by Vincent M. Higgs
(The following Tribute was given by Uncle Vincent at the funeral service for one of his closest friends, "Uncle Fred", as we affectionately knew him, on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 3:00pm at Trinity Methodist Chrurch).
Friends, we are here today to pay our last respects and to remember someone who in my opinion is one of the finest sons The Bahamas has produced.
Fred was a compassionate person; he was always reluctant to receive help when offered because he didn't want to put anyone out. A friend told me once that when Fred called him, he spent the first few minutes apologizing for bothering him. Yet when it came to helping others he would go to any lengths to help, without even thinking or expecting thanks. Such was his nature.
In his personal life he had a great faith in God and he showed his christian life by putting it into practice. His family life was the same. He was devoted to his wife, Sheila, of fifty-six years, and to his three children Alison, Neal and Denise as well as their spouses. His greatest delight was reserved for his six grand-children whom he doted on.
He was an active member of Royal Victoria Lodge and eventually became Deputy to our Third Grand Master, Peter Cole. His participation in the brotherhood did not affect his christian faith, but rather enhanced it. Here is what Peter says about him;
"Fred was a dedicated Freemason and loved his lodge, being one of the old school. He was active in anything he joined. However, first and foremost his dedication was to his family and several years ago he devoted all his time to his beloved wife Sheila. I am sure that his greatest concern at his demise was that Sheila would be cared for in her twilight years. We have missed Fred's presence at our assemblies in recent years, and will continue to miss him as we move on."
In his early life he attended Ebenezer Methodist Church with his family, but when he started courting Sheila he started to come here to Trinity where Sheila's family was established. Trinity's gain was enormous because Fred was very active, especially when he was superintendent of a flourishing Sunday School. All the children loved him and many would remind him of the good times with him.
He had many friends, especially those with whom he went hunting, spear-fishing and sports, including softball, bowling and rugby. His favourite sport was rugby and he played with the Sea Scouts. They played against the local team and sometimes against British Royal Navy teams. One of his teammates said that in one particular game Fred scored several touchdowns and was so fast that not one hair on his head was out of place.
In his business life he was very successful and respected as fair-minded and a man of his word. As the property manager at Sassoon's, a Vice-President of the Bahamas Real Estate Association, his own real estate company and the founder of Whim Automotive Company which he managed until recent years.
He always had a great sense of humour and even in the last few years when both he and Sheila were having difficult health problems, he would show this at unexpected times.
He will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him well, especially his siblings and extended family.
Benjamin Franklin once said that "a brother may not always be a friend, but a friend would always be a bother".
And now as we bid farewell to our friend and brother we will always remember him and pray that he will be carried on wings of angels to his God and Father whom he served so well during his lifetime.
Amen and Amen.
