Bahamas, Tommy was the elder statesman of Bahamian athletics. He was a sporting hero of truly legendary status. He was in a class by himself, revered by all. Although Tommy had many stellar moments in his career as a sprinter, his finest moment came in 1958 at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales where he was the sole entrant from the Bahamas, carrying in the flag for his country at the opening ceremonies all by himself, without either coach or manager. Tommy would go on to win the gold medal in the 220 yards and the silver medal in the 100 yards sprint. Tommy’s performances at these games represented a singular moment in our life as a people. What he achieved had never been done before. It filled us all with tremendous pride and united us all in joy. Of more enduring consequence, Tommy’s victorious performance against overwhelming odds in Cardiff inspired successive generations of young athletes to compete on the world stage. Tommy proved not only that we were good enough to take part but that we were good enough to win. It is also historically noteworthy that Tommy was the first Bahamian track athlete to ever participate in the Olympics. His participation at the Rome Games in 1960 was followed four years later when he again made history by becoming the first Bahamian to make it to the finals of an Olympic track and field event. In all, Tommy took part in four consecutive Olympic Games, beginning with the Melbourne Games in 1956, followed by the Rome Games in 1960, then the Tokyo Games in 1964, and finally the Mexico City Games in 1968. It also a matter of great pride for us as a nation that the first world record ever achieved for the Bahamas was set by Tommy Robinson when he set the world record in the 300 meters at an indoor track event in Canada. Tommy Robinson, in whose honour our national stadium is named, was always so selfless in helping to guide those who came after him. He took great pride in the athletic accomplishments of the younger generations that followed him. He was a trusted and enthusiastic mentor and guide for them, and because he had achieved such great success largely on his own, he was an inspiration to them as well. Thomas Augustus Robinson is an icon for the ages now. He will continue to stand as a singular example of the greatness that can be attained in any area of human endeavour, be it athletic or otherwise, when natural talent is harnessed to discipline, courage, determination and patriotic responsibility. I mention this latter quality in particular because wherever Tommy went in the world as the standard bearer for the Bahamas, he always did us exceptionally proud. He was a model of first-class decorum and exemplary bearing both on and off the track. He consistently reflected the very best of the national character and, in so doing, set the standard for generations to come. On behalf of my wife, Bernadette, and all my family, and on behalf of the government and people of the Bahamas I extend deepest condolences to the family of Thomas Augustus Robinson, a great Bahamian hero.
Thomas Augustus Robinson,
The Life…
M.B.E
The Legend Text taken from “The Life Of Thomas A Robinson” by Arlene Nash Ferguson and “The Legendary Thomas Augustus Robinson” by Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson with permission from both Authors Thomas Augustus Robinson was born on March 16, 1938 to Cyril and Willisee Robinson. In the days when Tommy was growing up, The Bahamas was a British Colony and part of the British Empire. Nassau was a quiet town and life was very simple. Tommy lived on a street named “Hawkins Hill” He, along with his sister Brenda and brother Kingsley, were cared for by their parents and large extended family. The family worshipped at St, Matthew’s Anglican Church where Tommy was an Acolyte (Altar server) under the strict eye of their father, Cyril Robinson. He, along with his siblings attend mass “whenever the bell rung” and would have to return in the afternoon for Sunday School. “I don’t know here your mind is going to be,” his mother said, “but I know where your body is going to be – right in church.” However, Tommy loved church and enjoyed the treats their Aunt Doris provided after Sunday School. Tommy loved school. He was naturally smart and enjoyed learning new things. At age five he was sent to Eastern Junior School. One Sunday morning in 1946 when Tommy was eight years old his parish priest announced that the Anglican Diocese was opening a new high school, St John’s College, Classes would begin on January 8th 1947 and Tommy was excited when his
parents allowed him to sit the entrance exam. Two weeks later he would learn that he would be among the first students to enter St. John’s even at age eight. It was at St. John’s that he discovered sports and was placed in Llewellyn House.
In 1957 Robinson became the first Bahamian to win a medal in international competition when he won a Bronze Medal in the 100m in the West Indian Federation Games in Kingston, Jamaica.
His love for sports made him constantly late getting home in the afternoons, much to the annoyance of his mother. Stories can be told of Tommy letting the air out of his bicycle tire to give an excuse for his lateness until one occasion when he was found out. His punishment stung for quite a while. One day, a new teacher arrived at St. John’s to teach Physical Education. He was Henry Crawford. Under his coaching Tommy began to focus on track and it became the love of his life.
He finished third in the 100m in 10.6secs. He also participated in the 400m relay team with Oscar Francis, Tom Grant, and Enoch Backford. This team won the Bronze medal in 44.2secs.
He graduated from St. John’s College in Nassau in December of 1953 and although he had the desire to take the advanced level class at the Government High School, he was aware of his parents sacrifice to get him through St John’s College and he opted to assist the household and took employment at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation in January, 1954. He worked at the Customs Department from late 1954 to September 1957. At the tender age of seventeen Robinson made his first international team, the Pan Am Games in Mexico City in 1955. He ran 11.2sec in the 100m and 22.5sec in the 200m. Robinson remembered, “It was my first time out, my first time with the big boys. I did not expect to do anything.” “I made a point to go and see where the Americans were staying and where they ate!”
Tommy enrolled at the University of Michigan in the fall of 1957. It was at Michigan that Jessie Owens set or tied five World records in 1935, the year before the Berlin Olympics. Robinson read about the University of Michigan in a magazine he found at Cartwright’s Barber Shop on Bay St. and followed up. The legendary coach Joe Yancy of the New York Pioneers put in a word for Robinson. In 1958, the year of the General Strike in The Bahamas, Robinson, equaled the new British Empire Games and British All Comers record of 9.5secs in the semi-final round of the 100 yards. In the final Robinson finished second to Jamaica’s Keith Gardener in 9.6 secs. In the semi-final of the 220 yards Robinson ran 20.9 secs to win, establishing a new Games and British Empire and Commonwealth and National record. In the final, running out of the outside lane, the boy from Hawkins Hill won the Gold medal in 21.1 secs, defeating Jamaica’s Keith Gardener. In the Rome Olympics of 1960 Robinson made it to the semifinal in both 100m in a time of 10.69 secs the and 200m in a time of 21.67 secs, just missing the final in both events. Earlier that summer Robinson won the 100m at the second West Indian Federation Games in Kingston, Jamaica.
Robinson had been a member of the St. George’s Athletic Club and joined the newly formed Pioneers Sporting Club upon his return to Nassau in 1961.
the 100m at the West Indian Federation Games in 10.3secs.
Tommy graduated from the University of Michigan in 1962.
At the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games Robinson finished second to World record holder Bob Hayes from the United States in the semi-final. He became the first Bahamian Track and Field athlete to advance to an Olympic final. Track and Field News, in its October/November issue of 1964 , covered the final thus, “Robinson pulled a muscle while running fourth and was starting to move on the leaders at about 65 metres”. Robinson finished eighth in 10.57 secs. At those Tokyo Games, Sir Durward Knowles, accompanied by Cecil Cooke, captured the Gold medal in sailing.
While at Michigan Robinson won nine Big Ten Championships: The 100 yards and 220 yards in 1960 and 1961; the 60 yards in 1960 and 1961; and 300 yards in 1959, 1960, and 1961. At the NCAA Championships Robinson was an All American in 1960, finishing fifth in both 100 yards and 220 yards. That summer The Bahamas participated for the first time in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Kingston in 1962. Robinson captured the 100m, defeating several World record holders, including Cuba’s Enrique Figuerola, Jamaica’s Dennis Johnson, and Venezuela’s Arquimedes Herrera. Rafael Romero, and Horacio Esteves in the process in 10.4 secs. Later that year he won the Silver medal in the 100 yards in the British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia. Robinson ran the first two rounds in Perth but withdrew from the semi-final because he felt he was not prepared for it. He never again ran this event, which many people considered his best, in International competition. While in Nassau that year, after graduation, he was a substitute teacher at Government High in French and Spanish. In September of 1963 he studied Business for one semester at the University of Toronto. He returned to Nassau and worked at Commonwealth Industrial Bank for a couple months. At an indoor meet in Saskatoon, Canada in February of 1964, Robinson set a new World Indoor record in the 300m. Robinson returned to Jamaica in the summer of 1964, winning
This was a first for The Bahamas. One of Robinson’s most memorable races was at the Commonwealth Games held in Kingston in 1966. Earlier that summer Canada’s Harry Jerome had tied the World record in the 100 yards of 9.1 secs in Edmonton, Canada. Harry was the 1964 Tokyo 100m Bronze medalist. Jerome had also previously tied the World 100m record of 10.0 secs. The race was so close that it took some fifty minutes to declare the inner. Jerome at 9.41 secs was awarded the win over Robinson at 9.44 secs. After the finish, Jerome even came over to congratulate Robinson.
That year Robinson worked at Texaco for about a year from 1965, moving to the Human Resources department of Mary Carter Paints, the owner of Paradise Island Limited and the forerunner of Kerzner in late 1966, where he stayed until 1975. A veteran at 29, Robinson failed to make the final in the 100m at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada in 1967, finishing sixth in the semi-final in 10.7 secs. Throughout his stellar career, Robinson had been challenged with hamstring injuries. In the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Robinson did not finish the sixth heat of the 100m. Robinson did participate in the quarter-final of the 400m relay, which included Norris Stubbs, Kevin Johnson, and Bernard Nottage. Their time of 39.45 secs was a new Bahamian National record which was not broken until 1993, twenty-five years later. In the semi-final Robinson had another hamstring injury which caused the team not finish. Robinson’s last outing was at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland. Robinson was the team manager in Edinburgh and also a member of the 400m relay team. Unfortunately, Gerald Wisdom was supposed to pass the baton to Robinson. The team never finished the race as Wisdom was unable to catch Robinson. This was the end of a colourful career of the first Bahamian participant in Track and Field in the Olympic Games. The career spanned fifteen years and four Olympic Games. In 1972 Robinson entered politics, running for the Free National Movement in the General Elections. He was contesting a seat for the Culmerville Constituency, which he lost to Arlington Butler. Robinson made another try at political office in the 1977 General Elections, this time for the Salem Constituency. He carried the Bahamian Democratic Party banner and was defeated by David
Knowles of The Progressive Liberal Party. Tommy was a faithful member of St. George’s Anglican Church and served on the church’s vestry and finance committee. He was lover of music and could be heard with a great bass voice ringing from the balcony of the church especially when his favorite hymns, “Guide me O Thou Great Redeemer” and “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”, were sung. He was always interested in the work of the Sunday School and supported regularly the Vacation Bible School Program, one year even allowing his precious Olympic Torch to be used to open the 2004 Vacation Bible School program entitled “SonGames 2004.” In April of 1981 twenty-five years after he first competed in the Olympic Games, the Track and Field stadium in Nassau was named after Robinson. Robinson had the good fortune of being named chairman of the group formed to provide recommendations on the new National Stadium in 2003 and continued as the chairman of the new working group after the government changed in 2007. In July of 2009 a group of “Friends of Thomas Augustus Robinson” organized a luncheon that was supported by friends and foes alike. It was at this luncheon, before some six hundred attendees that Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced that the new National Stadium would also bear Robinson’s name. Robinson was integrally involved in the construction of the facility. The state of the art Thomas Robinson National Stadium had its grand opening on Saturday, February 25th, this year, with all the pomp and pageantry.
Tommy had been involved in various businesses including gift stores on Paradise Island and Cable Beach, a scooter rental business and other private enterprises. On Friday, November 23rd, 2012, Robinson celebrated fiftysix years since he became the first Bahamian to participate in track & field in the Olympic Games. On that day in 1956 in Melbourne, Australia, Robinson ran 11.06sec for fourth place in the first heat of the 100m. After fifteen outstanding years, a journey of excellence had come to a close. A young man who had marked his own lanes in which to run in his homeland, had gone on to establish himself as a world power in athletics. In the process he had given his country its first gold medal, as well as silver medals at three consecutive Commonwealth Games and had competed in four consecutive summer Olympic Games, and had become the first Bahamian to qualify for the finals in Olympic competition. It was an unprecedented feat. Because of Tommy’s fierce quest for recognition for his beloved country, the landscape of track and field in The Bahamas had changed forever. Throughout his successful career in business, Tommy continued to support the development of track and field in The Bahamas and to encourage young Bahamians “to strive for excellence and to strive for that illusive Gold Olympic medal. Imagine his pride when in August 1999 he witnessed the women’s 4x100 meters relay team with the Gold medal. “Boy I could die happy now,” he told his friend Doyle Burrows. However the best was yet to come when Pauline Davis was awarded the silver medal in the 200 meters. Pauline was also a member of the women’s 4x100 meters relay team which won the Bahamas’ “first Olympic Gold medal on the track.” It was 4:00a.m. and Tommy was wide awake watching the race. “If I fall out tonight or tomorrow and anybody asks you about me, tell them I died happy,” he
remarked to Athama Bowe. In 2008 Tommy was diagnosed with stomach cancer. As with every other obstacle of his life, he confronted it head-on with his usual determination. While he respected the advice of his doctors he remembered the rigors of radiation and chemotherapy on his dear mother and after a short term decided against this severe treatment opting for natural treatment and waiting on God’s decision on the length of his life. Through it all, Tommy’s family and friends. especially his children and siblings have been with him every step of the way. His life can be summed up in his favorite from the Royal Reader, a poem that was his guiding principal from the moment he heard it. Drive the nail aright, boys Hit it on the head; Strike with all your might, boys While the iron’s red. When you’ve work to do, boys. Do it with a will They who reach the top, boys First must climb the hill. Standing at the foot, boys Gazing at the sky How can you get up boys, If you never try? Though you stumble oft, boys Never be down-cast; Try and try again boys You’ll succeed at last Succeed is exactly what Thomas Augustus Robinson did.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Cyril, Scott, Erika Robinson and Tanya (Simone) Robinson-Johnson; Grandchildren: Hailey, Benicio, Jason Robinson and Shonte Cargill, Karinya and Kelito Johnson, TJ and Maria Elena Robinson; Sister: Brenda Robinson-Archer; Brother: Kingsley Robinson; Daughter-In-Law: Italia Robinson; Sister-In-Law: Ruth Robinson; Brother-in-Law: Edward Gardiner; Other relatives including: Malena Robinson and Earnestine Douglas; Nephews & Nieces: Adrian, Andree & Anthony (Nicolette) Archer and Andrew, Ashley, Nicholas, Peta & Philip Archer; Keith (Michelle) and Korry, Michael, Kechell, Krisian Robinson; Kevin (Pauline) and Latavia and Kevin Jr Robinson, Marc (Yasmin) Zara and Taylor Robinson Tiana Robinson George (Teryl, Teryl and Trinity George, Kyle Robinson and Andrew “Sam” McKinney and Samantha McKinney; Indira (Adrian) Rolle and Aydn Rolle; Sean Tynes and Sean TynesJr; Ronald Douglas and Rev’d James McQueen, and Donald Douglas and Iram Lewis; Special Friend: Toni Godet; Numerous Godchildren including: Charmine Smith-Tucker, Lisell Harris, Roscoe Dames, Debbie Ferguson and Dillon Knowles; Cousins: Family of the late Daphne Scott; Franco Scott and Family; Family of the late Ismae Coleby; Stanley and Charles Mitchell, Henry Ford, Clinton and Heather Sands, Mark Williams, Randolph Strachan, John Gordon, Corrine Fountain, Dorothea Guss and Family, Stella, Sandra and Susan Mitchell, Lilian Birch, Merelne Gordaon and Family, Rosa Dorsett, Cheryl Dorsett, Maderick Dorsett, Shirley Strachan, Clarice Bain, Athea Bain, Willisee Clergusto, Gloria Archer, Sheligh Strachan and Family, Barbara Campbell & Family, Elise Strachan & Family and Juliette Barnwell & Family; God-sister: Margarita Major; Godbrother: Charles Wallace; Neighbors: William & Kim Pyfrom, Dion & Linda Forsythe, Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Cartwright, Mr. & Mrs. Colin Thompson and Ms. Mandy Roberts; Co-workers: Staff Of The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Sports Authority; Friends for life: George Capron, Viki Russell, Mr.
Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson & Family, David Capron, Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Williams, Mr. & Mrs. Sylvester George, Louis Dames and Family, The Rt. Honorable Perry G. Christie, Mr. Leslie Miller, MP, The Honorable Bernard J. Nottage, MP, Fred Sturrup, Athama Bowe, Mr. & Mrs. Doyle Burrows, Mr. Mike Sands, Mr. Craig Flowers, Mr. & Mrs. D’Anza Burrows, Mrs. Jackie Wallace & Family, Kendal Hutchinson-Bowe & Family, Mizpah Antoine and Family, Wilhelmina Smith, Anthony A. L. Archer, Paul and Anita Cooper, Christopher and Anna Cooper, Oralee Adamson, Charles Wallace and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Glinton, Michelle White & Family, Algier Cartwright and Family, Sonia Dames and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Alan Major, Oswald & Yvonne Isaacs, Family of the late Maude Newbold, Monique Miller, Velma Colebrooke, Patrica Burrows & Family, Honorable Lester Bird & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Hilton Nicholson & Family, Yvonne Bevans, Mr. & Mrs. Garth Curry Archdeacon G. Kingsley Knowles & Family, Fr. Andrew Toppin and Family, Rev. Enoch Backford, Arlene Nash Ferguson & Family, Honorable Dr. Perry Gomez, Tracey Roberts, Wesley Francis, Marge Munroe, Canon Curtis Robinson and Family, Fr Whitfield Huctheson & Family, The Guild to Help the Sick and Needy, the Sr. Choir and the People of St. George’s Anglican Church. Members of the Bahamas Association of Athletics Associations, Members of The Highgrove Singers, The Bahamas Olympic Association, Staff of Da Glass Kitchen, Staff of B&R Welding Design Contractors, Mr. & Mrs. Sean Burrows & Family, Winston “Gus” Cooper and the Valley Boys (the Push Paper Crew) and the Hawkins Hill Community, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Larron, Ann Culmer, Shena Scott and Beverley Marshall; Attending Physicians: Dr. Dwayne Sands, Dr. Cyprian Strachan, Dr. Adrian Sawyer, Dr. Paul Ramphal, and Dr. Tracy Roberts. Persons wishing to pay tribute to Thomas Augustus Robinson may do so online at: http://thomas-robinson.memory-of.com
“The opening of the (Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium) is the realization of a dream of hundreds of Bahamians, athletes and non-athletes alike, whose earnest desire has been for the Bahamas to have of a state of the art facility for the development of first class athletes; a facility capable of hosting world class events and a facility capable of calling the nation together for important national and civic events…. I am still in awe over the creativity, the effort and the energy displayed by the producers and the hundreds of performers who made the official opening ceremony a truly impressive and unforgettable occasion. It was one that I will never forget”.
Thomas A. Robinson,
M.B.E.
Order of Service
The Reception of the Body
- Fr. Andrew Toppin
With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our brother Thomas Augustus for burial. Our brother Thomas Augustus was washed in Holy Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit. Let us therefore, with confidence, pray to God our Heavenly Father, the Giver of life, that He will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints. V. R. V.
The Lord be with you And also with you Let us pray
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother Thomas Augustus. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are united with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. ALL: Amen. The procession into the church takes place. The following sentences are read: Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and I am life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and who ever lives and believes in me shall never die.” “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His compassion never fails; every morning they are renewed.” Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.” “I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.” “We brought nothing into the world, and we take nothing out. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away: Blessed be the name of the Lord.” “The eternal God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Introit Hymn
- Pleasant Are Thy Courts Above Happy souls, their praises flow Pleasant are thy courts above even in this vale of woe; in the land of light and love; waters in the desert rise, pleasant are thy courts below manna feeds them from the skies; in this land of sin and woe: on they go from strength to strength, O my spirit longs and faints till they reach thy throne at length, for the converse of thy saints, at thy feet adoring fall, for the brightness of thy face, who hast led them safe through all. for thy fullness, God of grace. Happy birds that sing and fly round thy altars, O Most High; happier souls that find a rest in a heavenly Father’s breast: like the wandering dove, that found no repose on earth around, they can to their ark repair, and enjoy it ever there. PRESIDENT:
The Lord be with you
ALL:
And also with you
PRESIDENT:
Let us pray
Lord, be mine this prize to win, guide me through a world of sin, keep me by thy saving grace, give me at thy side a place; Sun and Shield alike thou art, guide and guard my erring heart; grace and glory flow from thee; shower, O shower then, Lord, on me.
Almighty God, We remember before you today your servant Thomas Augustus and we pray that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, you will receive him more and more into your joyful service, that, with all who have served you in the past, he may share in the eternal victory of Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Old Testament Lesson
- Miss Andree Archer (Niece)
A reading from the word of God found in the book of the Wisdom of Solomon Chapter 3, verses 1-5 and verse 9
But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish, they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be an affliction and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of men they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined
a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy ones. Reader:
The Word of the Lord
All:
Thanks be to God
The choir leads the singing of Psalm 23 1. The Lord is my shepherd * therefore can I lack nothing 2. He shall feed me in a green pasture * and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. 3. He shall convert my soul, * and bring me forth in the path of righteousness for his Name’s sake. 4. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, * for thou art with me, thy road and thy staff comfort me. 5. Thou shalt prepare a table before me, against them that trouble me, * thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. 6. But thy loving kindness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life, * and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord * and let light perpetual shine upon him.
The New Testament Lesson
- Mrs. Charmaine Tucker (God-daughter)
A reading from 2nd Timothy 2:11-13 and chapter 4:6-8 & 18 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the 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. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Reader:
This is the Word of the Lord
All:
Thanks be to God
The congregation stands for the singing of the Gradual Hymn and remain standing in respect of the proclamation of God’s word through the Gospel – The Gospel is proclaimed by Fr. Whitfield Hutcheson.
Gradual Hymn
- Palms Of Glory Raiment Bright Palms of glory, raiment bright, crowns that never fade away, gird and deck the saints in light, priests, and kings, and conquerors they.
Round the altar priests confess, if their robes are white as snow, ‘twas the Savior’s righteousness and his blood that made them so.
Yet the conquerors bring their palms to the Lamb amidst the throne, and proclaim in joyful psalms victory through his cross alone.
They were mortal too like us; Oh when we like them must die may our souls translated thus triumph, reign, and shine on high.
Kings for harps their crowns resign, crying, as they strike the chords, “Take the kingdom, it is thine, King of kings, and Lord of lords.” V. R. V. R.
The Lord be with you And also with you A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to John Glory to Christ our Saviour
The Holy Gospel John 14: 1-6 “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. V. This is the Gospel of Christ R. Praise to Christ our Lord The congregation sits for the tributes
Family Tribute
- Cyril “Roby” Robinson & Erika Robinson (Children)
Family Musical Tribute
- “A New Commandment”
An anthem for men’s voices (text from John 13: 34) - the Men of The Highgrove Singers music by Adrian A. W. Archer (nephew) additional harmonization by Kirk Adsett & Donald Campbell A New Commandment I give unto you that you love one another as I have loved you. By this shall all know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another. By these two commandments hang all the law and prophets – love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and voice; and love your neighbor as yourself. Amen.
State Tribute
The Rt. Honourable Perry G. Christie, MP Prime Minister The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Anthem Of Consolation
- “Be Strong In The Lord.” Don Moen
Be strong in the Lord, and be of good courage; Your mighty Defender is always the same. Mount up with wings, as the eagle ascending; Vict’ry is sure when you call on His name. Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord; And be of good courage, for He is your guide. Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord; And be of good courage, for He is your guide. Be strong, be strong, be strong in the Lord; And rejoice for the vict’ry is yours. So put on the armour the Lord has provided; And place your defense in His unfailing care. Trust Him, for He will be with you in battle, Lighting your path to avoid every snare. Be strong in the Lord, and be of good courage; Your mighty commander will vanquish the foe. Fear not the battle, for the victory is always His; He will protect you whereever you go.
Sermon
- The Venerable G. Kingsley Knowles Rector, St. George’s Anglican Church, The Valley, NP
The congregation stands to say the Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen or unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died and was
buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. The intercessions are led by Tiana Robinson George & Nicholas Archer Leader: For our brother Thomas Augustus let us pray to the Lord Christ who said, “I am the Resurrection and I am Life.” Leader: Lord, You consoled Martha and Mary in their distress: Draw near to us who mourn for Thomas Augustus and dry the tears of those who weep. All: Hear us, Lord. Leader: All:
You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend, comfort us in our sorrow. Hear us, Lord.
Leader: All:
You raised the dead to life: Raise our brother Thomas Augustus to eternal life. Hear us, Lord.
Leader: You promised paradise to the thief who repented: Bring our brother Thomas Augustus to the joys of heaven. All: Hear us, Lord. Leader: Our brother Thomas Augustus was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit: Give her fellowship with all your Saints. All: Hear us, Lord. Leader: He was nourished with your Body and Blood: Grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom. All: Hear us, Lord. Leader: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother Thomas Augustus. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope. All: Hear us, Lord. Celebrant: Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to you our brother Thomas Augustus who was reborn by water and the Spirit in Holy Baptism. Grant that his death may recall to us your victory over death, and be an occasion for us to renew our trust in your Father’s love. Give us, we pray, the faith to follow where you have led the way; and where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, to the ages of ages. Amen.
Hymn
- Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer
Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim though this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty; hold me with thy powerful hand; Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore.
When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside; bear me through the swelling current, land me safe on Canaan’s side; songs of praises, I will ever give to thee.
Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing stream doth flow; let the fiery cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through; strong Deliverer, be thou still my Strength and Shield. The elements are brought to the altar by
Element Bearers
Hailey Robinson, Jason Robinson Kelito Johnson, Maria Elena Robinson (Grand Children) President: Through your goodness, Lord, we have this bread and wine to offer, the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands. They will become our spiritual food. All: All things come from you, 0 Lord, and of your own do we give you. Blessed be God for ever. Amen.
Hymn for Preparation
- “And Can It Be” And can it be that I should gain Long my imprisoned spirit lay An interest in the Savior’s blood? Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Died He for me, who caused His pain— Thine eye diffused a quickening ray For me, who Him to death pursued? I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; Amazing love! How can it be, My chains feel off, my heart was free, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. ’Tis mystery all: thee 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. He left His Father’s throne above So free, so infinite His grace— Emptied 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!
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 thee eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
President:
The Lord be with you
All:
And also with you
President:
Lift up your hearts
All:
We lift them up unto the Lord
President:
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
All:
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
President: It is right and a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father almighty everlasting God.; who rose victorious from the dead, and comforts us with the blessed hope of life eternal;. For to your faithful people, O Lord, life is changed, not ended, and when our mortal body lies in death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place in the heavens. Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, who forever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
(The Sanctus is sung to a tune by Timothy Gibson) Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might; Heaven and earth are full of your glory, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes In the Name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest. Celebrants: All glory, praise, and thanksgiving be unto you, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God, you created the world and all mankind, and of your tender mercy gave your only Son Jesus Christ to take our human nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross, for our redemption. He made there, by his own oblation of Himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and He instituted, and in His holy Gospel commanded us to continue, a perpetual memory of His precious death, until his coming again. Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech you; and be pleased to accept, bless and sanctify these gifts and creatures of bread and wine, that they may be for us the Body and Blood of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. For on the night He was betrayed he took bread, and when he had given thanks to you he broke it and gave it to His disciples and said: “Take this, and eat it: This is my Body which is given for you, do this for the remembrance of me.” After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks he gave it to them and said: “Drink this, all of you; This is my Blood of the New Covenant, which was shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins, Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.” President:
Let us proclaim the mystery of our faith
All:
Christ has died Christ is risen Christ will come again
Celebrants: Now therefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we your servants with all your holy people, having in remembrance the blessed passion, mighty resurrection, and glorious ascension of your beloved Son, do offer unto your Divine Majesty this Bread of eternal life and this Cup of everlasting salvation, rendering thanks to you for the wonderful redemption which you have made possible for us in Him.
And we beseech you O Father, to accept upon your heavenly altar this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; and to grant that by the merits and death of your Son Jesus Christ and through faith in His blood, we and all your whole church may obtain remission of our sins and all other benefits of His passion. And we pray that by the power of your Holy Spirit all who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion may be filled with your grace and heavenly benediction, and be numbered in the glorious company of your saints. And here we offer and present unto you O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy and lively sacrifice. And although we are unworthy to offer you any sacrifice, yet we beseech you to accept this, our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits but pardoning our offences; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom, and in whom in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be unto you, O Father Almighty, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
As our Saviour has taught us so we pray:
(The Lord’s prayer is sung to a tune by Dr. Sparkman Ferguson) All: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name; your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. President:
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ
All:
Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread
President:
The gifts of God for the people of God
All:
Our souls will feast and be satisfied, and we will sing glad songs of praise to him.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant him rest Lamb of God;you take away the sins of the world: grant him rest Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: grant him rest eternal.
ALLELUIA! SING TO JESUS!
Communion Hymns
Alleluia! sing to Jesus! His the scepter, His the throne. Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone. Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood. Jesus out of every nation has redeemed us by His blood. Alleluia! not as orphans are we left in sorrow now; Alleluia! He is near us, faith believes, nor questions how; Though the cloud from sight received Him when the forty days were o’er Shall our hearts forget His promise, “I am with you evermore”? Alleluia! bread of angels, Thou on earth our food, our stay; Alleluia! here the sinful flee to Thee from day to day: Intercessor, Friend of sinners, Earth’s Redeemer, plead for me, Where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea. Alleluia! King eternal, Thee the Lord of lords we own; Alleluia! born of Mary, Earth Thy footstool, Heav’n Thy throne: Thou within the veil hast entered, robed in flesh our great High Thou on earth both priest and victim in the Eucharistic feast.
Lord Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor Lord, enthroned in heavenly splendor, first-begotten from the dead. Thou alone, our strong defender, liftest up thy people’s head. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Jesus, true and living bread! Jesus, true and living bread!
Paschal Lamb, thine offering, finished once for all when thou was slain, in its fullness undiminished shall for evermore remain. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Cleansing souls from every stain. Cleansing souls from every stain.
Here our humblest homage pay we, here in loving reverence bow; here for faith’s discernment pray we, lest we fail to know thee now. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou art here, we ask not how. Thou art here, we ask not how.
Life-imparting heavenly Manna, stricken Rock with streaming side, heaven and earth with loud hosanna worship thee, the Lamb who died. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Risen, ascended, glorified! Risen, ascended, glorified!
Though the lowliest form doth veil thee as of old in Bethlehem, here as there thine angels hail thee, branch and flower of Jesse’s stem. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! We in worship join with them. We in worship join with them.
MY HOPE IS BUILT My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
His oath, his covenant, his blood supports me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, he then is all my hope and stay.
(Chorus) On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.
When he shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in him be found! Dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne!
When Darkness veils his lovely face, I rest on his unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.
BLESSED ASSURANCE Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. (Chorus) This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
Communion Anthem
- “My Flight For Heaven” words by Robert Herrick, 1591-1674 music by Blake Henson sung by The Highrove Singers
Charm ne asleep, and melt me so with thy delicious numbers. That, being ravished, hence I go away in easy slumbers. Ease my sick head, and make my bed. Thou Pow’r canst sever me from ill. And quickly still, though thou not kill my fever. Fall on me like a silent dew or like those maiden showers Which, by he peep of day do strew a baptism o’er the flowers Melt my pans with this soft strains. That, having ease me given, with full delight. I leave this light and take my flight for Heaven.
Post Communion
All: Almighty God, we thank your that in your great love you have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, and have given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. Grant that this sacrament many be to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with all your saints, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Remarks Thanksgiving Hymn
- The Right Reverend Laish Z. Boyd Sr.
To God be the glory, great things he hath done! So loved he the world that he gave us his Son, who yielded his life an atonement for sin, and opened the lifegate that all may go in. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear his voice! Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice! O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son, and give him the glory, great things he hath done!
The Commendation
- “To God Be The Glory” Descant by Adrian A. W. Archer
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, to every believer the promise of God; the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives. Great things he hath taught us, great things he hath done, and great our rejoicing thru Jesus the Son; but purer, and higher, and greater will be our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
- The Right Reverend Laish Z. Boyd, Sr.
The Choir Sings the Russian Kontakion of the departed while the body is blessed – the congregation shall remain standing. Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant with thy saints: Where sorrow and pain are no more; neither sighing, but life everlasting. Thou only art immortal, the creator and Maker of man: and we are mortal formed of the earth, and unto earth shall we return: for so thou didst ordain, when thou createdst me, saying, Dust thou art and unto dust shall thou return. All we go down to the dust; and weeping o’er the grave, we make our song: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! - Give rest, 0 Christ, to thy servant with thy saints: Where sorrow and pain are no more; neither sighing, but life everlasting - Kiev melody President: Let us commend our brother Thomas Augustus to the mercy of God our Maker and Redeemer. Deliver your servant Thomas Augustus O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil and set him free from every bond that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God for ever and ever. All:
Amen.
President: Into your hands, O Merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Thomas Augustus Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a Lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, in the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. President:
May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
All:
Amen
President:
Alleluia! Christ Is Risen
All:
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
President:
Let us go forth in the Name of Christ
All:
Thanks be to God.
The Brass Ensemble of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band plays the Post and Reville
The National Anthem
- March On Bahamaland
The choir sings “Hallelujah Chorus” G. F. Handel (1685-1759)
Recessional
- All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name
All hail the power of Jesus’ Name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all. Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.
Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race, ye ransomed from the fall, Hail Him Who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all. Hail Him Who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all.
Let highborn seraphs tune the lyre, and as they tune it, fall Hail Him, ye heirs of David’s line, whom David Lord did call, Before His face Who tunes their choir, and crown Him Lord of all. The God incarnate, Man divine, and crown Him Lord of all, Before His face Who tunes their choir, and crown Him Lord of all. The God incarnate, Man divine, and crown Him Lord of all. Crown Him, ye morning stars of light, who fixed this floating ball; Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget the wormwood and the gall, Now hail the strength of Israel’s might, and crown Him Lord of all. Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of all. Now hail the strength of Israel’s might, and crown Him Lord of all. Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of all. Crown Him, ye martyrs of your God, who from His altar call; Extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod, and crown Him Lord of all. Extol the Stem of Jesse’s Rod, and crown Him Lord of all.
Let every tribe and every tongue before Him prostrate fall And shout in universal song the crownèd Lord of all. And shout in universal song the crownèd Lord of all.
As the body is borne from the church the men of the choir chant Hymne Olympique, 1896 (The Olympic Hymn) set to music by SAMARA, 1986 adopted as the Olympic Hymn in 1957 Immortal Spirit of antiquity Father of true, beautiful and good, Descend, appear, shed over us thy light Upon this ground and under this sky Which has first witnessed they unperashible fame. Give light and animation to those noble games! Throw wreaths of fadeless flowers to the victors In the race and in the strife! Create in our breasts hearts of steel! In thy light, plains, mountains and seas Shine in a roseate hue and form a vast temple To which all nations throng to adore thee, Oh immortal sprit of antiquity As the procession leaves the Cathedral. Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and giving life to those in the tomb. The Sun of righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death. The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having taken away the sin of the world. Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in His Name, saying, Come, a Blessed of my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you. Into paradise may the angels lead you. At your coming may the Martyrs receive you, and bring you into the Holy City, Jerusalem.
Organ Postlude
- “Now Thank We All our God”, J.S Bach
The Committal
Everyone the Father gives to me will come to me: I will never turn away anyone who believes in me. He who raised Jesus Christ from. the dead will also give new life to our mortal bodies through His indwelling Spirit. My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also shall rest in hope. You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore. I heard a voice from heaven saying “Write this: Happy are the dead who die in the faith of Christ! Henceforth,” says the Spirit “they may rest from the labours: for they take with them the record of their deeds. Man born of a woman has but a short time to live. Like a flower he blossoms and then withers; like a shadow he flees and never stays. In the midst of life we are in death; to whom can we turn for help, but to you, Lord, who are justly angered by our sins? Lord God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us from the bitter pains of eternal death. You know the secrets of our hearts: In your mercy hear our prayer, forgive us our sins, and at our last hour let us not fall away from you. MINISTER: Then as the earth is cast upon the coffin, the minister says: In sure and certain hope of resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother Thomas Augustus and we commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. And we beseech you in your infinite goodness to give us grace to live in your dear love and to die in your favour that when your well-beloved Son shall come again in judgment both this our brother Thomas Augustus and we ourselves may be found acceptable in your sight. Grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. V. R. V.
The Lord be with you And also with you Let us pray
Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity; we give you heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all your servants, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and
refreshment. May we, with all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the resurrection and the life: Receive that blessing which your well beloved Son shall then pronounce: “Come, you blessed of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world.” Grant this, O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. Grant, O Lord, to all who are bereaved the Spirit of faith and courage, that they may have the strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience; not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. And this we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. V. R.
Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord And let light perpetual shine upon him.
V May he and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. R. Amen. V. The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face to shine upon him and be gracious unto him. The Lord lift up his countenance upon him and give him peace. R. Amen. V. R.
Alleluia! Christ is risen The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
V. R.
Let us go forth in the name of Christ Thanks be to God. Honorary Pall Bearers
Pall Bearers Mr. Cyril “Roby” Robinson Mr. Anthony Archer Mr. Keith Robinson Mr. Mark Robinson Mr. Sean Tynes Mr. Adrian Rolle Mr. Nicholas Archer
Mr. Scott Robinson Mr. Adrian Archer Mr. Kevin Robinson Mr. Donald Douglas Rev’d James McQueen Mr. Terrell George Mr. Andrew Archer
Mr. Kingsley Robinson Mr. James McQueen Mr. Ronald Douglas Mr. George Capron Mr. Paul Cooper Mr. Kendal Hutchinson-Bowe Mr. Leslie Miller, MP Mr. Fred Sturrup Mr. Sylvester George Mr. David Knowles Mr. Iram Lewin
Mr. Athama Bowe Rt. Honorable Perry Christie, MP Rev’d Enoch Backford Mr. Anthony A. L. Archer Mr. Edward Gardiner The Hon. Bernard Nottage, MP Mr. Craig Flowers Mr. Rodney Williams Mr. Alpheus Finlayson Mr. Paul Cooper
Graveside Hymns 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.
The Day Thou Gavest Lord has Ended The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended, The darkness falls at Thy behest; To Thee our morning hymns ascended, Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.
(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!
We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping, While earth rolls onward into light, Through all the world her watch is keeping, And rests not now by day or night.
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.
As o’er each continent and island The dawn leads on another day, The voice of prayer is never silent, Nor dies the strain of praise away.
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!
The sun that bids us rest is waking Our brethren ’neath the western sky, And hour by hour fresh lips are making Thy wondrous doings heard on high. So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never, Like earth’s proud empires, pass away: Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever, Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.
Thine For Ever! God of Love Thine forever! Savior, keep Thine forever! God of love, these thy frail and trembling sheep, hear us from thy throne above; safe alone beneath thy care, thine forever may we be let us all thy goodness share. here and in eternity. Thine forever! O how blest they who find in thee their rest! Savior, Guardian, heavenly Friend, O defend us to the end. Thine forever! Lord of life, shield us through our earthly strife; thou, the Life, the Truth, the Way, guide us to the realms of day.
Thine forever! Thou our Guide, all our wants by thee supplied, all our sins by thee forgiven, lead us, Lord, from earth to heaven.
My Brother…. My Hero Tommy and I grew up in a time and place where the simplicity of life made it easy for us as siblings to become friends as well. He was the older brother whom an impressionable sister was always proud. He was a brilliant student and made all of us proud when he entered St. John’s College as a youngster, focused on his work and his sporting activities.
Over the years our relationship as brother and sister grew tighter, even as he travelled the world, representing The Bahamas at various sporting events. Our lives were intertwined and we held no secrets from each other as we established and extended the line of Cyril and WIllisee Robinson. Ours was a relationship that touched every aspect of life. We laughed, cried and worshiped together. He became my hero long before his status as a national figure in The Bahamas was established. He never let me down. He was a kind, mild mannered person who hardly raised his voice above a whisper, even when angered. He had a deliberate and cautious way of speaking, analyzing a situation and participating in any discussion. However, his love and care for me and my family were never cautious. He looked after me like a husband with excellent care and attention. No request from me was turned down by him. That kind of attention he lavished on Adrian, Andree and Tony as well. They knew of his warmth, his love and, at times, his stern admonitions. In sickness and death, as in life, he showed true grace and courage. He fought to the very end. His kind and gentle spirit manifested and returned to him by the care and attention given to him by his dear children. I am blessed indeed that Thomas Augustus Robinson was my brother. He was a brother par excellence and one of which I will always be proud. We are all, no doubt, better because Gus passed our way. Now he lives on another shore reunited with our parents and other relatives. What a time they must be having! Gus has run the ultimate race and a Gold Medal awaits which outshines any he has ever been given. As I have said privately , I now thank him publicly for being the best brother a sister could ever have. May he rest in peace.
Brenda (sister)
When I heard the news I knew I had to say something. I made my first Tribute in glory now I make my last in sadness. It took me a while to figure out exactly what I wanted to say but I finally found the words.
“I have always maintained that participation in sports helps to build character. It instils discipline and teaches the importance of working together as a team and teaches young people that there are winners and losers. Sports cause us to confront that two-headed monster – “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” I have also advocated that one of the best ways to socialize our youth is to get them involved in some sporting activity. Through sports they learn to interact with people of different ethnic, cultural and financial backgrounds. While these may divide us socially, they are of no consequence on a playing field and they melt away in the quest for the glory of the sport”
Thomas A. Robinson,
M.B.E.
“My Nephew…. Take a Note!”
“My nephew! take a note!” was the way our conversations began for many years with uncle Tommy. I was always taking notes, and planning or emailing or “facebooking” or writing proposals on his behalf. It was a task I always enjoyed, most especially in these last years, when after decades of helping and advising me in all aspects of my life, I was now helping him. He was a gift from God! – and he, in turn, gave his life as a gift to many
His gifts to me began eight months after my birth. He purchased a small Koala Bear that he put in my crib after his return from gathering medals at the Empire and Commonwealth Games in Perth Australia in 1962; a stuffed bear that he was stunned to find I kept all these years, and even took to Princeton when I attended university. It was symbolic of his presence in my life from the day of my birth to the day of his death. As I look upon “Bear” today, the name I gave the stuffed toy, I am reminded in so many ways of the bear that my uncle Tommy was. He was an affectionate man. He greeted me with a hug and kiss and a stoke of my head (which he reminded me recently was going bald). He was always curious about what I and my siblings were up to. He was our Father in so many ways, seeing to our nurture and development as youngsters. He didn’t play when it came to education! – Many days I was the recipient of his deep “disappointment” when a report card from St. John’s College that didn’t reflect the grades he knew I was capable of. – the result of which was a “talk” with his belt, but not before a stern and LONG DRAWN OUT DISORTATION on the disadvantages of wasting my mother’s time and money (in the end
one begged for the beating instead of the talking!). Thankfully I redeemed myself many years later when, as he stood on the steps of Princeton University Chapel for my graduation photo, he whispered in my ear, “Well done nephew! Well done!” I threw my graduation stole around his neck and said “Thanks uncle T”. As my brother, sister and me grew into adulthood, it was easy to recognize, appreciate and understand the love of siblings the love of siblings, as we observed him and our mother Brenda. Here was another gift he presented to us. Theirs was a love that was clear to see and they didn’t always agree, as most siblings don’t, there was never a moment of animosity between them but fierce loyalty and love. It was a love that they were not afraid to demonstrate, initiated by our grandparents who believed in the love of family and the need to gather as often as possible for fellowship. He knew this was the remedy for “staying together” as a family and made every attempt to continue the traditions by spending Monday evenings at our house and Thursday evenings at my Uncle King and Aunt Ruth’s house. Until he was seriously ill you could count on him to be the last to leave the party soaking in every bit of fun and fellowship. In the past few years, I was honored to be his “sounding board” as he contemplated many decisions in his life. Life indeed had come full circle for us. I set up his email, Facebook and Twitter accounts. He could NEVER remember the passwords so we lived changing them until he finally said, “Man, I have nothing to hide! You give it something you can remember”. He was amazed and loved to shop online and send online greeting cards. He honored me by asking to draft his speeches and vet any PR or press opportunities that had come his way. The gifts he gave me were finally being returned to him. His final “take a note” call came to me only a few weeks ago. The content of that conversation remains a secret between us – it ended however, with the words, “Love lives on beyond good-bye” – words that I will never forget.
I grew up with many people saying, “boy you look and act like your uncle Tommy.” It wasn’t always a sentiment I enjoyed as I tried to establish my own identity and way in life. On one occasion he remarked, “I hope you behaving yourself ‘cause you lookin’ more like me and I don’t want people to mix me up with you”. Such was our interaction. He was my center and the person whom I was never afraid to talk to, share my private thoughts and the man in my life. I am now so grateful the comparisons though I could never live up to the standards which he lived his life. So I bid my Uncle ‘T’ a fond farewell and as I continue to look upon that stuff Bear I know my uncle will always be present, as he always has, a loving force in my life. I thank almighty good for the good fortune and the blessings that he bestowed on Andree, Tony and his family, mummy, me and my entire family with the life of Thomas Augustus Robinson….Tommy The Good! He was good people – and he was ours! How blessed we are! Peace to you Uncle and thanks for the gifts. You take a note now! You’ve done your part…. now rest in peace! Adrian and on behalf of my siblings and children Andree Tony, Nicollete & Children Ashley & Jace
Thank You For Being My Hero A Tribute from Tony,
Thank you for being the rock in my mother’s life when she found herself alone with three children. You assured her that everything would be okay. Thank you for your emotional and financial support to our family. Without you life for us would not have been the same. Thank you for, when as a young man, I disrespected by older brother, you told me in a meeting on the hill with grumpa and Adrian, that such behavior was not tolerated in our family. Thank you for being my first track coach who taught me about the 4 D’s: Disciple, Dedication, Desire and Determination. Thank you for teaching me how to be a good son. You always loved and respected your parents. You always conceded and gave Grammy right even when she was not. You only smiled when she fussed you out. The Care and dedication that you showed them when they needed you most in their twilight years, was an example for us all to follow. Thank you for showing me the measure of a man is in his dedication to his responsibilities in life. Your careful commitment to your children was second to none. You educated them and supported them even when you disagreed with some of their choices . You are a national hero, but more importantly you are my hero, the man whose life I have patterned mine after. Your advice and the life lessons you have taught me are priceless. I will forever cherish them and you. You have instilled in me that being a man is not about acquiring wealth and fame. Rather, it is about the way he cares and provides for his family and those dearest to him. I love you, Tony
To Uncle Tommy
Uncle Tommy, our love affair was short lived. We will miss you especially at Thursday dinner. We love you! Teryl & Trinity
A Great Man!
Father, uncle, brother, friend, colleague, mentor, coach All of these describe you well However, to us you were something different To us, you were grandfather. I will never forget the tender hugs and kisses, Your warm smile that shone bright, even in the dead of night You were always happy to see your grandchildren. You would smile as we played and ran outside, Or just sat by your side in front of the TV. You were a man of education; almost always on top of your class as a young boy. With your hard work and dedication, You sprinted into the Bahamian Book of Heroes & Legends. You’d never believe I spent years of my life Going to a stadium that I never knew was named after you. That was never important, I guess. Your love and support have and will always be appreciated. From graduation, to game, to track meet, to production You were in attendance, always proud of what was accomplished. But you always expressed to us that in life We had to work as hard as we could to do as good as we can do. You never bothered to hide your disapproval; Good or bad you showed and let us know. In your lifetime, you taught us many life lessons That we are sure to never forget. We always knew that time was dwindling down; You were sick, but strong! We never wanted to see it coming. When I got the news that morning, sadness and sorrow filled my heart No matter how prepared, We are never really ready to let a loved one go. “God doesn’t let his angels suffer!” The six words that brought me real comfort. Your times is up now and I understand, But your wings have just grown and I know You are now watching us as we grow. Thomas A. Robinson, Tom, Tommy, Uncle Tommy and Daddy You all new and called him. To us, he was Papa Forever we will love you Papa. May you Rest In Paradise. -Shonté Cargill (granddaughter)
From Karinya
I’ll miss all the wonderful times we had together and the great amount of love you had for me. I hope to follow your example and treat my family the way you did yours, with generosity, kindness, care and most importantly love. I promise to make you proud in all I do remembering the four D’s, your motto, never forgetting how much of a difference you made in my life. I will always love you Papa. From: “Your Girl”
M
any will remember you for your outstanding athletic ability, your care and concern for future generations of athletes, your unwavering national pride, your tenacious character and your humble spirit. We will simply remember you as Uncle Tommy. That was enough for us. We will have fond memories of Thursdays spent around the table. We will miss the hugs and kisses that greeted each one of us in turn every time you walked through the door. Your memory will live in on in the stories that we share with our children and future generations of Robinsons. Thank you for being the attentive, loving and supportive uncle that we will always treasure and for providing us with a fine example of what a gentleman should be. Take your rest Uncle Tommy. Until we meet again…
Love Marc, Yasmin, Zara and Taylor.
TO MOST A HERO, TO US, JUST UNCLE TOM BECAUSE…. • I have heard over the past few days the many descriptions of Uncle Tom: Hero, Great One, HUMBLE, The Best Ever…., But to us he was just Uncle Tom because he made us feel like his heroes. • He was a man revered for his many accomplishments as a Sportsman But to us he was Just Uncle Tom because he made ours feel greater • While the Elite and Movers of the land took pleasure in his presence, To us he was just Uncle Tom because it was more important to him to be in ours. • When it was decided he was worthy to have the stadium named in his honor To us he was just Uncle Tom because it didn’t mean anything to him if we were not there. • When he cried at Aunt Jane’s funeral after we had suffered so many loses that year, To us he was just Uncle Tom because we knew that family was the most important thing to him (although he felt he had to apologize for crying in public). • When he had to play “Monster” running behind Haley and his Grand-Nieces at Mom and Dad’s Thursday family dinners, until he had to tell them “Monster only chasing downstairs, Monster tired” until he just couldn’t go anymore because he was tired and not feeling well, To us he was just Uncle Tom because he could never give enough for us. • When we knew no matter where or when we saw him a hug was not good enough, only a kiss would do, To us he was just Uncle Tom because….. • When as kids we got out of line and had to endure those long speeches before you get your things (AD would know more about that than all of us put together probably), somehow I never had to get any but I could hear Well, he was a little more than just Uncle Tom then and that don’t need any explanation or ask AD. • And now Uncle Tom has moved on to where the real rewards are given and I know there is a Medal there for him that will make all those medals he won seem like trash because he Loved HIS GOD like no other. NOW, to us he IS NOT JUST Uncle Tom anymore, he is the greatest Uncle anyone could have ever have and because of him being in our lives we are all better people and Shout a big THANK YOU to God for allowing us to be a part of his life as we were a part of his. WE LOVE YOU BUT WE KNOW YOU LOVED US FIRST!! K. Robbie, Michele & The Kids
My Papa
“My boy” is what we used to call each other since we were very close. His kisses, support and great concern are what I’ll miss the most. He wanted me to do the best I could in everything and he would often come to watch me play soccer, To others he was a hero, a legend, to me he was my friend and the “GREATEST GRANDFATHER”. Love always “Papa’s boy Kelito”
Tommy Robinson!
How does one define greatness? I have been in that dilemma for the past week. Despite knowing that it is man’s lot to die I was in denial. I struck the thought from my brain that Tommy would indeed die. You’ll read and have read of some of the exploits of Thomas A. Robinson primarily of his exploits in the area of track and field. Yes! He traversed the world as the lone face of the little known country…The Bahamas. Here at home is where his greatness lay. As the saying goes.. the “chip doesn’t fall far from the block.” In Tommy’s case the block has been his mother and father. Wilisee Robinson, his mother, was a disciplinarian who didn’t entertain slackness. She was as firm as the rock of Gibraltar. C.P, his father, was resolute and firm. Father and Mother. This is the foundation from which Tommy was crafted. Tommy sought our promising school aged individuals and people who were destitute and supplemented, out of his pockets their education and basic care. He saw many people who had no where to turn and he assisted them. In some instances they had given up on life itself. Even some of those who have fallen through the cracks of life he did his best to assist because he was anxious that all his people would do well. I’ll not speak to his accomplishments. They are the stuff of which legends are made. Thomas A. Robinson..a Great man – the Greatest Bahamian! “Whence comes such another? Never!” “My heart is in the coffin there with Tommy. I must pause til it come back to me.” William Shakespeare. He was a human person, born with a love for humanity. Instilled with the true characters of a loving person - that was our Tommy. May he rest in peace. George Capron
Message of Gratitude
We the family would like to express our humble gratitude and sincerest appreciation to those who, in one way or another, provided us with support and prayers that have comforted us in our time of sorrow. As we seek to move forward from this place, let us remember Tommy’s spirit of love, hope and courage, finding strength in the knowledge that all things are working for the good of them that love the Lord. May God continue to bless and guide each and every one of you. - The Family Our thanks is extended to all who contributed to the production of this lasting memorial to Thomas Augustus Robinson, M.B.E. Mr. Addis Huyler Roderick Wells Photography Mr. Kedar Clarke Mr. Peter Ramsay Mr. Alpheus Finlayson Mrs. Arlene Nash Ferguson & Photos from the Library of Yontlay Bowe, Robinson and Archer Families
Funeral Service Entrusted To:
Provided by SIDDA Communications Group, Ltd.
P.O. Box N-1026 Nassau Street Nassau, Bahamas 242.322.4433 (T) 242.328.2314 (F) 242.422.1033 (M)
Tel: 394-BOOK (2665) Mobile: (242) 448-8937 Email: info@siddagroup.com # 11 Shirley Street Plaza Nassau, N.P. Bahamas
“Love lives on beyond goodbye.” “Love lives on beyond goodbye.”
Thomas Augustus Robinson,
M.B.E.