Having known the woman and the work I met Leonie Forbes in 2016. We were at an event at The University of the West Indies and she came up to me with “You’re the sports lady.” I responded “And you’re the great Leonie Forbes.” I went all fan girl as I told her how much of an inspiration she was to me. She gave me advice and encouragement.

Perhaps a year or so later she called me via the News and Sports Centre phone one evening to correct me after I mispronounced condolences. Again, I went all fan girl. We had a nice chat and we exchanged phone numbers. And so began a relationship where we would call each other. She to correct, to advise, to encourage or just to say “Sports lady, you looked gorgeous tonight.” I would call to ask how to pronounce a word, to say happy birthday or to ask how you doing nice lady.”

In a world where it’s easy to be mean, Leonie Forbes was kind. In a world where it’s easy to criticise, Leonie Forbes encouraged, guided and advised. In a world where women dragged other women, she offered a beacon of light and support. Although sports was not her “beat” she was proud of me — a woman in a man’s world.

I cried at her passing because her light deserved to glow everlastingly. But I’m comforted knowing she was a shining example of how to be. I’m glad our paths met. I’m glad I told her thanks. I’m glad we laughed together. I’m grateful she encouraged, corrected and advised me. I called her Queen Leonie and she would laugh because she was a humble woman not puffed up on the legend she was.

Rest now, Queen Leonie, and thank you. I pray your family and friends will be comforted by the fact that you touched so many lives. You will be missed, nice lady.