The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A VIDEO played during the funeral service for Marine Seaman Demeris Armbrister Jr on Friday traced his life from childhood through adulthood, offering a final, intimate reflection on a young man whose death has shaken the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and his wider community.

In the video, Armbrister described himself as “ chasing God”, acknowledging his own imperfections while expressing a desire to live better.

“I don’t have it all together but I’m trying,” he said, adding that he was doing “all the right things instead of all of the wrong things.”

The montage moved between milestones and lighter moments, including scenes from his graduation and casual “fit checks, before ending with footage from his vigil, where loved ones gathered outdoors with balloons and prayers to celebrate his life.

Armbrister died earlier this month after crashing into a tree off the Tonique Williams Darling Highway. His funeral was conducted with full military honours, attended by senior officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and top brass of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

As officers in green and white uniforms filled the sanctuary, Armbrister’s family processed in blue and black towards the open casket. Many mourners struggled to contain their grief, while others stood silently in disbelief. When the casket was closed, one relative became overwhelmed and needed assistance.

Tributes from officers, family members and political leaders were read throughout the service, painting a picture of a disciplined, ambitious young marine who took pride in service and carried himself with purpose.

RBDF Commodore Floyd Moxey said Mr Armbrister brought “genuine intensity” and “pride” to his work, describing him as a marine whose zeal and energy consistently lifted standards and morale within his division.

Since Ambrister joined the Defence Force in January 2023, Commodore Moxey said he served with distinction in Commander Squadron, the Squadron Department and the administration section, where he worked in gym management.

His path into the force, the commodore said, was also deeply personal. Three years ago, Armbrister’s grand-uncle placed his application directly into Commodore Moxey’s hand even before it was formally submitted, convinced of his potential from the outset.

“Upon joining, he represented exactly what a modern marine should be,” Commodore Moxey said. “The entire Royal Bahamas Defence Force is shaken by this tragedy. We grieve the loss of a young marine with tremendous promise and a heart of service.”

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe noted that Armbrister enlisted on January 14, 2023, as part of New Entry 60, New Entry 29, and said the force became an extension of his home.

Golden Isles MP Darron Pickstock said leadership qualities were evident in Armbrister from an early age, noting that during his high school years, he was selected to serve as a prefect.

One of the most personal tributes came from a female squadmate, who spoke of his dedication to fitness and his influence on those around him as a gym manager.

“He was someone I cared for deeply, someone whose presence made the long days lighter. He was so vibrant, so determined to accomplish his goals,” she said.

“To love him was to work out with him. To love him was to listen to him, to dance, to laugh, to sing, to be goofy and enjoy life.”

Additional tributes were read from Armbrister’s cabin mates, with the eldest member of the group speaking on their behalf. Armbrister was the youngest in the cabin.

“Words can’t explain the love our cabin had for each other,” one tributer said. “I remember our last conversation we had. That week was Thanksgiving on base. The minute you saw me you hugged me, you swing me around. If I knew this was going to be our last time seeing each other. I would’ve talked to you even longer.”

A cabin mate paused to compose himself before presenting Armbrister’s family with a plaque in his honour.

Grief intensified at the graveside, where mourners cried out Armbrister’s nickname, “DJ”, as RBDF officers carried his casket. Loved ones placed red roses atop it as it was lowered, and one woman collapsed to the ground.

“Oh DJ, you didn’t tell me you was leaving me like this,” a mourner cried.