Celebrating the Life of Theobald Derrick Bonaparte: 6 August 1957- 11 March 2024
Throughout his life, Theo was a pillar of kindness to all who knew him. He dedicated himself to his family and his work. His decisive demeanor, coupled with unwavering moral compass, left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Theo aka “DJ Happy Smiles” loved his retro or back-in-times music. He was a professional when it came to mixing music and it made him happy.
Theo’s legacy extends beyond his familial bonds. He was a cherished member of the community and loved by many. He was known for his generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. His passion for life was infectious, and he approached each day with a sense of gratitude and humility. However, Theo never minced words and was never afraid to be honest. “He told people like it is” as we say in the Caribbean. He didn’t care if you were offended by the truth, he just simply let you have it the way he saw it, period. He will always be remembered and respected for it.
In his leisure time, Theo enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, whether it was hanging out at the bar with his buddies, sharing stories with loved ones, or enjoying his favourite meal. He really loved his “Trini curry goat and roti”. He found joy in the little things and taught us all the importance of cherishing the moment. He was absolutely photogenic and took a lot of selfies. He was the most dedicated and industrious employee anywhere he worked, never taking a day off or taking vacations and was never later to work in more than 5 years.
Theo will be deeply missed by his sisters, Mary and Yvonne, his brothers Dumbar and Aden and his beloved wife Ann Marie. He will also be missed by his extended family and in-laws, nieces and nephews, step-daughters, grand-children and friends. Although he may no longer walk among us in the flesh, his spirit will continue to live in the memories and hearts of those he touched.
And for many of you who are internalizing the pain of this los or asking why God created this suffering, the answer is this, as the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Suffering in this life is allowed by a loving God because He is preparing us for an incomparable weight of glory in eternity through it. Enduring uncovers our contaminations and questions. In a sense, we can only understand that God is good through suffering. We can learn more about Him only by allowing ourselves to suffer through the pain.
Therefore, rather than asking, “Why would a good God permit suffering?” Let’s reframe our thoughts to say, “How loving of God to allow me to suffer, and therefore know Him and prepare me for the weight of glory” instead.
Rest in peace, dear Theo. Your kindness, warmth, and wisdom will forever be in our hearts and cherished in our memories.
Subrina Hall-Azih is a Trinidadian educator living in the United States.
