OBITUARIES

RICHARD HERBERT TURNBULL

Governor of the United States Virgin Islands His Excellency Charles W. Turnbull and a large contingent of family members and friends of the late Richard Herbert Turnbull travelled to Tortola on Saturday March 4th, 2000 to pay their last respects to a father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. The late Richard Herbert Turnbull, affectionately called "Harvey" or "Pappy", was born in Brewers Bay, Tortola on June 5th, 1907. He received his formal education at the Methodist Church School, upon completion of which he engaged in farming, which was the standard occupation for men. In June 1940, he married Gertrude Irene and this union was blessed with six sons - Marvin, Alvin, Melvin, Justin, Gavin and Godwin Turnbull and one daughter - Lydia Turnbull. In addition, they parented one stepson - Earlric Braithwaite, two adopted sons - Raymond Smith and Ivan Stephens, one niece and one grandchild. In order to provide a better way of life for his family, Mr. Turnbull sought work in St. Thomas. Throughout a period of about twenty years, he migrated between St. Thomas and Tortola. During this time, he engaged in various occupations on St. Thomas, which included farming, construction, surveying and finally the care taking of dolphins at the Communication Research Institute. Upon retirement in 1967, he returned to Tortola to his wife and children. His wife, a firm believer in Bible principles, encouraged him to study the Bible and in time, Richard too, became a lover of righteousness and dedicated his life to Jehovah on May 13, 1973. "Pappy will always be remembered for his cheerfulness and his fine ability to entertain others with his lively stories. His care and generosity will also be remembered, but most importantly, he will be remembered as one of Jehovah's faithful witnesses. The funeral service was held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Huntums Ghut. It was officiated by Minister Lionel Sullivan. The late Richard Herbert Turnbull is also survived by daughters-in-law Cynthelia, Ritsia, Barbara, Frances, Delita and Robin Turnbull and Bernice Braithwaite; fifteen grandchildren; five great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, special cousins, other relatives and friends. He passed away on February 25th, 2000. ELLIOTT WELLINGTON CALLWOOD The life of the late Elliot Wellington Callwood was spent as a labourer in God's vineyard of Methodism throughout the BVI circuit. He was born on October 6th, 1914, attended Wesley Ville in Belle Vue and the Road Town Methodist Church School. In 1941, he became a full member of the Road Town Methodist Church and served this society over the years as Class Leader, Steward and choir member. Mr. Callwood, being unable to contain the music he was taught by his training mentor, launched out in various churches - East End, Long Look, Sea Cows Bay and Purcell, to share his ministry of music and singing. In 1947, he became the founder and director of the Unity Band, which carolled the territory at Christmas time. Some time during the '50's, he joined the Belle Vue Church Choir, later becoming Choir Director. For many years, he travelled throughout the community of islands conducting prayer meetings; he played a significant role in several churches during Harvest, assisting with decorating the church and helping to collect the offering. "Beginning in 1923, Brother Callwood embarked on the project of collecting funds for the church. He believed in the extension of the work and his contribution in this respect included assistance in building the Long Look Church in 1968, purchase their first organ, renovation of Infant School and prayer house at Belle Vue in 1962 when a cistern and extension were made," said Sister Daisy Callwood in the eulogy. In 1974, he raised funds to purchase the first organ for the Sea Cow's Bay Church and continued to solicit funds for this society and all others with which he has been associated. Brother Callwood was very well known throughout the BVI. He was held in high esteem and was highly respected by the young and the old alike. He is reputed to have some 242 Godchildren. His career had been in dry cleaning, cooking and cake making. Queen Elizabeth II honoured him for cooking her sumptuous lunch at Government House during her visit. In 1986, he received honours as the longest serving member of the Road Town Methodist Church and the Frederick Pickering Memorial Foundation also honoured him in 1997. On 5th October 1997, he was appropriately honoured by the Belle Vue Methodist congregation. "Brother Callwood's health continued to deteriorate and on Tuesday 22nd February, 2000, he lipped quietly away to his eternal rest," the eulogy stated. He was buried at the Road Town Methodist Church on Saturday March 4th, 2000. The officiating Ministers were Reverend Bonny Byron, Rev. Cecil Weekes and Rev. Edris O'Neal. The deceased is survived by his sister Vivian Hodge, special nieces Olive Francis and Veronica Sands-King, Special nephews Leando Nibbs, Reginald Callwood, Arthur Amey and Stanley "Bull" Malone. His close friends included Austin Hodge, Ruth Malone, Reginald Malone and Christhalia Hodge. Dr. Quincy Lettsome remembers the late Elliot Wellington Callwood as one of the old time genuine and caring, devoted and community-minded Virgin Islanders, a man for all occasions, all season and all time. "He made an outstanding contribution to the cultural heritage of the BVI...Mr. Callwood has passed to the great beyond, but his unique personality and numerous deeds of kindness will live on in our hearts." ANSELMO LEONALDO GEORGE Chief Minister the Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal, General Manager of the Little Dix Bay Resort Peter Shaindlin and Evangelist Anna Joseph were on hand on Saturday March 4th to tribute the life of the late Anselmo Leonaldo George, also known as Mr. Best. Mr. Best was born on July 13th, 1943 in North Sound, Virgin Gorda. At the age of five, he attended the North Sound Primary School. After completion, he went to Tortola to learn a trade in the field of construction. He was known to be one of the best stone builders in the British Virgin Islands. Some of his handy works can still be seen at places like Biras Creek Hotel, Little Dix Bay Hotel and Fig Tree Complex. As a young lad, he was a member of the Boy's Brigade, he was also a talented musician and enjoyed serenading with the boys at Christmas and playing music with Mit and the High Voltage Band, a local scratch band. In his spare time, he loved the sea, scuba diving and fishing, and visited the nearby cays and islands in his little boat, affectionately named after him "Mr. Best". On April 30th, 1975, he was united in marriage to Susanna and they had one son Adrian. From an earlier relationship came one daughter Lorraine. The late Anselmo George was employed at the Little Dix Bay Hotel from its inception in the construction field and later until his death as "Terrance Host" in the Pavilion Dining Room. Territorial Representative Hon. Reeial George delivered the eulogy at the funeral. He said Anselmo was a loving father and a faithful husband, a loving son and a dear brother. "He will be greatly missed by everyone in this community." His illness for two years took him away from us, but in January, he gave his heart to Jesus, so he died (February 25th) as a Christian and has gone on to meet his Lord, his father, sister and other family who have gone before him, the eulogy continued. Mr. George leaves to mourn his wife Susanna, children Lorraine Williams and Adrian George, stepchildren Gregory Hogan and Nolita Hogan, grandchild Brittany Smith, mother Floresa George, sisters - Pastor Sylvia Rhymer, Dolores Gumbs, Eula Flax and Sandra George Leonard, brothers - Elmo George, Darvin George and John George Jr., his father-in-law Benjamin Yearwood and mother-in-law Martha Gilbert. The funeral service was conducted at the Church of God (Holiness) in North Sound, Virgin Gorda by Pastor Leo George.

The publishers, management and staff of The Island Sun Newspaper join in expressing condolences to the bereaved families.