Kenneth Alvin Thompson

Kenneth Alvin "Sir K" Thompson Age 80 Years of 
20410 N. W. 40 Court Opa-Locka, Florida and formerly of Palmetto Village, 
Marathon Estates and Chapel Street died in Miami, Florida on Monday, May 09, 2016.

He was born at Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas on Monday, September 09, 1935. 
He was the third child.

Having attended St. Agnes Day School, Kenneth was later transferred to Smith School on 
Hospital Lane where the Principal, Mrs. Eunice Weir, gave him a double promotion from 
grade one to grade three because he excelled in learning, "the English pound shilling and twelve pence".  
This, he proudly documented in his own biographical sketch in the year two thousand and twelve. 
Kenneth, who was noted for his scholarship, completed "The Cambridge Junior and Senior Certificate Program".

Growing up in their Chapel Street home, with some of his sixteen siblings, Kenneth possessed 
an infectious personality. Because of his astute and sober leadership abilities, he was revered 
by all including even those who were older than he was. Since their childhood days, he was 
called 'Sir K' and knighted by them.

Since Kenneth was endowed with innovation and creativity, at fifteen years old and even 
without his parent's consent, made a conscious decision to follow his dream and pursue his 
passion to learn and master the skills of carpentry and masonry. With his intellectual brilliance 
Kenneth successfully completed the prescribed training at The Technical College. His dad, 
the late Bruce Thompson, who recognized this rare gift that his son possessed, supported his 
decision to purse his passion. He also gave him his first box of tools with which he used as he 
was gainfully employed as a tradesman in many facets of contractual engineering. Kenneth, 
with academic training and the apprenticeship of many skilled contractors, finally became a 
Contractual Engineer par excellence. Hubert Cooper, Myrna's father, was a school teacher, 
had knowledge of carpentry, tutored Kenneth and helped him to harness his talent. 
Kenneth utilized his expertise not only to build some of the government buildings 
and schools here in Nassau and Andros, but also built homes for all of his siblings, 
many other family members and friends. Kenneth, an unselfish gentleman passed 
on the baton of contractual skills to his sons and nephews, providing them with 
their first set of tools.

In 1965 when Kenneth's father passed away leaving his mother with sixteen children, 
vowed to care for her and his younger siblings especially, Howard, John, Eldridge, 
Ricardo, Avis and Sharon.  Kenneth was not only a brother, but he also played the 
role of 'Daddy' and 'Grand Daddy'. He also provided guidance to his brother, Edwin's son, 
Errington. Kenneth's demeanor was such a fatherly figure that all of his nieces and nephews 
loved and feared him. Some even called him 'Grand Daddy-Uncle'. All of his God-children, 
his children's friends and his friend's children called him 'Daddy'.

Kenneth and his first wife, Myrna along with their six children, who resided in the Palmetto 
Village Community captured the spirit of being a good neighbour, and so he built a basketball 
court in his front yard, for his children and their friends. His home was constantly filled with 
the neighbours' children as Myrna who was a socialite, entertained all of Kenneth's friends and 
their children Terry, Julie, Kevin, Kenny, Therese and Keith friends.  It was with that same 
disposition that he supported Janet Bostwick when she decided to run for public office in that 
constituency under the then Bahamas Democratic Party (BDP). Shortly thereafter, Palmetto 
Village was left with a void when Kenneth moved his family to Friendswood, Texas.

Spirituality was of utmost importance in the Thompson's home. His parents raised their 
children to live a life of thankfulness and to honor the Lord God Almighty in all they set out 
to accomplish. They were encouraged to always practice the teachings of the Ten Commandments. 
Kenneth honored and respected all his parents taught him as he reciprocated the same teachings 
to his children. He often quoted his mother when he said, "Mother said, when your feet hit the 
ground as you get out of bed, you must say thank you Lord."

Holy Family Catholic Church in Nassau, Bahamas, was indeed endearing to Kenneth, being a 
founding member, he constructed the first edifice. It was there under the leadership of Father 
Marcian Peters, he willingly gave of his time, talent and treasure to help develop this faith community. 
After becoming a resident of the United States of America, Kenneth frequently visited Holy 
Family Church to worship and to ensure that he brought back supplies and other needed items 
to run a smooth operation. He served on the Board of Education at Saint Augustine's College 
and was an avid financial supporter. One of Kenneth's precious moments was to provide the 
Benedictine sisters with their desirable goods.

Kenneth, who maintained his spiritual upbringing and his love for worship, 
joined St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Miami, Florida in 1985 where 
he became a devout member of the Church. Kenneth was elected to the Parish 
Council and served from 1988 through 1992 as the President. Kenneth, who 
was blessed with financial acumen productively, guided the parish through a 
very turbulent financial period. He also served as a Lector and a member of the Choir.  
His diligence and hard work among this church body led him to be inducted into the 
Elmer Ward Council of the Knights of St. Peter Claver, #288.

The parishioners at St. Francis demonstrated their love for both Kenneth and 
his wife, Isabella, as she kept them tasting real Bahamian delicacies on Sundays. 
It was there that parishioners enjoyed the best chicken and pork souse, 
home-made Johnny cake, the pink and white coconut candy, 'conchy' conch fritters, 
many other delectable delights and even the best pound cake. 'Chef Tom' was a name 
he acquired because of the succulent dishes he and his wife, Isabella prepared.

After the closure of St. Francis, Kenneth became a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 
where he again gained the love and respect of the parishioners who looked forward to his 
captivating smile and his boundless hospitality.  He was an energetic participatory member of the choir.

Kenneth who dwelled in Miami Gardens for the last thirty years of his life with his second 
wife Isabella and their two children, Jhan and Kennis, gladly received family and friends 
from far and near to stay in their home where he and his wife treated them with royalty 
even chauffeuring them wherever they needed to go. Some of these family and friends even 
used their residential address to obtain regular postal mails and packages. Many persons 
convalesced at their home and received the best possible attention and care.

Kenneth's hobby for cars led him to become a purveyor of fine vehicles, hence he owned and 
operated a successful import-export entrepreneurial business called Mar-Kenn Investments. 
Carlos Sabala and Ed Thompson were his travel companions to the auctions, as they diligently 
pursued the best automobiles for his clients.   

Kenneth who believed that entrepreneurs were the life blood of any country owned and operated 
several small businesses like a convenient store and a takeaway on Rupert Dean Lane. He kept his 
nieces and nephews engaged in small business from the hosiery business to the sale of second hand 
clothing. He also had partnership in a medical supply business with his daughter, Therese.

Kenneth's love for his mother, Thelma, who is now ninety-eight years old, and whom he called 
his earthly god, was quite evident as he made a commitment to visit her each year she celebrated 
a birthday. His siblings, nieces and nephews, were always ecstatic to see him as they looked 
forward to his visits at their monthly family gathering at his childhood home in Chapel Street. 
Kenneth always had some kind of treats he bought in Miami and at times it was what his wife, 
Isabella baked.

After a short period of illness, On Monday, May 9, 2016 at around 2:29, on that sunny 
afternoon, with all of the cumulus clouds, Kenneth Alvin after being rushed to Memorial 
Regional Hospital, in Hollywood, Florida, heard the Master's call, "Kenneth Alvin Thompson, 
well done thou good and faithful servant enter into my rest."; he was called to his eternal home.

Kenneth who was a son, brother, husband, daddy, grand daddy, great-grand daddy, uncle, 
grand uncle, great-grand uncle, cousin, god-father, valued friend, confidant, counselor, 
businessman, supporter, faithful parishioner, good neighbour and an honorable citizen, 
is saluted, honored, respected, revered and celebrated by granting him his last wish to be 
laid to rest in Western Cemetery on Nassau Street. 

Engraved on his tombstone will be, "Kenneth was a kindhearted, generous, and a loving man 
who shared abundantly whatever he possessed."

Kenneth is preceded in death by his: 
Father Bruce Arnold Thompson;
Brothers: Earlin Arnold, James Leslie, Wallace George, Cedric Ivan
and Edwin Bruce Thompson;
Sister: Cynthia;
Sister-in-law: Zuleikah Rosemary Gaitor-Thompson;

The Radiance of this "Sapphire of A Gem" will always glow in the hearts of his:
Wife: Isabella Rachel Thompson;
Five Sons: Kevin Andrew, Kenneth Anthony, Keith Adrian, Kennis Alvaughan and Montry Thompson;
Five Daughters: Terry Ellyn Olgreen, Valda Julie Swaby, Dr. Theresa Myra Bonamy, 
Jhan Daniel and Cordell Albert;
One Step-Daughter:  Charisse Symonette;
Four Grandsons: Kendrell Thompson, Nicholas and David Swaby and Joshua Bonamy;
Seven Granddaughters: Robyn Swaby, Kelli Allen (Darren), Brittany and Jacquelene Thompson, 
Hannah Bonamy, Dejanee Parms and Janist Daniel;
One Great Grandson: Trey Thompson;
Two Great Granddaughter: Kaydence and Daryeon Allen;
Mother: Thelma Cordella Thompson;
Four Brothers: John (Brenda), Howard (Esther), Elridge (Mavis) and Ricardo Thompson (Hazel);
Six Sisters: Christine McDonald (Brazil), Ruth Lightbourne (Robert), Catherine Mackey (Adam), 
Lorraine Joseph, Avis and Sharon Thompson;
Nephews: Dexter, Edwin Michael, Errington, Patrick I, Jeffrey, Edwin Bruce, Howard, 
Baron, Eldridge, Eldreko, Ricardo, Leslie "Pepper" E. (Lueann), Wallace, Craig, Ivan, Robert, 
Wallace Jr., Michael, Dwight of New Jersey, Bruce and Brian Thompson, Ian Evans of Freeport 
Grand Bahama, Ryan and Robert Lightbourne, Arnold and Alvin Mackey;
Nieces: Dr. Melony Necole, Edvern, Dr. Nina, Johnice, Theandra, Howanell, Maryanne, 
Laverne, Arnette, Indera, Shequille, Howania, Shavonne, Elaine, Vernisha, Eldiqua, Eldishika, 
Eldecia, Rickeith, Vanessa, Lisa, Christine, Judith, Christa and Thompson of Kissimmee Florida, 
Kayla Johnson (Lionel), Kamatha Martin (Darryl), Marlene Barton (Charles), Marsha Ann Pinder, 
Chizelle Whyms (Perry), Della  Scott  of Miami Florida, Eve, Bern, Anne of Atlanta, Georgia, 
Rhonda and Koji Wright, Cynthia and Robin Lightbourne, Carol Bodie, Gina Curry, 
Charisma Hinsey, Karen Mebane, Valerie Bazil, Athena Mackey, Kateryanne Johnson;
Grandnephews: Kyle Johnson, Edwin Bruce, Michael Edwin, Peter, E. Jermaine "Jay", 
Ethan, Kyle, Amad, Edvardo, Edwin Tyler and Patrick Okell Thompson II, Pastor Talbot Collie, 
Forest Shirley and Adrian Stacey;
Grandnieces: Sarah, Tameka, Tina, Michaela and Eddia Thompson, Latisha, Latasha and 
Ashley Martin, Brittney Laing, Latasha Shirley, Kendra Collie, Jennifer Stacey, Lisa Rolle, 
Aniska Smith, Charlene and Richae Barton;
Great Grandnephews: Callan, Jermaine E. I, J. Errington and Edwin Bruce Thompson 
and Talbot Collie;
Great Grandnieces: Jasmaine, Drea' and Gabbrielle Thompson, Talia Collie, Jayla Martin, 
Maraya Shirley, Linelle Taylor and Kelesha Kelly;
Cousins: Charlene Neilly, Theresa Forbes-Orelus, Rebecca Forbes, Levy, Eva, Bernice, Shirley, 
Arthur, Rosemarie, Frederick and Audley Thompson Jr.;
Sons-in-law: Gaetano Bonamy, Ward Olgreen, Ernest Daniel and Demetrius Symonette;
Daughters-in-law: Joy, Rosa, Shantell and Lisa Thompson;
Brothers-in-law Including: Robert Lightbourne, Adam Mackey and Brazil McDonald;
Other Sisters-in-law: Myrtle, Jeanette and Nellie Thompson and Mae Spencer;
Other Loving Family and Friends Including: Myrna Llonella Cooper-Thompson and 
Stanislaus Brendan Swaby;
His Valued Friends: Carlos Sabala, Ed Thompson, Louis Williams and Winston "Tappy" Davis.