The Tribune

Family members of the late Chester Thompson remember him as a “loving” father who was always the “centre of activity” and enjoyed spending time with family in his native Hope Town, Abaco.

Author, World War II veteran, and noted Bahamian, Mr Thompson died yesterday morning at the age of 91.

His wife, Joan Thompson - whom he married in 1950 - said yesterday he will be missed by his family to whom he was committed.

“He was, first of all, a devoted father to his children. His family, that was his main interest,” she said. “His prime focus in life was his family, his children, his grandchildren.”

Mrs Thompson also took note of Mr Thompson’s military achievements. He served in the British Navy during World War II, as did his brother, Morris.

His other brothers, Hartis and Leonard also served in the war while enlisted in the Canadian Air Force.

“He wrote two books,” Mrs Thompson continued. “One of which is based on his experiences in the war. It was really a biography of his time in the service.”

His other book, named The Fledging, is also a biography based on his childhood.

“It is in the school curriculum for the public schools and it’s about his life as a little boy, growing up on an out island,” Mrs Thompson said.

The Abaconian also loved to share his childhood experience with his children and grandchildren.

“They had a lot of fun together, taking them up to Abaco” Mrs Thompson said. “We have a house up there so we spent a lot of time up there with the children, with the family.

“He was always the centre of activity, that’s for sure.”