The Tribune

FAMILY and friends came together on Sunday to share memories and celebrate the life of the late Chester Thompson.

At an intimate ceremony in the garden of his Seekers End home, Mr Thompson was remembered as a loving father, grandfather and husband; and a proud son of his native Hope Town, Abaco.

Loved ones of Mr Thompson, who died on October 2 at the age of 91, spoke of his devotion to family and close friends, his passion for literature and the English language, and his infectious sense of humour.

Known locally as one of the “Fighting Thompsons”, Mr Thompson served in the British Navy during World War II along his brother Morris, while his other brothers Hartis and Leonard served in the Canadian Air Force.

Mr Thompson wrote two books, one about his experiences in the war. The other, based on his childhood in Hope Town, is now part of the national curriculum for high school students.

Among those who spoke at the memorial service were Mr Thompson’s granddaughter Juliana Mahelis, his son-in-law Peter Phillips, and longtime family friend Tom Heintzman.

Mr Heintzman told the gathering: “I can’t imagine a person who loved, understood and was passionate about his country as much as Chester Thompson.

“His first passion, though, was his family – his wife Joan and his daughters Juliana, Jennifer and Christina, and their husbands and children.

“Chester’s life was one lived for family, for his Bahamas, and for his love of literature – a life truly well lived.”