Tyrone Eugene Wood

Reserve Police Sergeant 500 Tyrone Eugene "Ron, Figure" Wood 
Age 51 Years of #5 Laura Hills Estates, Yamacraw Estates completed his 
life's investments, made his final arrest and pitched his last inning at 
Doctors Hospital on Sunday, August 08, 2010.

Ron was born at Hatchet Bay Eleuthera, Bahamas on Thursday, May 14, 1959. 
He was the first-born son and eldest child.

"Ron" or "Figure", as he affectionately became known, was the heart of 
his parents and grandparents who celebrated the birth of their first grandchild. 
His aunts and uncles adored him and showered him with love and affection 
for they saw him as a gentle kind-hearted soul who always showed them respect.

Growing up in a tight-knit family, Ron learned the importance of family 
very early and following the births of his seven siblings, he became the 
role model whom they fashioned their lives after. He was that older brother 
to whom they not only looked up to but also adored. His siblings often 
recall times when they would go to him with numerous questions and he 
would always have an encouraging answer for them and always led by 
example in every aspect of his life. Ron was the type of brother who anticipated 
the needs of his siblings and in many instances whenever he saw sadness or pain, 
he would quickly make them smile by sharing a joke or creating a lighthearted moment. 
His younger cousins often reminisce about the role that Ron played in their 
lives as he was one who taught them all about the "facts of life" and was 
someone they could always run to whenever they needed wise counsel or a listening ear.

As a young boy, Ron attended the Hatchet Bay All Age School, now known 
as the P. A. Gibson School under the tutelage of Rev. Dr. P. A. Gibson, 
where he excelled in his studies much to the delight of his proud parents and grandparents.

During these early years Ron quickly gained an affinity for things such as 
fishing and diving, like most of the young boys in Hatchet Bay his age. 
Fishing was something that he loved and he would often go to popular 
spots like "Northside", the pond and near the old slaughter house, 
with several of his friends who included his cousins, Ken and Birb, Cedric, 
"Mokie", Jack, Danny and Farry.  These experiences helped to create life 
long bonds between this crew of boys which still exists today. On other 
occasions, Ron would tag along with Daddy Henry to fish or dive off of the 
cliffs of Sally Bight or The Point.  After a long day of fishing, he would come 
home proudly showing off his catch of the day to his biggest fan, "Mama Rose" 
who would immediately show how proud she was by preparing the fish for dinner.

Being reared with the Christian ideals that were taught to him early on in 
his childhood, Ron's parents ensured that he was nurtured in the Word of 
God and therefore in 1976 Ron was enrolled at the Christian school, 
Windermere High School in Savannah Sound, Eleuthera. While at Windermere 
he learned the fundamentals of the game of softball and played for the school's 
softball team. These skills coupled with his natural talent continued to develop 
over the years and did not go unnoticed as many of the local players took Ron 
under their wing to ensure that he was groomed to become one of Eleuthera's 
top players. This was the beginning of what would be a very long career in 
softball as Ron quickly developed a love and passion for the game which 
was demonstrated even up to the time of his death.

Windermere was also a special time in Ron's life because it was at Windermere 
where Ron met Lavaughn Thompson of Palmetto Point, Eleuthera they were 
later married on Saturday, July 24, 1982. This union was blessed with three 
beautiful children: Le'Ron, Talitha and Javier who were the pride and joy of 
Ron's life. Often one could hear him speaking proudly of Le'Ron's achievements 
in school, or Talitha's love for the game of soccer or Javier's interest in Tee Ball. 
If ever you asked him how they were doing, he beamed like the proud father he was. 
Each of his children held a special place in his heart and he ensured that 
they were taught the same beliefs and values that he grew up with. 
He taught them about the importance of family, the importance of a good 
education and most importantly he taught them about God as he attended 
Calvary Bible Church regularly with his family before moving to Grace Community Church.

Following his years at Windermere Ron attended the College of The Bahamas, 
and later in 1977 he sought employment in the Accounts Department at Bahamasair. 
Ron quickly made a good impression on several staff members as he continued 
to display his warm personality, gentlemanly mannerisms, discipline and work ethics. 
These characteristics along with his firm belief in personal development and his desire 
to succeed aided in his quick ascension up the corporate ladder at Bahamasair. 
Upon leaving Bahamasair, Ron sought employment at Imperial Life Financial 
where he held the position of Insurance Agent. In an effort to further his 
knowledge and career, and being one who was always seeking new challenges, 
Ron later moved on to the Ministry of Financial Services and eventually the
 Office of the Prime Minister where he held the position of Investment 
Officer up until the time of his demise.

Sports continued to be a major part of Ron's life and being the avid 
sportsman that he was, after settling in Nassau in the 1980s, 
Ron immediately became involved in the softball and baseball leagues, 
playing both fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball for several teams 
including Bahamasair. He gained much success while playing outfield 
for the Budweiser Eagles in the New Providence Softball Association and 
the Buttons Formal Wear and TBS Truckers teams. His versatility as a 
player ranked him high as one of the best outfielders and leading players 
in The Bahamas; an accomplishment that earned him several national 
championships and a spot on the Bahamas Softball Federation's National 
Teams under the late Leon "Apache" Knowles. He traveled with the team 
extensively throughout the Caribbean and Central America where they 
played against such countries as Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Dominican Republic 
and Honduras in the 1980s and 1990s. Ron also held several posts in the 
softball arena as Vice President of the Bahamas Softball Federation, 
President of the New Providence Softball Association and Treasurer of 
the Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association (BGDSA).

Aside from his numerous contributions as a dominant player of the sport, 
Ron was a great advocate for youth development within the softball leagues 
and managed a team of young players whom be brought into the league. 
He was also instrumental in organizing the junior programmes as he 
deemed it necessary to reach the younger generation in order to develop 
their talents that would foster a new junior league program for The Bahamas.

In the last few years of his life and up to the time of his death, Ron played 
an active role in the Banker's Softball League as a member of the Colina 
Imperial team. Many of his teammates held him in high esteem and regarded 
him as a professional player who was focused and an accomplished teammate 
who possessed the tenacity of a winner and the passion for the game that made 
him eager to impart his knowledge and love of the game to others.

Ron lived a full life and dedicated his life to service. After a chance conversation 
with his adoptive brother, Lionel Johnson, a strong will and passion to serve his 
country was born and in 2001 he enlisted at the Royal Bahamas Police Force as 
a Police Reservist. Like every other aspect of his life, Ron took pride in his work 
and learned the job quickly which attributed to his success as a Reservist. Firstly, 
he won the Baton of Honor in his A Squad then quickly moved up the ranks from 
Constable to Corporal in 2003 and was later promoted to Sergeant in 2005. 
He also lectured to the Reserves at the College as a 2007 D Squad Instructor. 
Ron was always looking for a way for Reserves to achieve upward mobility on the force.

Among his many qualities Ron also had an affinity for music which could 
be traced to his days as a teenager in Hatchet Bay. Growing up he learnt 
how to read and play music from his Aunt Nettie who taught him how to 
play both the organ and the piano. Many times, they would play several 
church hymnals out of the Harvest Time song books. Recognizing his talents, 
Mama Rose made sure that when he went to Windermere, he would have a 
brand-new gold trumpet to play along with the other instruments he learned 
to play but the trumpet became his first love. Every Sunday he would sit to 
the table and practice his trumpet. He loved music so much that he was eager 
to teach his two younger brothers, Lennis and Kim how to play the trumpet. 
The trio became known as "The Wood Brothers" and during many family 
BBQs and family gatherings both in Nassau and in Eleuthera their sounds 
would come together in harmony like their bloodline while Mommy Rose 
and other family members would march around to their melodies. 
Sundays for Ron was a reminder of "home" and he often would practice 
his trumpet to the music of various church hymns. Several of his most 
memorable performances were during family funerals where the brothers 
would play a touching rendition of, "At Sundown" a selection which Ron 
had the honor of playing at the funeral of his Uncle Spence and during 
his performance at the Bayfest Gospel Concert fundraiser held in June 
at Bethel Baptist Church. On that occasion Ron gave a touching speech 
where he told of what the song meant to his family before giving a moving 
rendition of the infamous song, "At Sundown". And so, it came as no 
surprise that while Ron served on the Police Force, he utilized his musical 
talents and became the Deputy Band Director on the Royal Bahamas 
Police Force Reservist Band.

Ron was truly and intellect and he was someone with whom one could 
engage on any topic whether it was economics, life in general or his favorite 
topic family, life. He lived a full life and achieved much in what may seem 
to many as a very short time including his most recent accomplishment of 
graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration 
from Omega College and earning the scholarly honor of Valedictorian of 
his graduating class. What a delight it was for Mommy Rose to be summons 
yet again by Ron to fly to Nassau and sit by his side as he walked across the 
stage to receive his degree; something Ron dedicated extra time to achieve. 
It was a special moment for the Mother and Son who shared such a close 
bond in life that many of Ron's colleagues and friends can attest to as Ron 
always spoke so highly of his love for his beloved Mother. Whether it was a 
phone call to say "I love you Mommy" or showering her with kisses and 
hugs every time he saw her, Ron loved his family and especially his Mother 
and she loved him. To his family and friends who knew him best, this 
exemplified who Ron was and this is the legacy that Ron has left behind.
                                                                                                      
The Radiance of this "Emerald of A Gem" will always glow in the hearts of his:
Wife: Lavaughn Melony Wood;
Eight Children: Le'Ron, Talitha, Javier, Dion and Timothy Wood, 
Rhonda Curtis, Meyakca McPhee and Tyanna Farrington;
Two Grandchildren: Jahwyn Coakley and Janelle Lightbourne;
Parents: Mr. Henry L. and Rosamond Wood;
Three Paternal Brothers: Police Corporal 1392 Kimble, 
Police Sergeant 1194 Lennis Sr. and Perry Wood;
Brothers: Robert "Bobby" Pinder, Cladwell Farrington and Lionel Johnson;
Five Paternal Sisters: Patty Johnson, Denzie Prescod, Sonya, 
Tralinda and Zhryvette Wood;
Sisters: Rose Murray, Myrna Gaitor and Anishka Darville;
Ten Uncles: Robert Sr., Bernis Sr., Charles "Mac", George "Winkie" and 
Rev. Carl Pinder, Honorable Alvin A. Smith, Milton Wraing, Mr. Howard
 and Mr. Clifford Wood;
Sixteen Aunts: Valerie Wraing, Arnette Smith, Deaconess Coral, 
Andrea, Patricia, Freda and Linda Pinder, Rowena Sands, Mrs. Florence Scavella, 
Geralene Wilson, Judy Johnson, Carmetta Rolle, Mrs. Florence Belle, 
Shirley McPhee, Katrina Jones and Louise Wood;
One Grand Aunt: Mrs. Naomi Pinder;
Mother-in-law: Mrs. Ena Thompson;
Son-in-law: Tyrus Curtis;
Eight Brothers-in-law: Austin Johnson, Gregory Prescod, Aaron, 
Douglas, Dwight, Peter, Paul and Jason Thompson Sr.;
Six Sisters-in-law: Sherry and Keva Wood, Earla Bethel, Karen Carey, 
Alice Cooper and Lois Trofort;
Fourteen Nephews: Vaughn, Desmond, Lennis Jr. and Tashon Wood, 
Emile Hepburn, Braxton Johnson, Brad Bethel, Duran, Ezekiel, Theodore, 
Jason Jr. and Erin Thompson Jr., Havard and Nathan Cooper;
Twenty-Three Nieces: Yasmine and Yamali Harris, Kiara Johnson, 
Tamia Arthur, Rosheena, Jasmine and Kimberly Wood, Letisha Adams, 
Danielle Farrington, Brittney and Breonca Trofort, Gabrielle Carey, 
Alyssa and Havana Cooper, Fallon Albury, Colette, Tenille, Petria, Jasmine, 
Vanessa, Genesis and Aurora Thompson and Leshan Aranha;
Two God Fathers: Hilton Cambridge of Miami, Florida and Adilee Johnson;
God Mother: Hazel Carey;
God Brother: H. E. Clifford "Butch" Scavella, Ambassador Haiti and Dominican Republic;
Cousins including: WPC 3011 Makelle Pinder, Bernis Jr., Kendrick, 
Berneil, Tatreka, Carlos, Trevayne, Carlisa, Carnell, Jamaal, Shantel, 
Silver and Antoine Pinder, Mario, Miaya and Mieko Smith, Shauna, 
Zhivargo and Glenise Wraing, Lyda, Audrea, Vanessa, Sandy, Birb and 
Kennedy Scavella, Cheryl, Judy and Spurgeon Johnson, Shirleymae Bethel, 
Wilhelmina and Phillip Knowles, Rev. Leroy Carey, Lynden, Jack and 
Peter Davis, Millie Barr, Edna Symonette and Rosie Fernander, 
Descendants of the late Sarah Barnett (Berthamae), Gloria Johnson, 
Melvina Brown, Dena Pinder, George and Ramona Dean (Edith Hanna, 
Anthony, Campbell and Nathaniel Dean), Merle Coakley (Alma Cartwright, 
Marina Thompson, Hayacinth  Burnside, Wyatt Johnson, Ellen and Brian Serville, 
Wilfred and Dorothy Coakley, Stephen 'Gabo' Coakley), Rev. John Mervin Hutcheson; 
Nathalie Hutcheson, Ken and Nellie Strachan, Cladwell Farrington Sr. 
(Rev. Arlene Isaacs, Lydia Ferguson, Claudiamae Darville, Lynette Julioca, 
Hattie Alleyne, Michael and Walt Farrington), Princess Johnson (Rev. Leon and Eric Johnson 
and Mavis Fowler), Rev. Richard Dean Senior, Shawn Dean, George and Harcourt Cambridge, 
Zenus Mackey, Patsy and Bert Belle, Clarence Gibson, (Richard and Rev. Bessie Dean), 
Pastors Clarence and Yvonne Pinder (Jeffrey, Darren, Worrell, Trevor, John, Carol, Ramona 
and Everlina Pinder, Desrana Johnson and Dorsey Thompson,) Rev. Louis Pinder (Arnold, 
Priscilla, Cephas, Penny, Tommy, Don, Sue, McClain, Gurshum and Joany), 
Cynthia Davis Miami Fla., Frances of Andros and Firstina Farrington of Miami Florida, 
Brinlee Johnson of Lower Bogue, Windermere High School Class of 1976, Dereck Johnson, 
Rodney Cleare, McArthur Thompson and their families;
Extended family and friends including: Katrina Jones, Leon Smith, Terez, Lorraine, 
Lynn and Patrell Hepburn, Elrich Walker Jr., Jackie and Terry Adderley, Oliver Gibson, 
Linda Thompson, Genester Farrington, Kayla Johnson, Clarice, Lona and Dereck Aranha, 
Fran Anton, George and Deloris Farrington Miami, Fla., Mr. and Mrs. Rupert Miller, Mr. 
and Mrs. Ben Williams, Judy Mortimer, Wellington Scantlebury, Staff of Office of 
The Prime Minister, the officers and members of the Colina Imperial Softball Team, 
Banker's League, Bahamas Softball Federation (BSF), Bahamas Governmental Softball 
Association (BGDSA), Harvest Time Church and the entire Community of Hatchet Bay Eleuthera;
Special Recognition to: Alkin Delancey, Butch, Truck and Richard Johnson, 
Roscoe Thompson, John Rolle, Phillip Saunders, Stan and Brad Smith, Brian Wilson, 
Vanna Barry, the Seymour Brothers, Vincent Sweeting, Daisy Walker, Dianna Kemp 
and their families;
The One Hundred Percent Male Men Organization Including: Perry "Dr. P" McKenzie, 
Herbie and Warren Bain, Elder Benjamin Dames, Wendell G. Dean II, Melvin Seymour, 
Minister Vaughn P. Miller, Alkin Rolle, Brain Gibson, Wesley Willie and Doyle Bethel;
Special Thanks to: The Office of the Prime Minister, Bahamas Softball Federation, 
Doctor Duane Sands, Doctor Conville Brown, The Doctors and Nurses Intensive Care Unit 
Doctors Hospital, Commissioner Ellison E. Greenslade and The Royal Bahamas Police Force, 
Colina Imperial Softball Team, Budweiser Eagles, Banker's Softball League, 
New Providence Softball Association, Bahamas Government Departmental 
Softball Association and The Community of Hatchet Bay.