People from all across the island turned out to pay their last respects to a loyal statesman, Mr. Hugo E. Rey, in a Service of Thanksgiving for his life that took place at the Pro Cathedral of St. Mary on the afternoon of Friday, 22nd April.
On account of the part he played in the development of the island, the Government accorded Mr. Rey a national funeral, and flags were flown at half-mast in his honour from Thursday, 21st April until the service ended late Friday.
One noteworthy characteristic of the funeral service was that the singing was well structured to the extent that all congregational songs were led by the Anguilla National Choir, under the direction of its conductor, Ms. Lois Hazell.
Following the singing of “Grace Greater Than all my Sin”, Opposition Leader, the Honourable Cora Richardson-Hodge, paid tribute to the deceased pioneer of Anguilla’s modern mortuary services. Mr. Rey, founder of Rey’s Funeral Home, was the island’s prime undertaker:
“Mr. Hugo Rey was known across the length and breadth of Anguilla,” said Mrs. Richardson-Hodge. “While many persons knew him as a funeral director, he was a member of Anguilla’s second Council even before he directed funerals. He was also a civil servant, an architect, a contractor, a community man and a family man. His business interests a lso included a garbage collection company which assisted in keeping Anguilla clean.”
She then highlighted the quality of his dedication to work and nation-building: “Mr. Rey was a visionary and the epitome of a hardworking Anguillian who was determined to not only advance himself but his beloved country as well.
“In addition, Mr. Rey’s legacy remains today, not just in the form of business, or buildings and structures that he designed and constructed, but also in the hearts and minds of Anguilla’s people…
“Anguilla mourns the passing of this great pioneer and trail blazer, who has touched so many persons in so many ways,” she reflected. “We share deepest heartfelt condolences with his family, his many friends, and all Anguillians who mourn his loss. May his soul rest in peace, and rise in glory.”
Mrs. Richardson-Hodge’s tribute was followed by an address given by the Honourable Premier, Dr. Ellis Webster, which read in part:
“The Government and people of Anguilla join in sharing condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Hugo E. Rey. Mr. Rey was not large in physical statue, but in courage, vision, and innovation, he was a giant of a man for Anguilla. As a young adult, he was one of the key advisors to his father, the late Wallace Rey, who was one of the leading figures in the Anguilla Revolution.”
Apart from the role he played in the Anguilla Revolution, the Premier described Mr. Rey as an exemplary former public servant who later established Rey’s Funeral Home which was the first of its kind in Anguilla. He noted that through the services of Rey’s Funeral Home, Mr. Rey’s influence has touched Anguillians “far and wide”.
The Premier continued: “For his contributions, the late Hugo Rey was awarded the Anguilla Badge of Honour and Queen’s Certificate during the Anguilla Day 1998 celebrations. As a mark of respect for this distinguished Anguillian, flags on Government buildings are being flown at half mast until the end of the funeral service.
“To his wife and his children, as well as the family members and friends of the late Hugo E. Rey, we pray God’s guidance and comfort during this time of bereavement. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Following the Premier’s address, the National Anthem and the National Song were played by Officers of the Royal Anguilla Police Force. Officiating Ministers, Rev. Wilmoth Hodge, Rev. Candis Niles and Rev. Vincia Celestine, gently walked the aisle pronouncing opening scriptural sentences.
Their passage preceded the slow, rhythmic procession of the glass coffin drawn along the aisle by two morticians of Rey’s Funeral Home – a female in the front and a male in the rear. Both were dressed in ceremonial black and white garb, and they were meticulously trailed by a contingent of Police Officers proceeding in a slow, meditative march. Eight of those officers then bore the transparent casket and set it upon its designated rest before the altar.
This ushered in the song “We’re Marching to Zion” and the service in earnest begun. Rev. Wilmoth Hodge prayed for strength in the hour of bereavement, especially for those who had been overcome with grief: “Assure us, oh Lord, our God, that death is not the end for those who trust in you. And may our hearts be so composed in the Holy Spirit that all fear and bitterness may be swallowed up in the light and peace that you give to your troubled children, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”
A tribute was delivered by the Zion Methodist Church, where Mr. Rey was a devout member. Words of Comfort sent to Mr. Rey’s family from the Rt. Rev. L. Errol Brooks were read by Mr. Keithly Lake. Then, following the song “To God Be the Glory”, scripture from the Book of Wisdom was read by Mrs. Evalie Bradley. This was followed by the vibrant singing of “The Lord’s My Shepherd”, led by the National Choir. Next, the Epistle, taken from Romans 8: 31–39, was read by Ms. Xaria Rouse, and the Gospel was read by Rev. Wilmoth Hodge from John 14.
The sermon, based on the Gospel of John 14, was delivered by Rev. Candis Niles. “This Gospel reading creates within us a sense of hope and peace in the face of the devastating loss of life,” she said. “For all of our lives we have been conditioned to accept the inevitability of death. Yet, each time that the enormity of death comes home to us, in the loss of a loved one, the pain and abandonment strike deep into our hearts.”
She then quickly recounts the consolation of the Lord Jesus: ‘“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.’ These words speak peace into a hopeless situation. They give us the assurance from the Lord’s undeniable logic. ‘I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go, I will come again to take you unto myself, that where I am, there you might be also.’ This promise helps us to – slowly but surely – make sense of this calamity which has been visited upon our very existence…”
Rev. Niles then captured the gist of the Lord’s assurance as a comforting peacemaker in verse 27. “‘Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you – not as the world gives. So do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid.’ These words of peace have brought solace and relief to so many broken hearts over the years…
“Today, may you find comfort in the memories of a wonderful life well lived. And may the knowledge that Bro. Rey was a man of faith, who lived his life anchored in Christ, bring you the assurance which you will need to navigate this season of bereavement.”
Rev. Vincia Celestine led the congregation in Prayers of Thanksgiving, while Rev. Candis offered the Prayer of Commendation. This was followed by the singing of “The Lord’s Prayer”. The Benediction was then said, and the hymn “Will Your Anchor Hold” was sung. Finally, for the recessional, “When We All Get to Heaven” was played by the Royal Anguilla Police Band.
The Anguillian wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased patriot, the unforgettable, indomitable Mr. Hugo Rey.
