‘He had so much life ahead of him’: Family mourns a life gone too soon

For those who knew him best, Kendal Isaacs had a promising future. He liked music, swimming, and someone who seemed to have a gift for helping others feel comfortable and cared for.

Now, family and friends are left holding on to memories after the 23-year-old was memorialized on Friday, nearly two weeks after he was found unresponsive at his home. Police have said they suspect he died by suicide.

Among those remembering him is his godfather, Paul Fernander, who affectionately called him “our Littlest Croupier.” The nickname dated back to childhood when Kendal and his sisters would accompany their parents to weekly Pokino games and somehow manage to stay awake alongside the adults into the early hours of the morning.

Looking back, Fernander sees a young man whose life was filled with talent, intelligence and compassion.

“He has left us so soon,” he wrote.

“Kendal swam like a fish,” Fernander recalled. “Even at a young age, Kendal possessed a calm confidence and a willingness to help others overcome their fears.”

Fernander described a young man who was generous, kind-hearted and eager to help others. A gentleman who, as one loved one put it, would “give the shirt off his back” to someone in need.

Academically, Kendal excelled. He passed all ten of his BGCSE examinations at Queen’s College before attending the University of The Bahamas. Fernander says he completed years of work in a remarkably short period of time before continuing his studies in the United States.

After returning home, he joined his cousin’s computer business and continued building what many believed would be a bright future.

He loved music and dreamed of sharing his creativity with the world.

Last year, he asked his godfather to listen to one of his songs and offer honest feedback. He revised the track, worked on promotion and even produced a music video.

The song never became the breakthrough success they had hoped for, but those who remember him today see something more important than chart success: a young man willing to chase his dreams.

Annette Johnson remembered picking him up while he was attending school in the United States and spending time together shopping and sharing lunch.

“My birthday is April 5th and Kendal is on the same date as mine,” she said in a social media tribute.

Today, those who loved Kendal are left with difficult questions, treasured memories and a deep sense of loss.

If you are struggling with depression, hopelessness or thoughts of harming yourself, speak with someone you trust. Reach out to a pastor, family member, friend, counsellor or community leader. Help is available, and asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

For crisis support in The Bahamas, contact the Bahamas Crisis Centre at (242) 328-0922.

For now, those who knew Kendal best are choosing to remember the young man who loved freely, helped others and left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him— a young man with incredible potential, gone too soon.