Nassau, The Bahamas, September 23, 2023 – The late Alpheus “Hawk” Finlayson was an institution in The Bahamas. He was named an Officer of the Order of Merit during the National Honours 2022. A former athlete, sports icon, best-selling author, broadcaster and long serving insurance representative, Alpheus helped generations of people, across our Commonwealth, to secure their financial future. His dedication to clients, their dependents and beneficiaries, along with his loyalty to Colina, were to be commended.

He began his insurance career with Colina’s legacy company, Imperial Life, on November 10, 1980, embarking on a 42-year journey that would make him a trusted pillar in the field. His passion and commitment to the industry were unmatched, earning him the admiration of his colleagues and lifetime membership in the Million Dollar Roundtable – ‘the Premier Association of Financial Professionals’.

Of course, Hawk’s legacy extends far beyond the realm of insurance. For close to a decade, he hosted Track World on Guardian Radio 96.9 FM, where he enthralled listeners with his deep knowledge of and enthusiasm for track and field. Hawk’s Track World was once a newspaper column, television show and name for international newsletters he authored. Rightfully so as he was a National Sports Hall of Fame inductee; the first Bahamian elected to the 27-member IAAF Council; former president of The Bahamas Amateur Athletic Association; writer of ‘From Vancouver to Athens: Finlayson Fifty Years of Bahamian International Track & Field Competition’; among other local and global honours, titles and recognitions.

His warm smile, insightful words, and unwavering devotion to clients, radio listeners, and the world of sports have left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him. Hawk’s passing creates a void that can never be filled, but his memory will continue to inspire us all. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Dawn, and their two sons, Levaugn and Wayne.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Hawk’s daughter, Alexis Hanna; son-in-law, Khalid; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; family; friends; and all who cherished his presence, on behalf of Emanuel M. Alexiou, executive director; Terence Hilts, chairman, and the board of directors; executives; management, especially C. Kino McCartney, branch manager, 21 Collins Golden Eagles and Dwight Strachan, station manager, Guardian Radio; employees and sales teams at Colina and Guardian Radio.

Rest in peace, Hawk, and thank you for the knowledge and kindness you shared with us throughout the years. You will be sorely missed.