Richard Wittington Fahie, MBE
“He was a good man”, one of many tribute bearers simply remarked on learning about the passing of Anguillian national, Reverend Father Richard Wittington Fahie, MBE. But, in that simplicity of reflection and acknowledgement, lays the sum total of the remarkable gentleman that Reverend Fahie was.
His passing on Friday night, July 19, 2019, at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, following a full and exemplary life, at the age of 94, was greeted with much sadness at home and abroad. Social media, in particular, was replete with messages of condolences to his close-knit family for a departed citizen who served his island nation with pride and dignity – and has left us with a legacy of patriotism, Christian living and leadership.
His deep baritone voice, now silent, but reflected in his son, Dr. Wycliffe Fahie, bids us to carry on from where he left off. His was a legacy of humility, resilience and building a set of virtues and positive ways of living that will stand the test of time as we continue to build a new Anguilla. Indeed, his long life fortuitously spanned both the old and new Anguilla – and gave him an opportunity to set goals and values for our present generation and to lead by example.
Father Fahie, of blessed memory, was known for his strong and supportive views on many positive issues of national interest and development – a disciplinarian and a man of love, forbearance and peace.
He grew up in a hard and neglected Anguilla but was able to eke out a modest life for himself and later for his family. Perhaps one of his most memorable times of employment was when he dared to serve as a Keeper of the Sombrero Lighthouse, some miles from mainland Anguilla. He saw, endured and braved the angry sea crashing over the bare rock and living quarters, on the offshore quay, and survived to tell many stories that only he and others who experienced it can relate.
Off Sombrero, he eventually became Head of the Public Works Department of the Anguilla Public Service and made his contribution, as far as possible, and as funds would permit, to its development and the growth of the island’s infrastructure. His work in the public service did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the MBE, Member of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second – one of the first Anguillians so recognised and while in the service of his island home.
When he retired from the public service he had already prepared himself for his next step in life. He became the first known Anguillian to join the Supplementary Ministry of the Anglican Church. He attended two years of training at Codrington Theological College in Barbados. On completion of his studies he was posted to Antigua & Barbuda where he served as a Priest in the districts of St. Lucy and Potters.
He was later transferred to his native land Anguilla where he served as an Assistant Priest at St. Mary’s along with St. Augustine’s and St. Andrew’s. With his advancing age, he eventually retired from the Ministry but kept in close contact with activities of the Church. He was a keen admirer of St. Augustine’s Chorale and attended its performances when he was in a position to do so.
Apart from other community activities, he often sat in the section reserved for senior citizens during the Welches Fest, and at times delivered the opening prayer, his booming voice echoing across the area.
Reverend Father Richard Whittington Fahie, MBE, will be sorely missed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Fahie, in December 2013 and their eldest son, Crispen, in September 2004. He is survived by the rest of his children: Bernice, Ronetta, Marcel, Carmen, Wycliffe, Pamela and Sandra and other relatives to whom The Anguillian offers heartfelt condolences.
