John Christopher Knowles, called PA by most, was born
January 7, 1930 in North Long Island, Bahamas. He was the sixth of 10 children born to John and Hilda Knowles. In his youth he enjoyed fishing, sailing, and working with tools. Upon finishing school he taught at the Millerton All Age school.
In time he migrated to Nassau and was employed by British Oversees Airways Corporation (BOAC) before joining the Royal Bahamas Police Force. He was given number 144. Later he was transferred to the Fire Department where he served in various roles until retirement in 1975.
In
1956 he married Eloise Farquharson (Mama Lois) and that union produced 4 children. The three O’s, Gen
o, Pedr
o, and Hug
o, and then Jacqueline—the baby girl that made him so happy when she was born he lost his police cap—a serious offense in those days. He proved to be a kind provider and caring father who desired to teach his sons all he knew—swimming, sailing, fishing, model boat building, auto mechanics, and how to handle responsibilities and plan for the future.
Having given unwavering support over the years to Mama Lois in raising their children to serve Jehovah, PA decided it was time he made a dedication and spend his life serving his Creator. He was baptized on
October 21, 2000. He proved to be a willing and enthusiastic worker in the construction and maintenance of the Kingdom Hall. PA and Mama Lois are fondly remembered for their open house policy and loving interest in one and all. Following the death of Mama Lois in 2017, he was moved to North Andros, Bahamas to live with, and be lovingly cared for, by Pedro and Wanda. He died peacefully in his sleep on
Friday, February 5, 2021.
He is survived by his sons Pedro (Wanda), Geno (Kaylinda), Hugo; his daughter Jackie Greenslade (Desmond); adopted daughters Ruth (Barbara) Swaby, Deborah Claridge (Anthony), Danette Collins; his grand children Pierre, Erin McKinney (Dario), Gerard (Dwaynecia), Allysa, Desiree, Pinky, Keisha, Joey, Brandon, Dayton, Anna, Desmond Jr., Darius (Synara); his great-grands Abrielle, Kai’lani, and Bryson; his brothers Leonard (Gloria), Ronald (Ethel); brother-in-law Walter Darville; his sisters Mrytle Turnquest (Kermit), Gloria Smith. A host of nieces and nephews, family members, spiritual brothers and sisters, and friends.
