The sudden passing of long-time businessman, Mr. Arthur Elvin Richardson, 78, of The Valley, on June 3, engendered sentiments of much sadness and regret throughout the Anguillian community.
Popularly known by his first name, Arthur was found dead upstairs the Ultra-Cool Building. It is understood that an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of his passing.
He was a gentleman of an endearing personality, characterised by such qualities as humility, philanthropy, ready humour and laughter – and was generally held in high esteem by all and sundry.
Arthur has made outstanding contributions to Anguilla throughout his life. He was the island’s first and only radio electronics technician in his early life. He taught woodcraft at The Valley Secondary School for a number of years. He was particularly skilled in the carpentry trade, having both an innate ability to do the work and having been trained in that field at the University of Puerto Rico.
It was both his love for woodwork, and his desire to enter the manufacturing industry, that led Arthur to set up his long-running enterprise, Richardson’s Furniture Establishment, which attracted a growing market particularly at home. He was a multifaceted businessman having also embarked on such other successful ventures as real estate development – in terms of apartments and tourism accommodation – as well as a car rental service. In earlier years he ran a restaurant service at the Ultra-Cool Building.
Arthur, a staunch Methodist, was honoured by the Anguilla Government in February 2013 when the road south of his Ultra-Cool Building was named in his honour.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Bronte Richardson; five sons – Cheddie, Arte, Baee, Corwyn and Euston; three brothers, Ira and Albertus, who worked closely with him, and Atlee; and two sisters: Flossetta Harrigan and Ivy Hull.
The Anguillian offers its condolences to them and other relatives and friends.
