Father Fahie
Known for his humility and simplicity of life, there was not much of a flurry over the Service of Thanksgiving and
Interment of the Reverend Father Richard Whittington Fahie, MBE, at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral on Friday, August 16, 2019.
Except for lying in the grey-coloured casket and in his beautiful priestly robe, at the altar of the church, rather than lower down in the sanctuary, and surrounded by local and visiting Priests from the neighbouring islands and Lay Readers from Anguilla, there were no other special features for the departure and celebration of an Anguillian Priest who had served his island, people and Diocese with distinction.
Rev. Fahie was born on January 22, 1925 and died on July 19, 2019. He was bidden farewell by a large number of mourners from the rank and file of the community including fellow Priests in the Diocese of the North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba.
In his ninety-four years, Rev. Fahie, who had his humble beginnings at North Side, before moving to The Forest, on the south coast of Anguilla, where he established his family home, had some notable accomplishments in his professional, religious and social life, as his son, Dr. Wycliffe Fahie, narrated in the loaded eulogy.
He was a Teacher, Lighthouse Keeper on Sombrero, Head of the Public Works Department, a Deacon, graduate of Codrington Theological College, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology from Somerset University at the age of 60.
He was appointed a Member of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth; the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen Certificate by the Government of Anguilla; honoured for his contribution to the cultural and social development of Anguilla by Native Sons Production and Culturally Yours; and recognised by St. Mary’s Parish for his work for God and his Church- among other accomplishments and recognitions. Yet, with all that, and more, he remained steeped in humility until his passing, and a man of the common people who, in turn, admired and loved him.
His son, Wycliffe, summed up the depth of the sentiments of his six siblings with these parting words: “Daddy’s greatest attributes were his love for God, common people and their spiritual, physical and social well-being, and his ability to interact with any and everybody. God, we are sure, is pleased and will award him by inserting his name in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”
He added: “Daddy was prepared for death. He had reconciled everything with his Father. We thank God for the life of our beloved Father. We loved him.
“The Strife is O’er, The Battle done; Now is the Victor’s Triumph won; O Let the Song of Praise be sung; ALLELUIA.
“May his soul rest in perpetual peace.”
The Sermon was delivered by the Rt. Rev. Errol Brooks whom Rev. Fahie admired from a young man – and had not only seen him become an Anglican Priest, but Bishop of the Diocese of the North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba. The Bishop praised Rev. Fahie for his distinguished career in the Church.
In his concluding words, the Bishop said: “Like St. Paul, Richard had a keen faith in his God and Saviour Jesus Christ – pressing towards the mark, pressing towards the goal. Not giving up in the face of adversity. Out of such persistence, purposeful lives are made. Through his life and witness Richard has shown that we, too, must never give up. If there is anything he would say to his family, and all of us, at this time, it is this: ‘Do not grieve as though you are without hope. Instead, press on, press on.”
Reverend Fahie’s remains were interred in the same vault of his wife, Mrs. Irene Beatrice Fahie, who died on December 23, 2013. The words inscribed over her are: “Safe in the Arms of Jesus.” Over him reads: “Well Done good and faithful servant.”
