Frank Joseph Ellis I

Retired Assistant Superintendent of Police Frank Joseph Ellis I 
Age 68 Years of #24 Hampden Road, Stapleton Gardens passed from this 
walk of life, at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Saturday, March 06, 2004.

Frank was born on Monday, September 23, 1935 in Lebrae, Trinidad to the 
parentage of Eugene Julian and Leanora Ellis, both of whom have 
preceded him in death. He spent his childhood in Barretario with his 
father and sister Geraldine Winnie.

In 1958 Frank migrated to the Bahamas and joined the Royal Bahamas Police force. 
Shortly after his arrival in the Bahamas, he met his future wife, Miss. Shirley Ailaine Strachan 
they were in 1959. This union celebrated the births of four living children.

Frank took his job as a Police Officer seriously. He worked in several areas of the Police Force, 
including the Special Intelligence Branch, Drug Enforcement Unit, Lecture at the Police College. 
He also worked on several of our family Islands, including Abaco, Cat Island and Grand Bahama. 
Early in his career Frank also traveled the street of New Providence on his motorbike as a Traffic Cop. 
He could be seen in the evening when he returned from work looking over his notes made in 
his little black book. For his hard work he was promoted through the ranks to Assistant Superintendent, 
the rank at which he retired.

Daddy as we knew him, took his responsibilities as a father seriously. He could be a disciplinarian if needed, 
instilled values and ensured that we as children, studied and achieved educationally. He was always willing 
to teach and impart knowledge he had gained in his travels. Our family Sunday afternoon or nighttime drives 
throughout the streets of New Providence, he would point out areas of significance and provided back ground. 
He also ensured that we attended functions put on by the Police Force, including the annual Police Party at 
East Street Headquarters (known as the barracks).

An avid sportsman, Frank represented the Bahamas in the sport of cricket in several countries including 
Canada and England in 1976, as part of the Commonwealth Wanderers Team. He was a fast bowler and 
acquired the name "leg spinner". The family not only watched him play cricket at Haynes Oval but also 
soccer at Fort Charlotte. He excelled in this sport as well. When Frank no longer played cricket or soccer, 
he joined the Bahamas Tennis League which he assisted in forming. He would always try to recruit new 
players for the game and the trophies he brought home, attested to his excellent abilities in this sport as well.

Frank also loved card games and was always willing to participate in whist tournaments including those 
held on the grounds of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Again, he brought home trophies and prizes. 
The love for games extended to bridge and dominos. He became a member of the Bahamas Bridge League 
but after becoming ill he did not play as regularly. However, he was able to participate on a regular basis 
after rescheduling of days for dialysis. On Saturdays Frank would play bridge then later in the evening 
dominos with the honorary members of the Senior Officers Police Mess.

Frank's love for music was known to many. He would willingly participate in concerts, 
including those held by Mr. Errol Strachan. He also serenaded guest at the annual Police Ball 
on several occasions, receiving a thank you letter in 1980 from the then Commissioner of Police. 
Frank considered himself a classical guitarist and the melodious music of Segovia and other 
classical guitarist could be played at a moment's notice. He also taught guitar lessons but noted 
that most persons were only interested in strumming rather than learning the basics. On occasion 
he would use his fine tenor voice to demonstrate to his children the Latin Mass sung as a choir boy 
while serving in the Catholic Church in Trinidad. He also sang familiar hymns.

Frank had some ups and downs during his illness and in his family life. His children wanted 
to ensure that he not only concentrated on position socially and otherwise, but that his position 
in Jesus Christ was assured. After much prayers Frank acknowledged God in his life and could 
be seen reading his Bible and had much discourse with persons from any faith.

The Radiance of this "Sapphire of A Gem" will always glow in the hearts of his:
Wife: Shirley Ailaine Strachan-Ellis;
Two Sons: Frank II and D'Arcy Ellis Sr.;
Step Son: Craig Armstrong;
Two Daughters: Nursing Officer I Bernadette Ellis and Bianca Lockhart;
Nine Grand Children: Frank III, D'Arcy Jr., Giovanni and Cara Ellis, 
Andy II, Blair and Joshua Lockhart, Trevor and Thaniah Armstrong;
Two Brothers: Lionel Nelson and Russell Carrington;
Two Sisters: Geraldine Collins and Carmen Carrington;
Nine Nephews and Nieces: Stephen, Charles, Sandra, Sherry and Jacqueline Adderley, 
Peter and Stephanie Armbrister, Herman and Michelle McKenzie;
One Son-in-law: Andy Lockhart I;
One Daughter-in-law: Carolyn Ellis;
One Aunt-in-law: Rosemary Simons;
Three Brothers-in-law: Leslie Strachan, Keith and Kevin Ferguson;
Other loving family and friends including: Carol Watson, Sharon and Gina Ferguson, 
Vera Bain, Beverly Burns, Eugene, Winston and Gweneth Simons, Angela Tynes, 
Evangeline Lightbourne, Brenda Newton, Sylvia Mackey, Dorothy Farrington, Mr. Errol, 
Meritta, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Strachan, Brenda, Mr. and Mrs. William Weeks, Mr. Harold Longley, 
Dr. David Sands, former Commissioner of Police Bernard K. Bonamy, Honorary Members of the 
Senior Officers Mess, Dr. John Lunn, Sidney and Dr. Cecil Bethel, Justice Neville Smith, 
Mr. Kemuel Hepburn, Mr. Matthew Williams, Mr. Paul Thompson, Mr. Oscar Phillips, 
Mr. J. Russell Ford and Mr. Darville;
Special Thanks To: Senior Nursing Officer Hannah Grant, Staff of the Dialysis Unit 
Princess Margaret Hospital and the Renal Association.