COMMUNITY MOURNS THE PASSING OF WINSTON RHYMER
The North Sound Methodist Church on Virgin Gorda was packed to capacity
and scores of other family members and friends
remained on the outside, as they attended the going home celebration and
thanksgiving service for the life of Mr. Winston Adolph
Rhymer.
Mr. Rhymer, who was an educator for the past 41 years, passed away May
8th at the age of 59 years. He is survived by his wife
Dorene, whom he married August 30th, 1972, sons Neil, Nigel and Nevin,
daughter Nadina, grandson André, brother John and sister
Gloria.
His survivors also include sisters in law Iva Rhymer, Pastor Sylvia Rhymer,
Zelda George, Janice George Creque, Eunice Crawford,
Janeth George and Altheda Creque; brothers in law Leslie George, Norris
George and Carlton Creque, his mother in law Creseda
George and many nieces and nephews.
The late Winston Rhymer began his formal education at age 5 at the North
South Elementary School, headed at that time by Mr.
Bregado Flax. After successfully completing his elementary school programme,
he was encouraged by Mr. Charles Wheatley, then
Headmaster of the school, to take additional classes in preparation for
entry into the pupil-teacher system.
He continued to enhance himself academically and professionally by successfully
completing teacher-training courses at the Leeward
Islands Teacher Training College in Antigua and at Birmingham University
in England. He obtained his Bachelors of Arts Degree from
the University of the Virgin Islands in 1983 and his Masters from the
University of Edinburgh, Scotland in 1992.
Mr. Rhymer served as Headmaster at the North Sound Primary School and
the St. Mary’s Primary School at the Valley;
subsequently, Principal of the Vocational Centre in the Valley and finally
Principal of the Primary and Secondary wings of the
Bregado Flax Educational Centre until his retirement in 1999. Since then,
he taught at the HLS Community College.
His parents were staunch Methodists and he followed in their footsteps.
He was a pillar of support to the North Sound Methodist
congregation and served the church in various capacities. Of particular
mention were his efforts with the Boys’ Brigade and the church
school.
In paying tribute to the late Winston A. Rhymer, Chief Minister the Honourable
Ralph O’Neal conveyed condolences on behalf of the
Governor and his wife. He recalled knowing Mr. Rymer since 1952 and said
he even taught him for a period of time.
Mr. O’Neal thanked God for the life of the deceased and the service
he rendered and commended his soul to God.
Dr. Charles Wheatley, President of the HLS Community College, met Mr.
Rhymer in 1958. “The warm relationship between us quickly developed
on three levels, the school where we worked together, the Methodist Church
which has a strong influence on the North Sound Community and the third
was in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Rhymer.”
According to Dr. Wheatley, Mr. Rhymer had a mission that he has fulfilled.
He said he has enriched the community, he was a dedicated father and husband,
community leader, a man dedicated to the Christian ideals with strong
faith in God, a citizen who loved his country and died on the
educational battle field. Mr. Rhymer was a Lion, who joined in 1975 and
became the first Secretary of the Virgin Gorda Lions Club. He served the
club as a member, director, secretary, tail twister, membership director,
president and the highest office he held was that of Zone Chairman.
“We have had fond memories with Lion Winston at meetings. He had
a very good sense of humour,” said Lion Sonia Joseph, current President.
“The club has lost one of its hardworking members, however we do
hope that his soul would rest in peace.” At the time of his death,
Lion Winston was organizing the Mother’s Day luncheon for mothers
on Virgin Gorda. The luncheon was dedicated to his honour.
The officiating Ministers at the service were the Reverends Brian Seymour
and Bonny Byron. Interment was at the public cemetery in North South.
The publishers, management and staff of The Island Sun extend their deepest
condolences to the bereaved family.
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