Born on April 1, 1935, in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, to Priscilla (nee Thorne) and Bernard Alexander, Desmond was the second of six children: Fitz-Clarence, Desmond, Hollis, Lenore, Samuel, and Maureen. He was an avid cricketer, and from all appearances, his childhood was typical of the times, and reasonably uneventful.
After completing his elementary education, he attended Scott’s Commercial College. Subsequently, he graduated from Caribbean Union College in Trinidad and Tobago with an Associate of Arts in Business Administration, and then went on to Atlantic Union College in Boston, MA, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He also completed courses towards an MBA degree through City University, Washington, as well as courses for the Chartered Secretary Diploma from the School of Accountancy, London University, England.
In 1959, he met a charming young lady, Myrna Renaud, while travelling on the train to work at Caroni Limited (the largest sugar manufacturing company in Trinidad and Tobago). The relationship blossomed, and on October 11, 1964, they were married. To this union, four children were born: Dale, Nyla, Ainsworth, and Sherla, with the latter two providing him with five grandchildren: Nicholas and Gabrielle Alexander, and Matthew, Morgan and Mackenzie Henry, all of whom were the joy of his life.
During his tenure at Caroni Limited, the company implemented the then “new computerized accounting system.” Very shortly after he was promoted to be in charge of this “Punch Department.” After five years of service with the company, and being convicted of the Three Angels Messages, he submitted his resignation in December 1960, and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church the same month, dedicating his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This decision to become a Seventh-day Adventist has an interesting historical context. On November 22 1895, the first Seventh-day Adventist church in Trinidad and Tobago was organized in the village of Couva. The following day, the first baptismal service was conducted. The pool for the baptism was erected in the yard of Mr. P.T. Thorne, and at that service, 23 individuals were baptized and accepted into the newly formed church. Among the 23 individuals, 11 were from one family, the Thorne’s, and included P.T. Thorne, Desmond’s Great Grandfather, John H. Thorne and Louisa N. Thorne, his Grandparents, together with several uncles and aunts. His mother, who was not born as yet, was raised as a Seventh-day Adventist, and served as the organist of the Sutton Street San Fernando Seventh-day Adventist church.
Notwithstanding that rich heritage, his decision to become a Seventh-day Adventist was not an easy one. Among other things, it meant, for example, that he accepted that Saturday is the seventh-day Sabbath of the Bible; a day of rest, holy and sanctified by God, during which, we must not engage in any secular work. As a consequence, for three and one-half years, he remained unemployed, being repeatedly told by potential employers, “You are fully qualified for the position, but you would have to work on Saturdays.” His commitment to his newly found truth and his faith in God to provide, kept him resolute, and he did not accept their offers of employment.
He eventually received an appointment to the Accounting Department of the Port-of-Spain Community Hospital of Seventh-day Adventists. Subsequently, he was called to serve the South Caribbean Conference of SDA as Cashier-Accountant, and then Auditor. After a few years, he was called to the Caribbean Union Conference as Assistant Treasurer. In 1978, he was elected to serve as Treasurer of the South Caribbean Conference, a position he held for the next 16 years, until he migrated to the United States of America.
During his tenure as Treasurer, he also served as interim Pastor of several churches, being responsible for as many as three congregations at the same time. His time was not spent only in administration, but in evangelism with leading roles in several crusades.
Desmond was especially committed to his family, and placed their well-being above any aspirations he might have had for himself. For example, just prior to migrating to the United States, he was asked by the President of the Inter-American Division to accept the position of Treasurer of the Caribbean Union Conference. He declined the call, because, as he said, “My younger children are in the United States, and they need me.” In 2000, he continued his service to the Seventh-day Adventist church, with his appointment as Business Manager of the Miami Union Academy, a position he held until his retirement in 2016.
During his many years of employment which entailed annual audits, whether in public, private, or church arenas, he was particularly grateful to God that his work always received “Unqualified Opinions.” To God be the Glory. Truly, He honors those who honor Him, who put their trust in Him and seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness.
Throughout his life, Desmond remained committed to the Three Angels’ Messages and the hope of the soon return of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He repeatedly expressed his gratitude to God for His call to service, and the anointing that He graciously bestowed upon him. This enabled him to labor effectively throughout the years, as an officer in many churches in Trinidad and Tobago and in Florida, including Deacon; Sabbath School Superintendent; Youth Leader; District Youth Leader; Elder; First Elder; Co-coordinator of several crusades, Revelation Seminars and other Evangelism projects, which resulted in the baptism of hundreds of precious souls.
Desmond’s dedication and faithfulness to God, can be best summarized by the words of one of his favorite hymns:
O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me, My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my Guide.
Desmond now sleeps awaiting his Savior’s call, when, on that great resurrection morning, the “… dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, KJV). “… Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20, KJV).
Cherished memories of Desmond Francis Alexander will forever linger in the hearts of:
His wife: Myrna Alexander;
His children: Dale & Sharon Alexander; Nyla Alexander; Ainsworth Alexander; Sherla Alexander;
His grandchildren: Nicholas & Gabrielle Alexander; Matthew, Morgan, & Mackenzie Henry;
His brothers and sisters: Fitz Clarence & Luz Alexander; Hollis & Clara Alexander; Lenore & Winston Mottley; Samuel & Eutrice Alexander; Maureen & Leon Sylvester;
His many cousins
His many nephews and nieces
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