EDITOR, The Tribune.

“A friend who is near and dear is far more important than any wealth or material possession.”

“True friendship is born from mutual understanding, trust, and respect.”

“The greatest gift of life is the presence of a friend.”

I knew there would be a flood of tributes for my friend Obediah H Wilchcombe and did not want to get caught in the crowd, but my conscience would not allow me to keep quiet.

I met Obie in the early seventies in my heyday in Grand Bahama. I worked as an Air Traffic Controller at the West End International Airport, which the Jack Tar Hotel operated.

After that, Wilchcombe frequented the Traveller’s Rest Restaurant in Williams Town, where I operated. This pleasant, highly confident, talented young man always had something to offer. He was wise beyond his years. We would casually be in the same space and often exchange pleasantries.

In 1981, after I detected that Grand Bahama was declining, I moved to Nassau and opened a Skin Care business. From our conversations, he suggested I name the company Face Reality. The commercial that Wilchombe wrote said, “You would have to face reality sooner or later, and that’s a fact.” He skillfully handled the public relations for the establishment, which caused the traffic to increase rapidly.

Later, after my experiences took me off track, Wilchombe returned to my life when he suggested I tell the public my story. He did a one-hour special on ZNS Television called “After Base Street.” He said, “Tell them where you have been and how you recovered; maybe someone would better their condition from hearing it.”

We had many heart-to-heart conversations; he would call when he had a concern. We were raw with our exchange, and we cherished the genuineness. “A true friend walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

Obie was a loner, and so was I.

Monday passed, and the Bahamians were shocked; few had uncomplimentary things to say. Bad-minded people attempted to sully his name, but most Bahamians were saddened. Tears flowed!

Those who knew him must admit that he was rare and may be irreplaceable. The Bahamas has lost one of its finest sons.

The least we could do is honour him in a most tangible and significant way.

He made his indelible mark that no naysayer can erase.

The Buddha said, “Although we thought ourselves permanent, we are not. Although we thought ourselves settled, we are not. Although we thought we would last forever, we will not.”

A wise God called him. We must cherish his times with us and give God all the glory forever.

Obie was love, “One Love!”

IVOINE W INGRAHAM

Nassau,

October 2, 2023.