The death is announced of Mr Leon Roydon of Meads Bay. He died on Friday, May 23, at his residence at the age of ninety. His next birthday would have been in July. He is survived by his wife, Rhona Richardson Roydon, his two sons Terry and Nigel Roydon and their families;
Rhona’s children Rochell Hunte Romano and their families; Emerson Hunte and family;
Friends: Alan & Lisa Gumbs, Carolle & Courtney Devonish, George Bozoghlian, Jacques & Annie Borderon, Alain Laurent, Keithley Lake and Dr Rona Hodge, Professor Delroy Louden, Marisol Alfaro, Albert Lake, Tim Franklin, Bill & Jan Fisher Travel of New York and Joan Richardson;
His long-time caretaker “Bankie” Blondell Hughes, Gloria Willkenson, Pat Connor & Peter; and the entire Malliouhana staff including Ann Gumbs and Jasmine Reymond.
Mr. Roydon, the son of immigrants from Eastern Europe, was born in the east end of London in the twenties and grew up there through the great depression. His Father was a tailor and when the Second World War broke out the whole family was re-located to Bristol, in the West of England, where his Father made uniforms for the armed forces.
Leon Roydon went to university in Bristol to study medicine, which did not suit him and he decided, as soon as he was of age to enlist in the army, where he was involved in the D Day landings and then traveled with the army throughout Europe.
On being de-mobbed he joined his Father in the family clothing business and opened a number of retail outlets in and around Bristol. When his Father suddenly passed away he branched out and started his own house building company. From this he expanded through acquisitions into various industrial companies including Plant Hire, Automotive and Industrial Batteries, Whisky production, Cosmetics and several other products.
In 1980, whilst on holiday in St. Martin, he came on a day trip to Anguilla and fell in love with the island. He and his wife were given a tour by Stephanie Sawyer, who at the time worked with the government and they were captivated by the beautiful views and overall serenity of Anguilla and decided then and there that they wanted to build an hotel here and retire in Anguilla.
Construction of Malliouhana Hotel started that year and was completed in November 1984 when it opened its doors for the first time. The hotel won many accolades upon opening and has continued to be one of the premiere hotels in the Caribbean and Leon Roydon has continued to be involved with the management and direction of the property from that day to this.
Editor’s Note:
Mr. Roydon was a well-respected and dignified gentleman. He was generally admired and loved by all who came into close contact with him, and experienced his humility, generosity, goodwill and dedication to Anguilla, its people and the tourism development of the island.
May he rest in peace.
