Former Chief of Police dead at 73
This newspaper has learned of the death of Robert James Bretherton C.P.M., who served as Chief of Police in the BVI from 1981 to 1986. Mr. Bretherton was born on 30 March 1927 in Liverpool, one of four brothers. He died on 3 August 2000 following a brief but serious illness, in hospital in Devon, England, where he had spent many years of happy retirement, with his wife Marjorie, who he married in Hong Kong in 1958.
After a period of National Service in the Royal Navy, when he first visited and fell in love with the orient, he joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1950. He served in the force for 25 years, during many turbulent years and rose through the ranks retiring as Assistant Commissioner in 1976. He was awarded the Colonial Police Medal (CPM) for Meritorious Service in 1967. In 1981 Bretherton was appointed to the position of Chief of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force. He retired in 1986, and returned to England. Two years ago he returned (unannounced) to the BVI for a brief holiday and was greatly moved by the warm welcome he received. He is survived by his wife Marjorie and three children, Mark, Simon and Stephanie. His funeral took place on 11 August in Sidmouth, Devon, attended by a great many dear friends and relatives. The publishers, management and staff of The Island Sun newspaper wish to convey their deepest condolences to the bereaved family of the late R.J. Bretherton.