Page 3 - Ardly Orthniel Forbes

O Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weathered every wreck, the prize we sought is won, The ship is anchored safe and sound, its voyage closed and done.
Captain Neil Forbes entered this world on November 9, 1957, as the youngest child of Samuel Ebenezer Forbes and Ivy Elaine Forbes. As the baby of the family, he was showered with love and affection, especially by his brothers who were close to him in age, Twiston and George, often referred to as the “three amigos.”
Neil displayed a great thirst for knowledge and attended the All-Age School in Bambara, Middle Caicos, where his teacher, Mrs. Thelma Hamilton- Lightbourne, remembers him fondly. He excelled academically and later attended Peirson High School on South Caicos, initially living with Ms. Gladys Roker before settling with the Wilson family, with whom he maintained a close bond over the years.
As a teenager, Neil showed remarkable strength of character and resilience. His fortitude was tested when his father passed away during his time in Form 2, and two years later, with only six months left to graduate, he lost his dear mother on December 18th after a prolonged illness. Despite these challenges, Neil persevered with the unwavering support of his brothers, George and Twiston, and successfully completed high school.
Tall, handsome, and strong-willed, Neil attracted the heart of Ethel Fairleen Musgrove. She fondly recalls their first meeting, reminiscent of a scene from Romeo and Juliet: Neil leaned over the balcony of Mr. Lewis Cox’s building as she walked to the store, greeting her with a simple “hello.” This marked the beginning of a 43-year love story that led to their marriage in February 1981, resulting in four children: Kimberly, Kendrick, Kelorian, and Kelisa.
Neil and his family settled on South Caicos from 1981 until 2000, a period he often fondly reminisced about, sharing enduring memories of attending Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and forming numerous friendships. During his time there, Neil earned several nicknames, including “Big Neil,” “Diablo,” and most notably, “Legga,” recognized for his expertise as a diver on Conch Ground.
Neil never shied away from hard work and established a reputation for his strong work ethic, particularly excelling as a captain and diver on South Caicos and throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. He began his career as a sailor/ captain on the Oil Boat, sailing between the Turks and Caicos Islands and The Bahamas. He also worked alongside Carl “Flier” Simmons on the Allege for a period. Neil’s exceptional skills allowed him to navigate as far as Canada. For 25 years, Neil served as a Senior Boat Captain for Como Parrot Cay and remained dedicated to his work until his passing, and was eager to return as soon as his health permitted.
One of Neil’s greatest joys was being on the open water, reflecting his