St. Augustine’s Anglican Church East End, Anguilla Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 at 10:00am OFFICIATING: The Right Reverend L. Errol Brooks The Reverend Father Raliville Christian ORGANIST: Devaunie Richardson • INTERMENT: Sandy Hill Cemetery
Order Of Service Family Tributes National Choir Leader of the Opposition……………
Honourable Palmovan Webster
Eulogy …………….........................……
Barbara Webster - Bourne
Premiere of Anguilla …………………
Honourable Victor Banks
National Anthem and Song Reception of Body Scriptural Sentences Hymn………………………………..…
Through All The Changing Scenes of Life
Collect Old Testament Reading………………
Isaiah 25: 6-9
Psalm 23……………………………..…
The Lord’s My Shepherd (Crimmond)
The Epistle ……………………......……
1 Thessalonians 4: 13-8
Hymn……………………………………
And Can It Be
Gospel……………………………..….…
John 11: 21-27
SERMON The Apostles’ Creed The Prayers Hymn……………………………………
It Is Well With My Soul
Eucharistic Prayer Communion Hymn ……….…………
I Am The Bread Of Life
Post Communion Prayer Hymn…………………………...………
Glory For Me
The Commendation Hymn…………………………...………
To God Be The Glory
A SNAP SHOT INTO THE LIFE OF HOPE WALLACE WEBSTER Time slips by in a hurry…, and the seasons of our lives evolve; each with its own unique rhythm, bringing a new experience, amidst the ordinary moments, that God wants to make extraordinary…; quickly changing and transforming our existence, while etching a multitude of memories in our hearts. The blossoming of the Spring had long passed, and a new season gave bloom on December 10th, 1934 to Hope Wallace Webster, the seventh son and eleventh child of the late Amalia and Elijah Webster. Hopie, as he was affectionately called, grew up, worked and lived in the Community of Island Harbour. His eagerness to earn a better way of life, led him to the ocean as a sailor and cook aboard the MV Lady Linda and then later on the MV Excelsior, where he worked for several years. He then ventured into getting his own boat and started a career in fishing with the help of his brothers. He developed such a passion for the ocean, that he tried his hand at several methods of fishing which included deep sea fishing, sport, rod and net fishing; indeed, he was a versatile man of the sea, an extraordinary fisherman. Hope was a phenomenal father; very loyal and dedicated, not only to his biological children, but also to many others. He had an unwavering commitment to his family which was perhaps, one of his greatest attributes. He had a deep and unflagging respect for his wife Ursula, whom he affectionately called Silla and trusted her decision-making, as if it was the law, especially when it came to decisions of their children. Hope, like many other Anguillians, was a proud and dedicated patriot, endowed with a noble sense of humility and an unwavering devotion to his country. He selflessly served on the frontlines, standing guard many sleepless nights in the bushes and on the beaches with fellow citizens in the 1967 Anguilla Revolution. Perhaps the most unique role he played was to destroy the evidence of the stolen boat that brought back the Anguillians who made the famous voyage to St. Kitts on the MV Rambler. On May 30th, 2003 the Badge of Honor and the Queen’s Certificate were bestowed upon him for the role he played in the Revolution and today, we are grateful to witness this official funeral offered in his honor. Today, a generation has quietly ended; one of the brightest lights in our family has been dimmed, an inspiring life we loved is stilled and life will never be the same. We find solace in the words of the Psalmist, “Precious in the eyes of our God is the death of his faithful one”. We pray God would grant you his eternal peace. With brave wings, go rest high….
Hymns
AND CAN IT BE
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
And can it be that I should gain,
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well; it is well, with my soul
an interest in the Saviour’s blood? Died he for me, who caused his pain? For me, who him to death pursued? Amazing love! how can it be,
THROUGH ALL THE CHANGING SCENES OF LIFE
that thou, my God shouldst die for me!
Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ.
Who can explore his strange design?
‘Tis mystery all! The Immortal dies: In vain the first-born seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine. ‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more.
O magnify the Lord with me, With me exalt his name; When in distress to him I called, He to my rescue came The hosts of God encamp around The dwellings of the just; Deliverance he affords to all Who on his succor trust O make but trial of his love: Experience will decide how blest are they, and only they, who in his truth confide.
He left his Father’s throne above so free, so infinite his grace emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adams helpless race. ‘ Tis mercy all, immense and free; for, O my God, it found out me! Long my imprisoned spirit lay fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free. I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
Fear him, ye saints, and you will then Have nothing else to fear; Make you his service your delight, Your wants shall be his care, To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, The God whom we adore, Be glory, as it was, is now, And shall be evermore.
I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE I am the bread of life; They who come to me shall not hunger They who believe in me shall not thirst. No one can come to me, unless the Father draw them Chrous And I will raise them up,
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine! Alive in him, my liv ing Head, and clothed in righteousness divine. Bold I approach the eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
And I will raise them up, And I will raise them up on the last day. The bread that I will give Is my flesh for the life of the world And they who eat of this bread, They shall live forever. Unless you eat of the flesh, Of the Son of Man, and drink of his blood, You shall have life within you
Chorus: It is well, with my soul, It is well; it is well, with my soul Tho Satan should buffet, tho trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious tho’t My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more: Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul! And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.
You shall have life within you I am the resurrection, I am the life, they who believe in me, even if they die, they shall live foe ever. Yes, Lord we believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who has come into the world.
O THAT WILL BE GLORY
TO GOD BE THE GLORY
When all my labours and trials are o’er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore, Will thru the ages be glory for me
To God be the glory! Great things he hath done; so loved He the world that He gave us His Son; who yielded His life an atonement for sin, and opened the life gate that all may go in.
Chorus: O that will be, glory for me, Glory for me, Glory for me, When by His grace I shall look on His face, That will be glory, be glory for me. When by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in Heaven a place, Just to be there and to look on His face Will thru the ages be glory for me, Friends will be there I have loved long ago, Joy like a river around me will flow; Yet just a smile from my Saviour I know, Will thru the ages be glory for me.
Chorus: Praise the Lord, praise the Lord! Let the Earth hear His voice; praise the Lord, praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice: O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son and give him the glory; great things he hath done! O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood! To every believer the promise of God; the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives. Great things He hath taught us, Great things He hath done, and great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; but purer, and higher, and greater will be our wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see.
Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 25: 6-9 6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. 7 And he will swallow up son this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, uthe veil that is spread over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. 9 It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”
The Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do hwho have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you kby a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
PSALM 23 (Crimmond)
The Lord’s my Shepherd I’ll not want, He makes me down to lie In pasture green, He leadeth me The quiet waters by. My soul He doth restored again And me to walk doth make Within the paths of righteousness E’en for His own name’s sake. Yea though I walk in death’s dark vale Yet will I fear no ill, For Thou art with me and Thy rod And staff me comfort still. My table Thou hast furnished In presence of my foes My head Thou dost with oil anoint, And my cup overflows. Goodness and mercy all my life Shall surely follow me And in God’s house forever more My dwelling place shall be. Amen
THE APOSTLE’S CREED: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again. He ascended into Heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
THE PRAYERS LEADER: For our brother Hope Wallace, let us pray to the Lord Christ who said, “I am Resurrection and I am Life.” LEADER: Lord, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress: Draw near to us who mourn for Hope Wallace, and dry the tears of those who weep. ALL: Hear us, Lord. LEADER: You wept at the grave of Lazarus, your friend, comfort us in our sorrow. ALL: Hear us, Lord. LEADER: You raised the dead to life: Raise our brother to eternal life. ALL: Hear us, Lord. LEADER: You promised paradise to the thief who repented: Bring our brother to the hoys of Heaven. ALL: Hear us, Lord.
Post Communion Prayer: Almighty God, we thank you that in your great love you have fed us with the spiritual food and drink of the Body and Blood of your son Jesus Christ, and have given us a foretaste of your heavenly banquet. Grant that this Sacrament may be to us a comfort in affliction, and a pledge of our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but the fullness of joy with all your saints, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
LEADER: Our brother was washed in Baptism and anointed with the Holy Spirit: Give him fellowship with all your saints. ALL: Hear us, Lord. LEADER: He was nourished with your Body and Blood: Grant him a place at the table in your heavenly kingdom. ALL: Hear us, Lord. LEADER: Comfort us in our sorrows at the death of our brother. Let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope.
WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing his mercy and his grace, In the mansions bright and blessed, He’ll prepare for us a place. Chorus: When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be, When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory. While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will over spread the sky; But when trav-‘ling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day Just one glimpse of him in glory, Will the toils of life repay Onward to the prize before us! Soon his beauty we’ll behold; Soon the pearly gates will open We shall tread the streets of gold.
I’LL FLY AWAY Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away. Chorus: I’ll fly away O glory, I’ll fly away, When I die, hallelujah by and by, I’ll fly away.
Grave Side Hymns I STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE Of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean. How marvelous! how wonderful! and my song shall ever be: How marvelous! how wonderful! is my Saviour’s love for me! For me it was in the garden He prayed- ‘Not My will, but Thine’; He had no tears for His own griefs, but swear drops of blood for mine. How marvelous . . . In pity angels beheld Him, and came from the world of light, to comfort Him in the sorrows He bore for my soul that night. How marvelous . . . He took my sin and my sorrows, He made them His very own; He bore the burden to Calvary, and suffered, and died alone How marvelous . . . When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see, ‘twill be my joy through the ages to sing of His love for me. How marvelous . . .
PRAISE TO THE HOLIEST IN THE HEIGHT
When the shadows of this life have gone, I’ll fly away; Like a bird from prison bars has flown I’ll fly away.
And in the depth be praise; In all His words most wonderful; Most sure in all His ways.
Just a few more weary days and the, I’ll fly away, To a land where joys shall never end I’ll fly away.
O loving wisdom of our God! When all was sin and shame, A second Adam to the fight, And to the rescue came.
Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away; To a land where joys shall never end, I’ll fly away.
O wisest love! That flesh and blood which did in Adam fail, Should strive afresh against the foe, Should strive and should prevail.
I SERVE A RISEN SAVIOUR, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, Whatever man may say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer; and just the time I need Him, He’s always near. He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart. In all the world around me I see His loving care, and though my heart grows weary I never will despair; I know that He is leading, through all the stormy blast, the day of His appearing will come at last. He lives. . . Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The hope of all who seek Him, The help of all who find, none other is so loving, so good and kind. He lives. . . O generous love! That He, who smote In man for man the for, The double agony in man For man should undergo. And in the garden secretly, And on the cross on high, Should teach His brethren, and inspire To suffer and to die. Praise to the Holiest in the height And in the depth be praise: In all His words most wonderful; Most sure in all His ways.
Tributes
Dearest Papa,
At the age of 50 years, I am still your ‘little girl’ and I love it. The bond we share is unbreakable, even in death, because the memories of you are forever etched on the depths of my heart. I cannot count the many reasons why I love you. I feel so honored and blessed to have you as my father and I am extremely grateful for the role you played in enhancing my life. Today, I celebrate you: a magnificent gentleman, a loving husband, a devoted father, a heroic patriot and a true friend, and I just want to say thank you, yet again. Firstly, I wish to thank you for lovingly taking care of my mother over the years. You were such a decent, caring gentleman, though overprotective at times, but your heart was in the right place. Thank you for taking care of our family. You worked extremely hard to provide for us. Thank you for never missing an opportunity to celebrate, even when we remembered the occasion when it was almost over. Thank you for the power of your humor. Those light-hearted moments, filled with laughter from the jokes you told, will be forever engraved on my memory. Thank you for also providing the opportunity for your children to have an education; always stressing how important it was to you for us to get the education that you missed out on, so that we could be independent. Thank you for the lessons in real grassroots politics and for even convincing me to vote for your candidate; which has taught me to give consideration to all views before making a decision. I am grateful to have been your Barber for the last few years, even though I would most times ruin your mustache; but you never complained; you would just sing to the tip of your voice and we would laugh about it… This caused our relationship to expand and take on a new outlook. We became best buddies; heart-locked and inseparable. You were such a cheerful singing partner, and oh, how we enjoyed those beautiful songs we sung, bursting into laughter when we sang off key. Thank you for allowing me to be that person, who, when no one else could get you to say a single word, you would respond to me. That made me feel special. I want to thank you for your wise counsel on forgiveness and specifically, practicing what you preached. You showed what it truly means to forgive and forget; how never to hold a grudge, or like you would say, “ Don’t hold on to malice…, say what you have to say and move on…” You displayed this sentiment to the T. Many would recall how you would just have a heated exchange and in a moment later, it was as if it never happened. I am indebted to you for this quality. Papa, I thank you for everything from the bottom of my heart. You were such an extraordinary person and a one-ina-million, phenomenal father. May God keep you as you rest in perfect peace and may He sustain my mother and the family. With love and cherished memories, Your daughter Gweneth
Another leaf has fallen from our family tree, and althou-
gh you may be absent from the body, I know that you are present in the spirit; guiding me, protecting me and doing what you did best, filling me with laughter, joy and cheer. You had a very unique way of preparing us for this world. From roping me in to your mischievous pranks on Mamam, to mischievously making mock of her when she raised her voice at us, while dancing and prancing to the sound of her scolding. Even through all the commotion, you would turn to me and remind me that life was too short to be miserable and reminded, that I must make the absolute best of every moment. You were just as quick to forgive, as you were to anger, which made you special. You would just finish tongue-lashing me for the world to hear, but that didn’t stop you from losing me in an enormous hug, in a mere split second after. You always took pride in reminiscing, telling us of how hard you’ve worked to achieve all of your wonderful accomplishments, while urging me to continuously push the limits, and work diligently on every task I encountered. It seems like just yesterday, that you were cracking your countless jokes, one after the other, without giving me time to catch my breath. Besides the frolic and the laughter, you never allowed any of us to forget the importance of keeping God at the center of our lives. You taught me how to pray and to have faith in God, even when things didn’t go as planned. Papa, you had a heart bigger than the ocean and you made my world a little softer, a little kinder, a lot warmer and beautiful. You were the epitome of God’s love and mercy. Although you always encouraged me to take my education seriously, the hardest part of leaving the island to attend University was always leaving you, not knowing if I would come back and meet you alive. Time after time, as I saw the seasons of your life change, I felt like just returning home for a while to be with you; especially when mommy would call to say, you asked for me and remind me that you miss me. I knew exactly what that meant…, your way of telling me to push on and not to sell myself short. You were my constant source of joy, serenity and encouragement and it is hard for me to see you go. I am comforted in knowing that just like a fallen leaf to a tree in the realm of nature plays an important role in nourishing the Earth, your wise words of advice will continue to provide me with nourishment. Words are not enough to tell how thankful I am. Rest up Papa, until we meet again. With gratitude, Coco
on his arm I discovered the wonders of the world;
At his firm shoulder I rested, experiencing life’s beauty and consuming all his jubilant jokes…. The sound of laughter filling all spaces; a smiling face that abolishes all threats of danger; He had a light-hearted soul, which I admired and loved dearly Now I can only lie watching the clouds and birds circle Knowing the slow pulse of his good heart is forever at peace. Love Carlia
On this very, very sad occasion, I pause to pay tribute to a
phenomenal father; to recall our treasured moments and life’s memories and to say thank you yet again, for all that you have been. Certainly, you were a great gentleman; one who got it right! My Dear Papa, The seasons of your life have bloomed in full and your inspiring journey has now come to an end. I feel honored, fortunate and grateful to have been a part of that journey and I thank you with every fibre of my being, for being the wonderful, caring father and friend you were to us. You possessed a kind heart, a fierce mind and indeed a brave spirit and I admired and appreciated your view of life. Surely you are a classic model for a life well-lived; finding every reason to make merry and no triumph being too small to celebrate in a big way. In the same vein, you stood your ground when you had to, even if it took a few of Grandpa-Dyah’s choice words to make your point. I will never forget the day you told me that there were no bad words, and asked me if I knew the definition of a bad word. You said bad-words are words you cannot spell. You never ceased to amaze me and I admired so much, the depth in which you thought things through. You were the one who gave me one of my most treasured gifts; the gift of music. I vividly remember the day you and my mother took me to the music store and you allowed me to choose the guitar I wanted. At that time, I could only hold Chord C and yet, you were my biggest fan, celebrating me, even though I played and sang the entire hymn strumming only Chord C. That was also the day you said, “when you play, you must hold your head high.” I thought you were envisioning me playing at a concert, and I asked why? You coyly answered me, “If you hang your head, it must only be to admire your shoes and nothing else.” You were so smart and special! Summing up your life, I keep coming back to one thought. Never will you meet a man who more faithfully lived his values. Papa you worked hard to give us a good life and you displayed such a deep admiration and great respect for my mother; so-much-so, that I have to say, if more men took a page from your book, the world would be a better place. Speaking of my mother, Mamam, it is only fitting that I pay tribute to you as well, for indeed, you are such a special, wonderful lady. You are the strongest, most-genuine person I have ever known and my father made an excellent choice. Mamam, you stood by my father through thick and thin, and have been there through all the changing situations of his life. You never once complained, whether his situation meant that you had to go overseas for months for his medical attention or a million trips per day to the doctor’s office or to the hospital with him… you willingly stood ready at his side every step of the way, regardless of what it was. You represent the epitome of loyalty and I can only imagine, that the grief that we are feeling, can, by no means be compared to what you are experiencing. You are such a devoted wife and loving mother, and have been a super pillar of strength, for my father and the family. Words are not enough to say how I feel; but I am always grateful and just want to say thank you, Mamam, for everything; We all know you have done your best and may God comfort you and continue to strengthen you on your journey. I will forever miss my father, one of the brightest candles in our lives and I know that you will too. Papa, rest in peace - at last free from pain. With brave wings, go rest high.... With love and gratitude, Barbara
Papa, I am deeply saddened by your passing and my candle burns low, as I am engulfed with the profound memories we once shared. No more will I see you smile, when I kissed your hand repeatedly; our new way of communicating when your words became less. I felt those little kisses on my hand, the night before you passed. You were probably saying goodbye, I am indeed thankful and will be forever grateful to God because I was blessed to have you as my father because you were a wonderful one. While you were impulsive when you were frustrated, in a heartbeat you were forgiving, and never held resentment… that was special. I got that from you. Papa you never called me by my name, you called me” Eve”, short for Yvonne and I always knew when I was in trouble, because then, you would never say “Eve”. You would sternly say Yvonne. Papa, your passing has taken a chunk out of me that can never be replaced and although my heart is broken, I have found peace in knowing your suffering is no more, and solace in the words “to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord”. Papa, you will be greatly missed, but will live forever in my heart. Yvonne… but as you would say “Eve”.
Papa you weren’t just a grandfather to me; you were a father, an inspiration, a role model, and a fine example of a man to his word. You were my strength; You provided so much; but the happiness that you brought with your humorous jokes far surpassed all things. Everyone enjoyed your touch of humor, that emitted immense joy. Despite your frolic, you had a deep faith and commitment to God, which was inspiring and comforting. I will forever cherish the memories of us walking to church together, early on Sunday mornings, chatting along the way. You told me to give thanks and praise to God always, and to always respect my elders…and I try. Even going to Church, you made it great fun for me. I remember you would say, “yuh want a race? Come let’s go;” then you would set off, speed-walking as fast as lightning, and my poor tiny legs couldn’t keep pace with you, unless I was running. Papa I just have to mention, you were such a handsome man, and your smile was certainly one of the greatest. Papa, your very name, (Hope) must have been given to you, because you were so very special. I can only imagine what Granny May must have been thinking when she named you, because I didn’t have the opportunity to know her, but you truly represented your name and gave us hope; a gratifying hope that made me feel invincible; the hope to believe that I could do all things; hope to believe that I could be whatever I want to be and hope that fills me with a deep sense of pride, direction and humility. The countless times spent with you are simply unforgettable and as I continue my journey through life, I will carry the flames of your love, fully ignited in my heart forever. I love you dearly and you will be greatly missed. Jayvon
Papa, you have been a great teacher and role model to me;
You have shown me how a real man should live his life, working and taking care of his family. I have quietly watched and absorbed how well you cared for our family. You never let my mother down and for that I am extremely thankful. I can truly say, you were a man to your word. You were bold, brave, fearless, sort of like a dare-devil, not afraid to face any situation regardless of the consequences. You were also very strong; both in mind and in stature. I admired that you respected us as your children and we respected you and my mother. You raised us well and I am forever grateful. I salute you Sir! Your only Son, Junior & Family
Papa, we’ve shared many enjoyable times together.
You took good care of your household and I am thankful to have shared your world. You were a special man with special qualities. You fiercely loved your family and was always proud of our accomplishments. You were such a jovial person, always ready to tell one of your good jokes that would crack us all up. I shall long remember your good old four-liners… Perhaps, this is the only one I can write here: “Love and war are two strange compares, War sheds blood and love sheds tears War use swords and love use darts War break heads but love break hearts.” I can only imagine what you will tell St. Peter over there. Thank you Papa for being there for me. You will always hold an honored place in our family and remain in our hearts and memory always. Forever grateful, Keiron.
When I entered your home the first day Gweneth brought
me to the house, you asked your wife Ursula, “who that fella Netty bring here”? Now, twenty plus years later, we have shared so many good times it’s hard to put a finger on one particular thing; playing dominoes, raising our glasses at Christmas and on special occasions, dancing for del mar, exchanging jokes and ‘getting tone drunk’. Today, I have lost not only my children’s grandfather and my wife’s first love, I have lost one of my closest and dearest buddies. I have lost a man I have grown to love and respect as if he was my own flesh and blood. Hope, we will miss you forever and I thank you for everything you’ve done especially for setting such a high standard of love for your wife and children, a path I have been honoured to follow. Rest up, sir. Love, Colin “Culture” Johnson
Before I met Papa, I was told that he was hard as nails, that
All that have life have a beginning and an end. Nature is permanent in this world and the world is now a much poorer place without my father, Hope. The record of a generous life runs like a vine around the memory of my deceased, beloved father and every sweet, unselfish act is now a perfumed flower. Today, a generation has quietly ended; one of the brightest lights in our family has been dimmed; a life we loved is stilled; a vibrant voice of joy is silenced and life will never be the same; but love remains. We thank you Papa for your part in our journey and pray that the God we know grants you eternal peace With love always, Sue
he would put me through the wringer and I was even asked if I was sure. By I did meet him and and I found a man who was friendly and who put me totally at ease. There was a welcoming acceptance. The more I got to know Papa, the more I found and admired his competitive and jovial nature. Walk anywhere with him and before long he would be speeding up and you would have to engage another gear in order to keep up with him. Everyone knows about his pastime dominoes and his driving was also interesting. Maybe into another place and time he would have been a Formula One driver. While he was a serious man, he was always ready to give a joke and would be in his element at Christmas and any family celebrations, for it was then that he would bring out his jokes and toasts. Who could forget his “Black Mahogany”, “Hail To The Girl” or “War And Love”, to name a few of the many he gave. I leave it there. I also remember him saying “if you are a good boy, I will give you that for Christmas”. Papa was a family man in the true sense of the word and he took enormous pride in the achievements of his children and grandchildren, always encouraging them to be the very best they could be. The saying “ once a man, twice a Child” often visits and in Papa’s second childhood, it was sad to see such an oak tree withering but he never complained or cried and took whatever was his fate. He was down but not out as even then his competitive nature kicked in and he continued to present that vice-like grip. Papa, Warrior, your work on this earth is completed and now you are at eternal rest. Rest well, Papa. William Bourne
Uncle Hope,
Radiant, effulgent, exuberant.
The depth of my soul is tapped...Death is as natural as life.
You were my last uncle of my mother’s siblings and I loved you very much. It is indeed very hard to see you go and I will miss you dearly. We’ve had so many good times together that I will treasure for as long as I live. It was such a pleasure to visit you and Silla all the time. I have always said, you were so lucky to have her. She took good care of you until the very end. I am so blessed to have been able to be so close to you and I am thankful to God for blessing me with such a loving uncle. Rest on dear Uncle and take your rest; you are now with Him, who loves you best. With love and cherished memories, Dorcilla (Dos).
Your spirit continuously filtered all sorrows. You have left a void in the family that can never be filled. The family gatherings could never be as jubilant, and toasts could never be so sweet. Legacy of a sagacious generation well portrayed throughout his hubristic traits. His understanding extends beyond measure using love to conquer hate. A skilled craftsman with working knowledge of resources. My mind over flows with memories, my heart now at peace with the factors. One of the old, yet best loved stories that will never go untold. Rest In Peace Hopey, Love Bumpee
What can I say about you uncle that your children and your family have not said. you were such a needed being in my life when i was growing up, you filled so many empty spaces. you were a father to many who didnt have one myself included, you were a teacher and a friend. you taught me to fight and defend myself. Ric Flair and The Four Horsemen ,Mike Tyson and Holyfield, I knew all the moves. tanty ursula would say “hope you gonna kill that child, stop your sh#t” and you would say ,”he tuff like shoe leather he will be a boxer,” i learnt later in my adult life that you really wanted me to become a boxer for real. you always ask me about me about my girls and how things were going . I would wait until tanty would leave the room and I would ask for your opinion on any situation that would have been going on at that moment and they were always somthing happening, you would always tell me to love the girls and they will love you back and everything will be fine, you were funny to the point that I learned some of your jokes and used them as mine. You have done so much for so many. You, my uncle, are an inspiration and I am eternally grateful for the time we have shared and the knowledge and guidance you gave me. You did your part. your legacy is in tact. i love you and ill miss you Timi
Who is Uncle Hope? He is a husband, father, uncle, patriot,
fisherman, entrepreneur, comedian, teacher, mentor and friend. He is my father’s brother. His life touched that of many, from the lowliest soul from Island Harbour to West End to the highest in the Land. And he treated all the same with love and respect-- and not afraid to chastise when deserved. He was as true to purpose as the needle of the compass is to the Pole, and when he committed to a task, he got it done no matter what it took. When Anguilla called on him during the Revolution, he responded without a second thought about his safety or his possessions. A true patriot, he was the epitome of perseverance and resilience. He commanded the sea, Little and Big Scrub where he fished, the roads that he drove, the shores that he walked, and his home, always respecting the rights of others and the laws of nature. Most of all, he loved God who gave him life and strength and knowledge. I am a better person because of my uncle. I commend his family for their loving and compassionate care of Uncle Hope, especially his wife, Ursula, who was steadfast through the good and the bad, especially during his long sickness and waning days. God has a place for you in Heaven. I miss you, Uncle Hope. May your soul rest in peace and your spirit live on in all of us. Ellis Lorenzo Webster
The fall of a truly great man Hope Webster, “Hopie” as we affectionately call him, was a true Anguillian patriot. My first encounter with Hopie was as a boy, in the late 60’s going to Island Harbour to buy fish. At that time they were three brothers fishing in the same boat. And what stood out to me about him... a little boy like me with three E.C. dollars…, it was not enough to sell me fish, he’d always give me a bag of fish. Talking about fishing, he must rank as one of the all-time greats of the Fishing Industry. He was bold, brave, fearless and full of compassion. He did it not only for the money but he did it for fun and for people as well. He fished because there were people in East End who needed fish and it was in our area, where he sold most of his fish. In the early years, whether our parents had money or not Hopie never passed up an opportunity to provide them with fish. And when he had too much, when it was getting dark, he gave the balance away, especially to Magene’s house. After a while, he specialized in yellow tail snappers from Little Scrub; always giving away the bonitos for free. He was also one of the early pioneers of the Lobster Industry and may have well sold more lobsters underneath the manchineel tree in Island Harbour Bay than anybody else. Hopie had his quarrels and his scares with the sea; but the sea loved him and provided him a living; he lived to tell of her goodness to him. Hopie, quiet, unassuming was one of the heavy-weights of the Anguilla Revolution. He was well respected, and because he never bragged or boasted and he was financially stable, we have to conclude that he was also one of the early financial contributors to the ‘New Anguilla;’ But as children from East End, we loved Hopie for something else. He was one of the first in the new Anguilla to own a car. In those days, when there were no paved roads, as children, we would be looking in the western sky to see the size of the cloud of white dust, and we could tell if it was Hopie. We flanked the sides of the road just to see our speeding hero pass by and oh boy, Hopie never disappointed us! During the hot dry Summer months, Hopie drove his car right across the dry mud of the East End pond, much to our delight. When he did a great stunt, the next time he met us, he would say, “you see what I did the other day, man, tha’ een all yah know…” He had the greatest sense of humor of any Anguillian. Hopie made you laugh, even if you were dying. The dust has long settled; his love affair with the sea has ceased and now that he’s silent, there will be no more jokes. We stand at attention; we drop our rifles and bow our heads. A true hero has fallen. Hopie, we will always love you; we will always miss you. To your wonderful wife and your lovely children, we want them to know, we are with them in their time of suffering. Sleep on Hopie, take your rest; we’ve been blessed to have you; Now He who loves you best, you are in His hands. Quincy Gumbs & Family
We were married when I was but 17-years old; a marriage celebration that lasted for 8-nights; that was a different day and age, when people married for love and not for fortune. You kept your vow and I kept mine. Our love blossomed for 52-years strong and I can only give God thanks for those wonderful years. You always referred to me as your honorable wife and I can truly say, you treated me honorably, with kindness and respect, for which I thank you. God gave to us a wonderful family and you provided for us. We know, life was not all a bed of roses, but we worked hard through the difficult times, to maintain our family and God blessed us to the extent, where we were able to help others. I recall the very day when you were lost at sea back on March 07th 1983; when, after 3-days without word or sight of you, I began to worry and wonder how I would carry on alone, with our children that were still so very young. Those were three of the darkest days in my life. I thought of how you would always worry about your girls, but was confident that your boy would be okay; That thought also became my
worry, while at the same time, my discovery of a renewed strength and an improved faith in God. I now realize thatthat experience came to prepare me for this moment. Throughout your lifetime, you were such a cheerful and invigorating presence, that it was easy to forget what daunting health challenges you encountered; You had given us so many scares, that I thought we would have lost you quite a while aback; but oh boy, you were a fighter! Your death is indeed a great loss to our family, but time is of God and time is a magnificent healer. In the midst of my highs and lows, I’ve realized just how great our God is. I am thankful that our paths have crossed and for our wonderful journey together. As I cling to my God for understanding in this situation that wraps my family in grief, I ask your continued prayers and support. ‌Til death do us part,
Your Wife Ursula
Preceded in death by his parents: Amalia and Elijah Webster Survived by: Ursula Webster, his wife of 52-years His Children: Gweneth, Emmanuel, Barbara, Yvonne, Susan and Deanna Special Son: Timi Webster Grandchildren: Keiron, Kylon, Kyron, Kareem, Jayvon, Colleen, Carlia, Mya, Darique and Kivaria Great Grand Child: Kaidranique Daughter-in-Law: Marvalie Webster Sons-in-Law: Colin Johnson, William Bourne Sisters-in-Law: Francis, Anita Webster & family, Roselyn Payne & family, Zelmera Webster, Euphemia Webster, Suzette, Edris, Merlene and Sheryl Sorton, Patricia Hodge Sorton, and Sonia Richardson-Sorton and their families. Brothers-in-Law: Tom, Berrin, Melvin, Earl and Irvin “Mumba” Webster & their families Naamon Webster, Raphael, Boyston, Christian, Karel and Bevis Sorton and their families. God Brothers:
Aubrey & Clive Smith & their families The Children & families of his late brothers & sisters: Bandon, Alseale, Viera, Gladstone, Anderson and Sydney Webster, Eumera Harrigan, Hyacinth and Ruth Webster.
Special family members: Iantha Crawford, Dorcilla, Kaye and Joan Smith, Kathleen & Celeste Webster, Monica Reid, Denesha and Darryl Sponsper, Shantel Bryan, Dr Ellis Lorenzo Webster, Sam Webster, Joseph Lake, Griffin and Hank Lake, Stephen & Hyra Webster & Family, Calvin Smith, Justus Connor, Cuthwin Webster, Lucretia Lake and their families… and the family of the late Ela Alexandrine Rogers. Close Cousins & Family: Carol & Hamlet Harrigan, Monroe & Carol Webster, Daphne and Martin Brooks, Morales Webster, Starry Benjamin, Terrence “Perrie” Webster, Zelma Webster, Louvan Webster, Honourable Palmovan Webster, Synric “Forgale” Webster, Wren Hunte, and their families. The families of the late: Elliot Webster, Alfred “Feddy” Webster, Edward Webster, Cynthia Maccow, and Alfred “Fred” Webster. Close friends: Leon Thomas, Frederick Rogers, Lorraine Rogers, Maude Richardson, Cleopatra Webster, Steve & Joy Goodge, Pastor Cecil and Homer Richardson, Walton Fleming, Kent Webster, Ermentrude Fleming Delprado Harrigan, Tr George Hodge, The Haskins, Allister “Burra” Rogers, Rev & Mrs. John Gumbs, Audrey Brooks, Olive Hodge, Jermaine Henry Samuel & Agrilcia Pogson, Cardigan & Clarice Hodge, Susan & Ambrose Harrigan, Nurse Margaret Augustus and their families. Crispin Gumbs, Ingrid Lake & their Prayer Warriors, the Right Reverend Leroy Errol Brooks and Mrs. Brooks, Father Raliville Christian, Rev Menes Hodge, Members of the St Andrews Anglican Church and the Communion of Anglicans, The Prayer Group of the Seventh Day Adventist Church Sandy Hill, Crispin Gumbs & the Brethren of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, The families of the late: Father of the Nation James Ronald Webster, Mr. Albert Lake, Aubrey Levons, Magene Gumbs, Hilton Fleming, Thomas “Ben-Ben” Smith; and the community of Island Harbour. He was related to the Webster, Harrigan, Sorton, Smith, Rogers, Maccow, Lake and Hodge families. Many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Acknowledgments The family of the late Hope Wallace Webster extends sincere thanks and appreciation to:
Dr. Sherlon Richardson, Dr. Clyde Bryan, Dr. Ellis Webster, Dr. E. Benas of
the Louis Constant hospital in SXM, the Nurses at the Welches Polyclinic for the kind care they administered throughout the time Hope was their patient.
Special thanks to Eldon Rey and the Staff of Reys Funeral Home, Tochie
Meyers and the Staff of Emerald Funeral Home (St. Maarten), the Government of Anguilla, the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF), Ms. Lois Hazel & the Anguilla National Choir, the RAPF Concert Band, Percy Thomas and The AXA Motor Cyclist Association, Mr. Calvin Smith, Ogese Webster, Jason Lloyd, Yawo Nyuiadzi, Valencia Fleming, Mavis & Wayne John, Ethelbert Edwards.
Sincere thanks and appreciation for all the kind support given to us in
this time of bereavement. We are greatly strengthened by your kind thoughts and consideration. Perhaps you sent a lovely card Or sat quietly in a chair Perhaps you sent a floral piece If so, we saw it there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words As any friend could say Perhaps you were not there at all Just thought of us that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, We thank you so much, whatever the part. Printing and Design by StudioNQ.com 646.363.8542