TRIBUTES
There will come a time when I will be able to look back at our memories and smile, but right now, my heart aches so much at the thought of not seeing you or hearing your voice again. Rickey was my son from another mother. I was present at most of the major events of his life:- his birth, christening, migration to Antigua, first day of school, graduations, wedding and so much more. But despite my deep sorrow and heartache, I am so proud of the life lived serving God, his ministry and the wonderful husband and father he was. I know for sure his heavenly father said “well done, my good and faithful servant, take rest now your work is done. Lilly, Lois, Abijah, Abigail, Micaiah, Jotham, Jimmy, Kaye, Karleen and the rest of the family circle, I wish you strength and comfort at this time. Sleep in peace my God son.
— Aunty Avril
Cedric was affectionately called Rickey by family and close friends. His names mean: Kindly, loved, war leader and gift of splendor. We all know they describe him well. I was 12 years old when he was born and i remember as a toddler, he always wanted me to sing "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam to shine for Him each day”. Little did I know that at that young age, God was already preparing him for his service. He had a special love for his little sister Kaye and would hug her all day. We separated when he was still small, but that never lessened the love. We did meet again after his marriage along with his lovely wife. “Sweet Rickey the quiet one”. Sincere condolences to his mom Lilly (Tanty), wife Lois and children, siblings Jimmy, Kaye, Karleen. Aunty Massy and children. Aunty Avril and children, other aunts, uncles and cousins. His soul is resting in peace. I know we will meet again on that glad reunion day.
— Aunty Rhonda
Rickey and I shared a home for almost five years. I remember thinking he was a gift to me, because he was born two weeks before my birthday. I remember him as a very quiet and loving boy who loved to sing. I can only imagine him now singing with the angels. My heartfelt condolences to Tanty, Lois, his children, his siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins. We will miss him dearly. Sleep on in peace.
— Aunty Karleen
Growing up my uncle was more than just family to me, he was a guiding light in my life, a constant source of wisdom, support and love. He was the type of person who always made you feel seen and heard. One of the things I remember is how he gave me my nickname “Kooly Kalkal”. It may seem like a small thing but to me, it was so much more: a bond; a reflection of the way he saw and cared for me. It was something uniquely ours. He was a great pastor. I witnessed his faith wasn’t something he spoke about; it was something he lived every single day. I’m deeply saddened that I didn’t get to see him one last time, to share a moment or to express what he meant to me. His constant presence in my childhood helped shape who I am today. I miss you more than words can express, you were a great man. I know your legacy lives on, not just in your teachings, but in the love he gave and the examples he set. Rest in peace uncle, I will never forget you!
— Kalique St Jean (Nephew)
As I reflect on the times we shared I find comfort in knowing that you are not here in flesh but with us in spirit. My early development years were built in a strong foundation of family values and bonds. The love that we shared as a unit provided us (the younger ones) with the strength we needed to navigate the world. The many laughs we would share on a Sunday as you would sing “have you ever seen a skinny guy whose name is Jaye”? Or you would say “ya boy a na min Jimmy you get ya boastness from nuh... a me”. We would interact during our usual Sunday family lunches, and this memory would be forever etched in my mind. Uncle Rickey there is so much I wish we had spoken about... so much I want to say. Know that I love you and always will. I will truly miss you. Your life, legacy and achievements will forever be an inspiration to me.
— Cuthbert Forbes Jr. (Nephew)
The funny, wise and godly I was blessed to know in my life was my uncle Rickey. For the past 16 years, I experienced his incredible personality, unwavering character, and most importantly, the love and support he always gave. His words were rich with the wisdom of a man who walked closely with God, offering peace of mind and grounded truth that shaped my outlook on life.
Uncle Rickey was famously known in the family for his endless nicknames. Somehow, I ended up with three. On any given day, I could be “Tut Boo Boo”, “tuts Tuts”, or when he felt particularly creative, “Scaly-Ann”. And oh, the playful debates about my supposedly enormous head every Sunday without fail, it either got bigger, or I was suddenly accused of “stealing” a certain pair of granny panties! He’d glance at me before I even had a chance to a word and0 ask the classic question we’ve all been asked at least once: “Ya wash ya skin for the day”?
Cooking mishaps were another way of his favorite subjects. If you dared to make bad bread or food, be prepared for him to declare that “even the cats wouldn’t eat your rick-hard bread! “These jokes carried on for years, yet they were always delivered with sweetness and love.
Despite all the humor, Uncle Rickey was someone I could always turn to. He offered wise, godly counsel that truly made a difference in life. He was a devoted son, brother, father, and uncle, and an extraordinary pastor whose impact on our lives is beyond measure.
I will be forever grateful for the time we had with him on earth. Though he is no longer with us physically, he lives on in the love, wisdom, and memories he left behind. I will always carry him in my heart as my dear Uncle Rickey.
— Kayly-Ann (Niece)
We bid farewell to my dearest Uncle Rickey, though you may have been taken away from us to soon. Your spirit will forever live on in the memories we cherish and love and many laughter we shared, you were the most humorous person I have ever come across, I laugh out loud even at the thought of your most contagious laughter.
To myself and many others you were a source of wisdom, not only a visionary leader but also a compassionate guide who inspired countless individuals. You have stood for us when we were not able to stand. You have walked beside us – and you have lead as many followers because we know your voice, and you know HIS.
My heart aches and it will take some time for me to understand why? WHY you? Who would’ve imagined? Absolutely no one would’ve known, and many can attest to this. I’ve see you nurture many individuals even under your roof with an open heart. In all honesty every time I saw you and I wasn’t jokingly comparing my father and you; I would say something like “Uncle Rickey give me $20 nah” I never needed it, but I asked knowing that you will give.
There is a saying that goes “when someone you love becomes memory, the memory becomes a treasure”. We will continue to take good care of grandma, and I promise I never wore any of her undies ha-ha a rumor stain you left on almost all your success.
You will surely be missed for all that you are. Love you in life and love in death.
RIEP Uncle Rickey...Shepherd/Elder/Overseer
— Forever in love, your niece – Jah’Myah L.K. Forbes
My beloved cousin, the entire family knew of the connection we shared. However, we were much more than cousins we were true friends. You were my pastor, my counsellor. He was a father to my daughter and he was extremely nurturing, loving and caring. Rickey, as he is known to close family was an inspiration to many. My heart hurts. I was with you to the final moments. I will never forget you!!! I love you my cousin!! I will remember all your laughter, nicknames and jokes. RIEP cuz – May angels guide you as heaven accept you!! You will always live in my memories.
— Love Deanne (Cousin)
Dear Uncle Rickey, although you’re not here with us anymore, I still cherish thr little moments I had with you. I recall the many times I would come to visit you, you were always the one to ensure that I never felt left out, that I felt comfortable and included. Thank you for filling my life with laugher. Thank you for being there through my personal struggles. Thank you for constantly praying for me. I miss your beautiful smile. I will miss coming to church hearing your silly jokes to make everyone laugh. You are an inspiration both in life and death. You will surely be missed. I love you always! Until we meet again.
— Shakyla Forbes (Niece)
I am writing this tribute with a very heavy heart. I have known Cedric better known as Rickey over twenty years. He is not only my pastor but also my brother-in-law and we shared many fond memories together. One of which was when he officiated my wedding to his brother Jimmy. Cedric was a very jovial person and had a smile which would light up any room. My brother-in-law will be deeply missed by myself, daughter and husband.
May the soul of Cedric Forbes rest in perpetual peace and rise in glory.
— Mrs. Joyette Robert-Forbes (Sister-in-law)
Tonight, as we gather here we do so with heavy hearts. We are united by an indescribable grief and shock, mourning the sudden passing of someone dear to us, Rickey. The task of finding the right words feels almost impossible when facing such an unexpected loss. Yet it is precisely this gathering, this sharing of memories and love that helps us navigate the darkness of this moment.
When I think of Ricky, I am reminded of the qualities that made him truly one of a kind. He as a beacon of light, always ready to lift others up. Whether through his infectious laughter, his encouraging words or unwavering presence, he had a gift for making those around him feel seen and valued. In moments like these, it is easy to feel lost but remembering his smile and the warmth he brought into our lives can provide some comfort.
We are here not only to mourn the loss but to celebrate his life even if it ended far too soon. To acknowledge the suddenness of his passing is to recognize our collective he shock and pain but also to strengthen the bond we share in our grief. It is on to be overwhelmed by sorrow tonight. It is natural to the void Rickey has left behind, but even as we navigate his loss, let us remember his legacy he leaves, one filled with kindness, resilience and a spirit that touched many lives. His life reminds us that we have the opportunity every day to live meaningfully and love deeply, be there for one another as he was for everyone.
As we look around this room we see friends, family and loved ones brought together by his memory. The outpouring of stories, laughter and tears is a testament to the impact Rickey had on all of us. It is in this space that we do not carry this grief alone but together. Let us remember Rickey not just in moments when we choose to live like he did – with compassion, joy, love. Let us hold on to the good times, the laughter for these memories are now treasures that will remain with us forever.
— Aunty Debbie/Wider family circle