The Tribune

By Shawn Hanna

and Stephen Hunt

A PACKED church paid tribute on Friday at the funeral service of a Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marine who died in a suspected suicide.

Friends and relatives shocked and in grief attended the funeral of Chinyere Opara Jermaine Wilkinson, who died on August 23.

Leading Mechanic Wilkinson, who was 40 when he died, was a popular figure, and was known in the RBDF as “Action Station”.

He had married only recently, in July, to Tamara McKenzie-Wilkinson, who he had known since 2006. He was said to be a man who spoke about his family endlessly.

Deputy Commodore Tellis Bethel, the captain of Coral Harbour, said: “The greatest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude.”

He said Chinyere joined the RBDF in 1997, joining the engineering department where he excelled as a marine mechanic. He said he was outstanding in his duties and was well-respected by his colleagues.

Dep Comm Bethel said: “As a result of his hard work and commitment, he became a successful leading seaman.”

Mr Wilkinson was described as a workout fanatic, standing 6ft 4in and often working out at the gym. In his spare time, he was also a Mr Fix It - gardening, repairing, working on cars and more. He had also been involved helping the Miss Bahamas Universe pageant in 2009.

The Minister of National Security, Dr Bernard Nottage, also spoke, describing Mr Wilkinson as “disciplined, faithful, committed, hard-working and loyal”.

A message in the memorial booklet said: “on August 23, 2013, when everyone least expected, Chinyere left his new wife, his mother, his family, his colleagues and his friends. His sudden departure was totally out of Chinyere’s character and many are still in disbelief, hurting, angry, can’t stop crying, and have so many questions. Only God, however, knows the answers.

The full military funeral service was held at Calvary Bible Church on Collins Avenue, before interment at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. He leaves his wife, Tamara, and his parents, Paula Sherman and Daniel Wilkinson.