Thomas Ashbert Hurlston, MBE, JP

Crossing The Bar-Alfred Lord Tennyson
Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of
Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar, when I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep, too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep,turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell, and after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell, when I embark;
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place, the flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
Thomas Ashbert Hurlston, MBE, JP
17th April, 1927 - 16th May, 2015
Lions Centre of Grand Cayman
Saturday, 30 May, 2015
10:00 a.m.
Acknowledgment
The family of the late Thomas A. Hurlston would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to
all their relatives and friends for their support and prayers. These have brought comfort to
our saddened hearts during this time of sorrow. Our sincere thanks to his Doctors, special
caregivers and everyone at Cayman Hospice Care. May God continue to richly bless each
of you.
Condolences may be registered at boddenfuneralservices.com or the Bodden Funeral Service Facebook page
Officiating Ministers:
Pastor James Arch
Bro. Duane Jeffries
Organists: Mrs. Esther Jackson
Guard of Honour: The Lions Club Of Grand Cayman
Interment will follow at the South Sound Community Cemetery
ORDER OF SERVICE
Graveside Service
Opening Remarks ............................................................................................................... Lion President-Mr. Rayle Roberts
Hymn “I Won’t Have To Cross Jordan Alone”...................................................................................................... Congregation
Prayer ......................................................................................................................................................... Pastor James Arch
Scripture Reading: Psalm 46 ...................................................................................................................... Bro. James Jeffries
Act of Committal ......................................................................................................................................... Pastor James Arch
Hymns ........................................................................................................................................................ Precious Memories
............................................................................................................................................................In The Sweet By And By
................................................................................................................................................................................I’ll Fly Away
............................................................................................................................................................................ Rock Of Ages
Benediction ................................................................................................................................................. Pastor James Arch
Opening Prayer ......................................................................................................................................... Bro. Duane Jeffries
Opening Hymn “Amazing Grace” ....................................................................................................................... Congregation
Scripture Reading: Psalms 23 ..................................................................................................................... Mrs. Juliet Du Feu
Tribute from Wife .............................................................................................................................................. Mr. Garth Arch
Hymn “Father I Place Into Your Hands”............................................................................................................... Congregation
Lions Prayer ................................................................................................................................... Lead by Mr. Rayle Roberts
Tribute from The Lions Club of Grand Cayman ........................................................................................... Mr. Rayle Roberts
Hymn “Ship Ahoy” ............................................................................................................................................... Congregation
Obituary ................................................................................................................................... Hon. D. Kurt Tibbetts MBE, JP
Video Tribute ............................................................................................................................................................................
Sermon ..................................................................................................................................................... Pastor James Arch
Closing Hymn “How Great Thou Art” .................................................................................................................. Congregation
Benediction ............................................................................................................................................... Pastor James Arch
Lions Roar ......................................................................................................................................................... Lion Members
Precious Memories
Precious memories, unseen angels sent from somewhere to my soul
How they linger, ever near me and the sacred past unfold.
Refrain: Precious mem’ries, how they linger, how they ever flood my soul
In the stillness of the midnight, Precious, sacred scenes unfold.
Precious Father, loving Mother fly across the lonely years,
And old home scenes of my childhood in fond memory appear.
In the stillness of the midnight echoes from the past I hear,
Old-time singing, gladness bringing from that lovely land somewhere.
I remember Mother praying, Father too, on bended knee
Sun is sinking, shadows falling but their prayers do follow me.
Pallbearers
Denham Hurlston Jr.
Paul Bethel
Clarence Flowers Jr.
Donnie Watler
John McPartland
John Edward Ebanks
Honorary Pallbearers Denham (Denny) Hurlston Sr.
Carey Hurlstone
Kenneth Eden
Richard Arch
Ronnie Arch
Heber Arch
Harry Chisholm
Capt. Paul Hurlston
Harold Hurlston
Ladner Watler
Thomas Hinds
Lemuel John Hurlston
Mike Simmons
D. Kurt Tibbetts
Neals Godfrey
Kirkland Nixon
Brainard Watler
Errol Bush
Harding Watler
Colin Panton
Charlie Watler
Albert Anderson
Robert (Bob) Thompson
Roy Charlton
Derek Bogle
Richard Thompson
All Lions Club Members
Masonic Brothers
And Friends, Too Many To Name
Ushers
John Edward Eden
Garth Arch
Victor Thompson
Denniston Tibbetts
Bessie Arch
Heather Bodden
Kerry Nixon
Debbie Ebanks
Guest Book Attendants
Merrill Hurlstone
Angela Miranda
Sophia Watler
Sheila Watler-Alvarez
Emily Gilman
Joy Bodden
I Won’t Have To Cross Jordan Alone
When I come to the river
at the ending of day
When the last winds of sorrow have blown
There'll be somebody waiting
to show me the way
I won't have to cross Jordan alone
I won't have to cross Jordan alone
Jesus died all my sins to atone
In the darkness I see
he'll be waiting for me
I won't have to cross Jordan alone
Often times I'm weary and troubled and sad
When it seems that my friends have all flown
There is one thought that cheers me and makes my heart
glad
I won't have to cross Jordan alone
Though the billows of trouble
and sorrow may sweep
Christ the Saviour will care for his own
Till the end of my journey my soul he will keep
and I won't have to cross Jordan alone
I won't have to cross Jordan...
In the Sweet By and By
There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.
Refrain: In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.
Rock of Ages
I’ll Fly Away
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Some bright morning when this life is over
Let me hide myself in Thee;
I'll fly away
Let the water and the blood,
To that home on God's celestial shore
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
I'll fly away
Be of sin the double cure;
Save
from wrath and make me pure.
I'll fly away oh glory
I'll fly away (in the morning)
Not the labor of my hands
When I die hallelujah by and by
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
I'll fly away
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
When the shadows of this life have gone
All for sin could not atone;
I'll fly away
Thou
must save, and Thou alone.
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I'll fly away
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
Just a few more weary days and then
When I soar to worlds unknown,
I'll fly away
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
To a land where joys will never end
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
I'll fly away
Let me hide myself in Thee.
Tribute from his wife Dortha:-
Tommy, my dear husband for almost sixty six years, I'll miss you so very much.
You loved life and were so very good to everyone. Family was always
important to you and you showed this by the love and care you gave to them all.
You cared for your parents until they passed and you shared our home
for many years with Mama, always giving her everything she asked for. Your
love extended beyond our families to so many others and you were always
happiest when you could do something to make another persons life a little better.
You always wanted me by your side and always told me you wanted me to go to
heaven before you. I would ask you "why do you want me to go first?" And you
would always reply "because I want to take care of you." I told you we have
no control over that and The Lord knows best.
The Lord has chosen to take you first Tommy, and I'll miss you all the
remaining days of my life, and will love you forever. DaDa
Tribute from his brother Denny and Family:Tommy will be remembered, by many people, for many different reasons. What we will remember most was his passionate and
unconditional love for his family.
He was a faithful and loving husband to his wife. To his parents, a caring and devoted son. To Denny, Roma, Sonia, Carey and Chloe
he was simply their big brother and hero. To his nieces and nephews he was Uncle Tom, who could take care of everything.
All of these things are true, but here’s what we will remember every time we think of Uncle Tom.
Uncle Tom’s special bond with his brothers Denny & Carey. His daily visits, in the mornings to check on the family and evenings for
their court sessions (that’s what we called them) at Uncle Carey’s workshop. With strong personalities, these usually turned into some
heated arguments. Whenever one of them would leave before the appointed time, we would remark, “looks like no one is backing
down, today must be a hung jury.”
Uncle Tom’s Sunday evening visits with Daddy and Mommie, the joy on his face when downing that cup of coffee with far too much
sugar in it.
Uncle Tom trying to figure out the functions of his cell phone, talking to it, rather than on it. Telling several of them their life span was
short, and then out the car door it would go.
How we looked forward to Christmas, as kids, Uncle Tom’s little cash gifts and those big red apples.
Coming to have salt beef and beans and johnny cakes with Daddy at 11:00 am, insisting he would just eat a small portion, because he
had to eat lunch at 12:00 with Aunt Dortha, polishing off a big plate and then announcing – “Damn that was good – let me have another one of those hot rolls.”
Uncle Tommy caring for Ma and Pa in their senior years, always at Ma’s bedside feeding her with the breakfast he would bring.
We could go on and on, but we’ll end by saying Tommy was a good and honest man. He worked hard and God blessed him greatly.
He shared his blessing with his family and friends. He was a kind and generous man who gave quietly to those who he knew would
never be able to give him anything in return. He loved us, and we loved him. What greater legacy, can a man leave.
We love you Tom,
Denny & Melva, Mikie, Heather, Judy, Hinzie & Hank
Tribute from his brother, Carey, and sister-in-law, Merrill:This is a sad day for us all, having to say our final farewell to Tommy. It would only be redundant for me to list all the wonderful
qualities we loved and admired about him. He was selfless and the epitome of service to others, but to none more so than his family,
and that’s what has always stood out, in my mind, about Tommy. He loved, respected and honoured his parents dearly. In my
opinion, he was the family patriarch, even before his father passed away, in 1985. He was very close with, and looked after, his
siblings and their families, as well. Many major family decisions were only made after consulting with Tommy, for his insight
And Guidance. He was always concerned about everyone’s welfare; and although he never interfered in our lives, we all knew that he
was there for us, if we needed his help. We only needed to ask, and he made himself available to do whatever he could.
Carey says he, Denny and Tommy had many great times together, and some of his best memories are of the days when the three of
them, together with their cousin, Harry, and Capt. Paul, would have “court sessions” every day from 3:00 – 4:00, in Carey’s workshop.
Tommy would come to the house for his coffee, and head out to the workshop, with his cup, for some lively discussions about
whatever they chose to talk about that day. That became a tradition, which still continues, but with a much smaller group over the
years, as others have become unable to get around on their own anymore. This tradition has become so well-known that it’s not
unusual for other family members, friends, or even old customers to drop by at the three o’clock hour. I know Tommy really missed
being able to attend, as his health worsened. He would occasionally ask Dortha to bring him by, but it eventually became too difficult
for them to climb the steps to the workshop.
My fondest and dearest memories of Tommy are of the days when his parents were alive, and his mother was bedridden for a couple of
years before she passed away. At her lowest point, she was unable to do anything for herself, even eat. Although the whole family
pitched in to do what they could for her, there were many mornings that Tommy would come into her room, with porridge from DaDa, or
sometimes from Melva, and cajole his mother into eating it for him. He had to literally spoon-feed her, and he would use a little bit of
distraction (by starting a conversation with her), a little charm (“Mama, please eat this porridge for me.”), and a bit of guilt-tripping
(“Mama, DaDa made this porridge for you, just how you like it.”), to coax her into eating! At that time in her life, she really had no
appetite left, but we had to get nourishment into her some way, so we all had to employ whatever methods worked best for us, to at
least have a couple of spoonfuls, even though we knew she was really forcing herself to eat, to get us off her back. To me, it was so
touching to see Tommy, her grown son, a well-loved and respected businessman and community leader, making the time to stop by to
see his parents daily (unless he was sick or off-island), and to make sure that they were comfortable, and being cared for. He didn’t
look awkward or out of place at all; just a devoted son, lovingly and patiently caring for his parents. They lacked for nothing that he
could provide, and he set an example for us all to follow. The Bible says that to he who is blessed with much, much will be required. I
believe he fulfilled that requirement. Rest in peace, Tommy, dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. You will be forever in our
hearts.
Tribute from his nephew Paul Bethel:My mother always told me that Uncle Tom was almost like a second father to his brothers and sisters when they were growing up. He
was certainly one of the most generous people I’ve ever known. I think everybody in our family has reason to be grateful to him for all
he did for us over the years. I know I do. Apart from Ma and Pa’s house in South Sound, one of my earliest memories of Cayman is
the front porch swing in Uncle Tom and Aunt Dortha’s old house, where I spent many hours “just chillin’”. Uncle Tom loved Cayman,
but he also loved Nassau, where he was born. In later years, we all looked forward to the frequent visits he made with Aunt Dortha.
We had great times together, and made a lot of happy memories. Although Uncle Tom had quite a list of achievements to boast of, I
believe his lasting legacy will be the kindness he showed to so many: not just his family and friends, but even total strangers. We’ll all
miss him more than words can say.
Paul Bethel
Tribute from his niece Rolena and nephew Gene:Dear Uncle Tom,
We could never sum up all of our feelings for you in a single tribute. Knowing that you are no longer suffering, and that you are at
peace, makes it easier to accept your passing. You were such a wonderful uncle, who we hope knew how very much we all loved
you, although we were not around a lot to tell you this. Just know that you will be greatly missed, and will always be in our fondest
memories.
So may you rest in peace for now dear Uncle.
Your niece & nephew,
Rolena & Gene
Tribute from his nephew John Edward Eden:To know him was to love him! Quiet, humble and always ready for a good laugh. We spent quite a few evenings with Uncle Tom
enjoying his accounts of travels, etc and sometimes we would take him and Aunt Dortha for drives or to our house and he would go
straight out to the hammock. We would get him a cup of coffee, and later he would have his special treat of fried sprats and black
beans! He loved the sprats but kept putting the heads in Aunt Dortha’s plate! There’s so much more we could tell but it would take
volumes!
We will surely miss him! Espero con esperanza – hasta la vista, Uncle Tom!
John & Nidie
Tribute from his nieces Nelly, Georgie and Nelmy Eden:Time may pass and fade away,
but memories of you will always stay.
Never selfish, always loving and kind,
these are memories you leave behind.
In God’s care you rest above,
In our hearts you rest with love.
We’ll always love and remember you.
Love,
Nelly, Georgie and Nelmy
Tribute from his brother in law Richard Arch:Legally, Tom was my brother-in-law but in reality he was much more like a brother.
I have searched my memory and cannot remember any time in my life that I did not know Tom. I recall attempting to ride a bicycle from
my home in George Town to his in South Sound as a very young boy; and getting about half-way I was too tired to go any further.
That didn't faze Tom. He gathered a few thatch leaves, made a long string and hitched my bike to his and pulled me the rest of the way
where we were treated to freshly brewed coffee, with brown sugar and freshly squeezed coconut milk by his mother of fond memory.
Throughout the years we were always a very closely knitted family, and I could write pages and pages but everyone that knew Tom,
knows him as well as I do.
Tom and I never took tea together but we sure had lots of coffee.
Your wooden ship has hoisted sails and taken departure to your final destination; sail on brother. Sail on!
You will always be fondly remembered by Margaret and Me.
Tribute from his nephew Ladner Watler:Our Memories of Uncle Tom,
Being with Uncle Tom was like being with my dad, they had a lot in common and he could tell me stories of Venezuela and his time
when he was young. He could speak Spanish and Greek and even tried to teach us a phrase but it was hopeless. He enjoyed his
time on the sea and would not visit the same port twice if he had a choice, and he got to see the world. When our family owned a gas
station and couldn’t afford the gas, Uncle Tom was always there to help, even though he worked for Texaco and we were with Esso.
He was always willing to help anyone who he felt needed it.
Uncle Tom carried a cell phone on his waist and even when his memory was failing, he still remembered the number to call to see
how we were doing and to see if we could come by to visit. We enjoyed spending time with him and DaDa, going for dinner every
Saturday night, riding to town and SMB to see what was happening and going out to many Lions events. They treated him so well and
he loved getting out and spending time with them. Thank you to them for their kindness.
During the last number of years Uncle Tom would go and hang out at Carey’s shop, accompanied by Denny, Harry and Capt. Paul. I
would listen to the stories, some true and some not so much, and the arguments that ensued. Those were the best of times for him.
He was a wonderful man, a kind heart and a thoughtful soul and we will miss him.
May you have as much steak, espresso coffee with brown sugar and bbq ribs as you like while you listen to your favorite song,
“Harbour Lights”.
Love,
Lad and Wanda
Tribute from his niece Bridget McPartland:From before I can remember, Uncle Tom and I had a special bond, a bond for which I am so very honoured and grateful. Because of
this bond, I often referred to him as my second father and he called me his 'Baby'.
Everyone who knew him, knows he was most kind hearted, compassionate, loving ambitious, intelligent and just, yet strong in his
beliefs, on which he stood firm.
His reverence for God, love of animals, children and yes, COFFEE are unforgettable.
Quite often my husband and I would take him for that, oh, so delicious cup of double-espresso, even when we had to do so quietly.
Needless to say, it always brightened up the drive or visit as he talked about his younger days. Along with his fun and interesting
conversations about the ' old days', his 'seaman's days', 'Masonic Excursions','Lions trips' and some of the crazy, fun things he did,
Uncle Tom would often remember their dog, Pal and his parrot, Polly that he had in the '60's. "those were good times,” he would
say, and quickly add, “times were hard, but it was a happy time".
I am so very blessed to have had numerous opportunities to reassure him that I am eternally grateful for his many, unselfish
sacrifices, generosity and compassion and also too, to remind him of how much he would be missed some day, to which he would
always respond with “love you Bridge, always did and always will”.
Goodbye is always hard to say to those we love, so today I will merely say,
I will certainly miss you Uncle Tom! I love you, “Always did, Always Will".
Your 'Baby', Bridget
Tribute from his niece Harriet Lott:It happened during a Cayman Airways flight to Jamaica many years ago. We were travelling together in different roles, Uncle Tom
was a frequent flyer to Jamaica in those days, I was Senior Flight Attendant.
Doors closed, checks completed, it was time to start our routine emergency demonstration. I’m standing in front of him, he sat in the
front row seat 1C watching as I began the life vest demonstration, I will never forget, he looked up at me as serious as he could be and
commented in rye-colorful humor “Harri, if this … (substituted words of salt) plane goes down, you won’t need that, you can put your
head between your legs and kiss your sweet … goodbye.” I laughed so hard I could hardly continue to conduct the demonstration.
The first three rows roared with laughter, with some in tears even as we landed at the Norman Manley International Airport in Jamaica.
That was just one glimpse of Uncle Tom.
Always a busy, purposeful, bluntly humorous and honest, resourceful man to count on, is how Uncle Tom will always be remembered
by me.
A founding father of the Lions Club and a Charter President of The Masonic Lodge in Cayman, a prominent business man who developed a building which housed Ace Car Rentals, Honda Moped distributor, the Sun Newspaper and opened the legendary, Atlantic
Department Store, situated on the North Church Street.
What an irrepressible personality he was, talented, spirited, heavy lifter who had a reputation for having a firm opinion and being sure
of his facts.
I will count Uncle Tom as being an unforgettable member of my family circle and I will miss him, as he truly was a most colorful part of
my life journey. Rest in Peace Uncle Tom.
Harriet
Tribute from his nephew Donald Watler, C.P.M.:From my first memory as a young child I knew Uncle Tom and DaDa. I spent many times at their house playing with Ronnie and all of
my other cousins. Uncle Tom grew up with very loving and God fearing parents in South Sound. I knew in his early years he spent
time at sea working hard. He also spent time with my Father Joe in Panama. All of my other Uncles I knew and loved also from a
child, but I must say that I loved Uncle Tom like he was my blood Uncle.
Uncle Tom and DaDa were extremely ambitious and worked very hard together to build themselves a successful business, the Atlantic Department Store which was a beautiful well run store that everyone loved to shop at, it’s name is still carried on to this day. Uncle
Tom was also instrumental in bringing the Lions to Grand Cayman. This accomplishment created so many countless positive things to
help the people of the Cayman Islands.
DaDa stood by his side working hand in hand with him throughout the years and as a loving wife, with wisdom and ambition, was the
wind beneath his wings. DaDa took such passionate care of Uncle Tom throughout their life to the very end.
We all share the grief and loss of my Dear Uncle with DaDa. We will miss him so much and he will never be forgotten.
I would like to say to everyone of you that Uncle Tom boldly but humbly gave his life to Jesus Christ. Uncle Tom is with his Saviour
now and at peace. It is my prayer that each and everyone here today that has not done so, I would encourage them to do so. For
none of us here today owns tomorrow. God bless you.
The Obituary of Thomas Ashbert Hurlston
Tommy as we all knew him was one of those that can be described as "An iron man that served on
wooden ships".
Tommy was born in Nassau Bahamas on 17th April 1927, to Ashbert and Una (Hinds) Hurlston. His
first experience of the sea began when he was two months old when his parents returned home to
South Sound, Grand Cayman after a brief stop in Cuba, where he was Christened.
On the 14th September 1946 he left his homeland onboard the M.V. Antarus for Tampa, Florida in
search of employment.
His maritime years took him to over the entire three hundred and sixty degrees of the world with
companies of forgotten history such as Swanee Shipping and National Bulk Carriers.
From the meticulous notes of his maritime career, one ship in particular appears, and for whatever
reason, is the S.S. Aurora Borealis, of Panamanian registry as his favourite. Perhaps the reason was
not from the work experience but from the beauty of God's light display.
His experiences included oilfield employment in Venezuela where he was employed by Chicago
Bridge and Iron Works and Foster Wheeler Boiler makers as a welder constructing oil storage tanks.
He married Emily Dortha Arch on 7th September, 1949. There were no children but Tom was father to
many.
After returning from his overseas employments he was appointed as General Manager of the Texaco
bulk storage in George Town and at the Owen Roberts International Airport.
In the early seventies he and Dortha branched out into wider fields and established Ace U-Drive-It
Cars and the Atlantic Department Store. They retired in 2004.
Tommy was instrumental in establishing the Lions Club here in Cayman and was honoured by his appointment as its first and founding president. His association with that organisation continued until his
passing on the 16th May.
He also maintained membership in many other fraternities here and in Nassau and Jamaica. In those
organisations he earned much respect and was bestowed many honours.
Tom's community services were recognised by Her Majesty the Queen and he was honoured as a
Member of the British Empire (MBE) and subsequently as a Justice of the Peace.
Left to mourn his passing are his wife Dortha, brothers Denham and Carey of South Sound and sister
Roma Bethel of Nassau, Bahamas and their families including those of his deceased siblings Sonia
Eden and Chloe Roberts. There are many nieces, nephews, cousins and brothers and sisters-in-law
and a host of friends that grieve his passing.
May his soul Rest in Peace.
Tribute from his nieces Edna Ebanks-Gilman, Annette Scott and Dot Japal:Growing up, Uncle Tom had a larger than life personality and we were in awe of him. Anything he said we believed, from being a
Preacher, or the best one, the Governor of the Cayman Islands – and you can believe we went back to school and told everyone that
too! DaDa would always say “Tommy don’t tell the children that foolishness, they will believe you!” and he would reply “but DaDa, its
true”! And we always believed him.
He was always so generous and thoughtful, making sure that anytime we came to stay there was always a case of flavored “cool
drinks” waiting in a crate on the back porch with bunches of guineps, bags of plums or mangoes; whatever was in season. There
were many special memories of family time with TA, like rides in mini mokes to the beach for days filled with fun, or visits to Miss Una
and Mr. Ashbert’s on Sunday evenings where we always got a special treat – our favorite being ‘duff’. We can’t forget him taking us
for steak dinners and dancing at Galleon Beach in the later years, where he made us feel so special and grown up.
Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners will never be the same again. He enjoyed and appreciated not only the food, but the time that
the family spent together sharing stories and memories of days gone by.
Uncle Tom believed in family and in doing all he could to make you happy. He enjoyed life and he truly tried to make life better for all
of us. We love you Uncle Tom “TA” and are grateful for the life lesson of family first, always.
Love,
Edna, Annette (little one) & Dot
Tribute from his nephew Sherrard Arch and his niece Susan Parsons:Our beloved Uncle Tom introduced us to cornbread, good coffee and maritime terminology. He was the cornerstone of our happy
childhoods, so much so that he had a loving pet name for each and every one of us and used them from the first sight to the very end.
Gone but in our hearts forever.
Sailor Boy, Susannah, Capitan and Cap’n.
Sherrard, Susan, Kevin and Craig
Tribute from his niece Sophia Watler and his nephew Rod Watler:From the time we were youngsters we knew Uncle Tom as a very kind and loving person. He would always greet us with the most
enthusiastic and warm ‘Hello Roddy and Sophie’!! We could always hear the happiness and joy in his voice. We have such fond
memories of walking to Atlantic Store as we did not live far, of course to go straight into the huge toy room that we so loved. Uncle
Tom, DaDa, Aunt Margaret and Uncle John would always be so glad to see us and knew right away we were not there for the clothes!
We are so thankful for these precious memories.
Uncle Tom we will miss you dearly.
Tribute from Bethany Ramoon-Campbell:Tribute to Mr. Tommy
Having been employed at the old Atlantic Department Store, I got the opportunity to know Mr. Tommy for over six years. My past
co-workers will agree with me that Mr. Tommy was a giver, a friendly, hardworking man and he poured himself out to people around
him, especially at work.
But those days are gone, gone but not forgotten. Certainly, the memories of you will remain in our hearts but I will not say goodbye
but instead, God Bless you and Keep you in his arms until we meet again.
Rest in Peace Mr. Tommy
Atlantic Department Store Employee since 1989
Tribute From Miss Dannie Powery (DanDan) :I was employed with Atlantic Department Store from May 1982 to November 1995 when the business was changed over to new
ownership. I always found Mr. Tommy to be a very good employer. I also enjoyed my years of working with Mrs. Dortha, Mrs.
Margaret and Mr. John Ebanks.
Mr. Tommy I will miss you, but God knows best. Good night Mr. Tommy.
Atlantic Department Store Employee since 1982
Tribute from the Lions Chairman of the Council of Governors:The Lions Club of Grand Cayman was chartered on October 6, 1972 and Lion Tommy Hurlston took the helm, set the pace, and
successfully integrated Lionism into the life of the communities of the Cayman Islands. Displaying courage and focus, Lion Tommy
remained a solid beacon of service through all these years, and many of the achievements of the Lions and Leos in the Cayman
Islands, District 60B, and Multiple District 60, owe their successes to this icon of service to others. Selflessness is not widely
distributed among us mortals, and when we encounter someone who consistently displays this virtue, publicly, for over 40 years in one
organization, it is even more rare.
As he moves on to higher service, we thank the almighty for lending him to us, and for demonstrating to us that most noble of all
practices, service to others above self. We will miss him and hope that somehow he will be aware of the high esteem in which he is
held by us all. To his family, his Club and friends, and the communities he served, we extend our heartfelt condolences and assure all
that we grieve together as we give thanks for his life with us. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him.
Lion Izett McCalla MJF
Chairman of the Council of Governors
Multiple District 60
Lions Clubs International.
Tribute From Cayman Islands Seafarer’s Association:We offer you, the bereaved family, our heart felt condolences, and pray God will comfort you, as He has promised, and recorded in the
book of Mathew “Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted”.
Today, we thank Almighty God, for the life of our departed brother, and thank the great pilot, for watching over all seamen, guarding
them from the dangers of the oceans.
Brother Tommy, as he was affectionately known, followed the Cayman tradition, of “going down to the sea in ships”, these words can
be found in Psalms 107.
He stood his watch with pride, and was admired by his shipmates, some of whom are with us today, as being a seasoned seaman. The
Captain and ship officers were pleased with his performance, and recognised him as being one of those, from the elite group of
seamen, known to be the best in the world, Cayman Seamen.
South Sound has lost one of its stalwart citizens, C I S A has lost one of its esteemed members, and Grand Cayman has lost one of
those men that was from a group, that gave these Islands a start, to become what we enjoy today.
There is a sunrise in each soul
For life not death is God’s promised goal
So trust God’s promise
And doubt him never
For only through death
Can man live forever.
From writings by Helen Steiner Rice.
May the soul of our brother of the sea, rest in peace, and light perpetual shine on him.
Tribute from the Cayman Lodge:Thomas Ashbert Hurlston became a member of the Cayman Lodge on 17th January 1969, approximately one year after the Lodge had
been formed. He moved through the ranks in the Cayman Lodge and demonstrated a strong commitment to Freemasonry in general.
His work in the Cayman Lodge resulted in him being elected master of the Lodge in 1976 and he took charge in November of that
year. His commitment to Freemasonry continued after his mastership and he was rewarded for his work by the District of Jamaica,
under which the Cayman Lodge fell, by being awarded District honours. Tommy also became an active member of several other
Masonic orders and gave each of them his full commitment and support. Thomas A. Hurlston gave selflessly of his time and
resources to the cause of Freemasonry in general and the Cayman Lodge in particular and was well loved and held in high regard by
his Masonic brothers. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by the members of the Cayman Lodge, where his contribution
was significant and laid the foundation of what we have today.
Tribute to Lion Tommy
Back in the Early seventies a delegation of Lion Members from the Kingston Club in Jamaica came to Cayman to investigate the possibility of
establishing a club here. Past President Mr. Peter Balls, a Lion in Jamaica, was being transferred to work in Cayman and was a part of the
delegation.
Lion Peter recalls how the search for potential members began. How they started canvassing and asking questions and doing their best to
explain what Lionism was all about and what would be expected of them. They were mindful that a strong minded, well respected, hardworking
individual had to be identified as the potential leader as the organizing group did not live here and would have to assist a young club from another
country.
In all their goings and comings throughout this process, one name kept coming up. Tommy Hurlston. Tommy was the local Manager of Texaco
at the time and being a South Sound boy he was very well known throughout the three islands and held in very high esteem.
Being the humanitarian that he was naturally it was not hard to convince Tommy to get involved. Tommy being a seasoned Free Mason was
familiar with the operation of organizations like ours and had many overseas acquaintances that already had Lodge and Lions in common.
Tommy rejected the notion that he be identified as the leader immediately but insisted that once the group gained structure it would be up to
them to decide who would be President.
Hence a working group was established and the formation of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman began to take shape. With the support of the
members of the Kingston Club, the experience of Lion Peter Balls, the exuberance of the local recruits and the backing of the then District
Governor Mr Andre Glands, the framework was complete and the first formal election was conducted.
The Position of President was uncontested and Thomas Ashbert Hurlston “Lion Tommy” as he is affectionately known by his Lions Family was
elected to lead the club in its infancy. The official Charter date of the club was October 6th 1972. The official ceremony and handing over of the
official documents were held on November 6th of the same year.
Charter President Tommy led the club for the next 20 months and set a foundation so solid that Lions have become a household name in the
Cayman Islands. He was known to say the two greatest things to come to the Cayman Islands were the Church and Lions Club of Grand
Cayman. That reminds me of a verse from the Bible, a Psalm of David. “The earth is the LORD's, and all it contains, The world, and those who
dwell in it. 2 For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rock. 3 Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may
stand in His holy place?.” As the Psalmist stated and is proudly displayed on our coat of arms, he was truly founded upon the seas of the Cayman
Islands and used everything he had to establish the Grand Cayman Islands Lions Club upon the rock.
He took his leadership role in this movement very seriously and was instrumental in the development of the Lions Sight Conservation Program.
Our Club Constitution dictates that Presidents should only serve one twelve month term from July 1st – June 30th and therefore Lion Tommy
passed the mantel on in June of 1974.
Lion Tommy led by example and was a very active member of the club, ill health being the only thing that prevented him from attending regular
meetings long after becoming a life member. He played a role in every aspect of the club initiatives and ensured that he attended every event
or function that he could. He was always there to greet every new member that was inducted into the club. Always ready to charge them with
their responsibility to the club and community. One of his famous sayings to every new member he ever had a chance to talk to was, “If you
never disgrace that pin it will never disgrace you!”. Those words will forever live on in the club.
He was always called upon to lead the Lion Roar and many times the National Anthem and National Song, a duty he carried out with much pride.
The strength of our club is largely due to his great leadership in the early years and his continued presence and unwavering dedication in the
many years that followed. Lion Tommy was very instrumental in constructing this facility, so much so that he even committed his personal funds
as collateral to secure the loan at CIBC. The first $50,000.00 that was spent to purchase used sound equipment from the Group Dr. Hook, was
guaranteed personally by him before the other collateral on the building had been released. These were the days when we were doing shows
at the centre and had to bring in 40ft containers of sound and lighting equipment costing us $25,000 each time. How foresighted was that? And
how as a club and a country have we grown since that?
The formation of the Leos Club in 1975, the Lions Club of Cayman Brac in 1986, and the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens in 1993 all have one
thing in common, Lion Tommy Hurlston. The Lions Pool, the Lions Eye Clinic, the thousands of School children whose vision impairments were
identified and corrected, the thousands of lives that have been touched on Christmas mornings by the delivery of gifts to those less fortunate,
the many homes for underprivileged members of our community, were all touched in some way by this great humanitarian. The countless other
individual acts of kindness that he carried out just because he truly understood, that it is much better to give than to receive. Lion Tommy was a
selfless man and he made the social health of the Cayman Islands and all that dwell therein his responsibility. Lion Tommy has left an indelible
impact on this community.
His accomplishments as a Lion are far too many to list here today. Lion Tommy loved to travel and represented his club at numerous district and
international conventions and he served the district in many capacities including Zone Chairman. During our 25th Anniversary Celebrations we
honored him by naming an award after him. The Tommy Hurlston Lion Heart Award was established and Lions that go beyond the normal call
of duty for at least five consecutive years may qualify to receive his award. He will certainly be a tough act to follow.
It is fitting that we celebrate his legacy here today because of his love for this place, the organization itself and everything that it represents. We
are humbled to honor his wish to move from this center to his eternal resting place.
Lion Thomas Ashbert Hurlston was an exemplary humanitarian and Lion Member. His memory and lifelong accomplishments will forever be
cherished. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him.