Captain Rymer in conversation with Hon. Alvin Christopher and Deputy Chief Minister Hon. Ronnie Skelton [Photo: Stephen McMaster]  

Capt. Rymer turns 100

A thanksgiving service in honour of Captain Charles Ernest Rymer, who turned 100 years old on December 3rd, was held at Icis Villas, Brewer's Bay on Saturday December 6th. Capt. Rymer was born in 1903 to Charles E. Rymer and Ann Amelia Rymer of Brewer's Bay, Tortola, BVI. He was the third of five children. He grew up in Anderson where he attended school. After leaving school, he worked with his father who was a fisherman and farmer. Capt. Rymer learned the skills of fishing and farming from his father and specialized in knitting fish nets.

He also achieved a high level of skill in throwing the net at sea, catching schools of fish which he sold throughout the British Virgin Islands community and to the neighbouring United States Virgin Islands of St. John and St. Thomas.

Mr. Rymer has always been kind to members of his community and would give fishes and farming products to those who could not afford to buy. As a young man, he left his father's home in Brewer's Bay and traveled to Santo Domingo where he worked for many years before returning to his native BVI. On his return to the British Virgin Islands, he continued to work as a fisherman and farmer and was known throughout his community as a skilled boat captain, thus earning the name of Captain Rymer.

The dashing Captain Rymer fell in love with Catherine Christopher and they were married shortly thereafter. Their marriage lasted for over 60 years until her death. That union produced seven children, including Doris Frett, Beatrice Dawson, Edward Dawson, Helen Hendricks, Harriet Rymer, Ann Rymer, Doreen Rymer, Charles Rymer Jr., Nicholas Rymer and Icis Malone. Captain Rymer was active up until after his 99th birthday, but became bed ridden about five months ago due to failing health. His wife "Nenny" passed in 1999 and his daughter Doreen in 1998. He was a strict disciplinarian who managed his home with strict Bible principles. He was also a jockey and owned his own horse (Icis) and he rode his horse in many races throughout the BVI. He also kept a picnic in Brewer's Bay every August Friday.

Mr. Rymer was also a cricketer and was a formidable batsman. At the thanksgiving service, son-in-law Mr. Vernon E. Malone served as Master of Ceremony. The Reverend E. Lloyd Brissett, Superintendent Minister, Methodist Church, offered the prayer of thanksgiving, while remarks were brought by Acting Chief Minister Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton and District Rep. Hon. J. Alvin Christopher. Other members of the family brought tributes and rendered selections.

Captain Rymer and his family thanked everyone who joined in the celebration of his 100th birthday. They also thanked His Excellency the Governor for visiting the home of Mr. Rymer and delivering the message of congratulations from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.