Three volleys of gunfire by a contingent of the Royal Anguilla Police Force was the final and parting salute accorded to the late Mr Vivien Arthwin Vanterpool, B. PHIL, DAES, DES, as he was being laid to rest at the Sandy Hill Cemetery on Thursday, July 3, 2014.
The former top Educator, who served separately as Principal of four Primary Schools in Anguilla for a number of years, died on June 22 at the age of 82. He was accorded a National Funeral by the Government of Anguilla in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Education and Social Development.
Mr Vanterpool was honoured posthumously by the Government on the day of the funeral and the celebration of his life at St Augustine’s Anglican Church. Following the closing of the casket, his widow, Mrs Marjorie Vanterpool, was presented with the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate by Mr Evan Gumbs, who was then Acting Chief Minister. He praised Mr Vanterpool for his dedicated life of service, outlined the official arrangements for the funeral, and offered the condolences of the Government and people of Anguilla to his family.
A period of tributes preceded the funeral service during which one of the speakers was Curriculum Officer (Science) Mr Winston Duncan. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry and Department of Education, he described Mr Vanterpool as having been a great teacher who assisted a number of persons in developing themselves into the greatest human beings they possibly could.
“He was an inspiration to everyone he taught and was a catalyst for the success that many of his students achieved,” Mr Duncan continued. “Most importantly, Mr Vanterpool was a great educator for he knew exactly who he was, and constantly portrayed that to anyone he met. He was a professional grounded in integrity, commitment and respect.
“Unfortunately, great educators do not always get the credit they deserve, and the reinforcement that tells them they are doing a tremendous job. But, here today, on behalf of everyone whose lives have been touched by Mr Vivien Arthwin Vanterpool (Teacher Arthwin), the Ministry and Department of Education extend our heartfelt gratitude to him for his sterling contribution to the educational development of Anguilla’s people.”
Other tributes were by Attorney-at-Law, Palmovan Webster, who was mentored by Teacher Arthwin and who spoke highly about his life and work; and past students from West End and Island Harbour whom he taught and who expressed their appreciation in song.
The funeral service commenced with the eulogy by Pastor Kennedy Vanterpool, the second of the deceased’s six children. He spoke of his father as a husband, an educator, a citizen, disciplinarian, writer, an executor and a Christian. He said his father had lived a full life and, among the desires he had achieved, were the celebration of his sixtieth wedding anniversary; the completing and publishing of his autobiography; and the reading of the Bible for the tenth time.
Pastor Vanterpool also mentioned the wide relationship his father shared and enjoyed with many people across Anguilla. He thanked all persons for the condolences they extended to his family.
The funeral service was conducted by Rev Samuel Knight assisted by Rev Menes Hodge. Rev Knight, a national of Antigua, said he had been in Anguilla for just over a year, but in that short time he had come to realise that the late Mr Vanterpool was a man who lived close to God. The Minister was also aware that the deceased had been responsible for the education of probably half or more of the congregation, and had served as a mentor for others, as well, after his retirement.
“We revere him as a great teacher because he learnt his art from the greatest teacher there was – Jesus Christ…and Vivien, like the true disciple he was, opened his heart to the man Jesus who walked with him on his Christian journey,” the Anglican Priest added.
Mr Vanterpool is the fifth Anguillian to have been accorded a National Funeral. Flags were flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to his passing. His body was borne to St Augustine’s Anglican Church and to the Sandy Hill Cemetery by the Police with the participation of the Police/Community Band in a spectacular display of pomp and ceremony.
