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Last Updated: Oct 6, 2018 - 7:18:36 AM |
Slide show: Photos from the State-Recognized Funeral for the late former Parliamentarian Earl Vincente Thompson, Sr. held at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, October 5, 2018. The service was officiated by Father Glen C. Nixon and Interment followed at St. Augustine’s Monastery, Fox Hill. (BIS Photos/Derek Smith)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas - Governor General Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Parliamentarians, Archbishop of Nassau the Most Reverend Patrick Christopher Pinder and senior government officials joined family and friends at the State-Recognized Funeral for the late former Parliamentarian Earl Vincente Thompson, Sr. at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, October 5, 2018.
The service was officiated by Father Glen C. Nixon and Interment followed at St. Augustine’s Monastery, Fox Hill.
During his Homily, Father Nixon described Mr. Thompson who passed away at the age of 84, as a devout Catholic who kept an eagle eye on everything.
He said, “It was no secret that Earl, this son of the soil was Catholic to the bone. He often boasted of the monks and their work with him and how they taught him the eulogy.
“Earl Sr. drew his strength from his faith in Jesus who is the bread of life and the resurrection. He never forgot the duty of a Catholic parent and so he passed onto his children his legacy of faith and fortitude.”
Father Nixon explained that sometimes Thompson’s passion for the faith made him too confrontational, but all who took the time to know him soon learned that while he may be tough, his heart was in the right place; his bark was worse than his bite.
He said the late former Parliamentarian is still living even though he has been cut down by death.
“He is alive in Jesus Christ who is the bread of life and the resurrection. He is alive in the hearts and memories of his loved ones; he is alive in the tapestry that tells the story of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and the community of Chippingham.
“He is alive in the Knights of Columbus where he was not simply a leader but one who fed the hungry. He is alive in the hearts of fellow Junkanooers such as Sting and the Pigs.”
Father Nixon said, “Among his accomplishments Earl Sr. worked very hard to contribute to a culture of life and love in our land. A man of prayer, Earl would frequently be the last person in church praying for his family, his church, for his beloved country, for himself and for peace in the world.”
Mr. Thompson held several executive positions in the Progressive Liberal Party before being elected Member of Parliament for the Fort Charlotte Constituency in 1972.
During his one term in office, he served as the first Chairman of the National Insurance Board that was established in 1974. In 1980, he joined the Free National Movement, where he held several executive positions, and remained a member until his death.
Mr. Thompson was a member of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral all of his life and served his church in several areas including the Ushers Board, Senior Choir and Parish Council.
He is the founding Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 10415, which was founded in The Bahamas in 1991.
He served as a member of the Board of Governors of St. Augustine’s College for many years, followed by President of the Alumni Association, and President of the Parent Teacher Association. He was a member of Lodge Saint Michael Scottish Masons, and is considered an Icon in the Chippingham Community where he lived all of his life.
He is survived by his wife Venencia (nee Nixon), four children: Clinton, Earl Jr., Marici & Jacinta and numerous other relatives.
© Copyright 2018 by thebahamasweekly.com
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