Weeks after the death of the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, social services minister, and member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, and literally hours before his state funeral, it all still seems unreal that the life of a vibrant public servant is gone.
For decades, my home in Mayfield Park, Freeport, Grand Bahama was in a short walking distance from Obie's family home.
I watched him grow.
In fact, I sold Obie his first car when he was a young man, and sold him a second car after he experienced a serious accident in the first one.
I knew him as a talented broadcast journalist who helped to promote the sport of softball in Grand Bahama when I was an active executive, federation president, and sponsor.
During my leadership role at Burns House Limited, it was a joy supporting Obie's entrepreneurial efforts as a sponsor for his musical concerts when he ran the Culture Club in Nassau.
When we were both in frontline politics on opposing sides, we collided several times, but our history and lifelong relationships transcended politics.
The last two occasions I saw Minister Wilchcombe alive were at funeral services for two outstanding men from West End, Grand Bahama.
He spoke at both services and extended very unusual lengthy salutations to me, reminding all that I have served as one of the more senior parliamentarians in Grand Bahama and the wider Bahamas.
I never knew that the Saturday before the Monday morning he died weeks ago would be our last time together on earth.
Obie contributed much to his community and country.
I take pride in knowing that we both share deep West End, Grand Bahama, roots.
On my own and wife Barbara's behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to Obie's entire family, colleagues, and his extended political family, especially Artis Neely and Hilton Bowleg.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.
Obediah Hercules Wilchcombe will be missed.
— Neko C. Grant
Former cabinet minister and Central Grand Bahama MP
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