Well known furniture maker and villa operator, Authur Richardson, a product of the traditional Anguillian family values and love, demonstrated these fine qualities when he observed his 70th birthday on Sunday, April 8.

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Richardson (seated) and close family

The quiet and unassuming gentleman was accompanied at a thanksgiving service at Ebenezer Methodist Chapel in The Valley, and at a reception at the House Chandeliers at Lower South Hill, by many family members. They came from Canada, the United States, Tortola and Anguilla to celebrate with him at a reunion he requested.

Seated with his wife, Brontie, Mr. Richardson was praised in word, song, recitation and music by his children, brothers and sisters and other relatives. His sister, Flossetta, a former teacher at the East End School, now residing in Tortola, spoke about the varied achievements of her brother and the simple and humble life he led.

The younger generation

He was the first electronics technician in Anguilla repairing radio and television sets; taught woodwork at the former Valley Secondary School where he assisted students like Vernon Fleming to achieve grade one passes; the first Anguillian to establish a furniture-making establishment and to have made the first serious attempt at introducing a leading restaurant – the Ultra Cool. She also spoke of his success in providing rental accommodation in Anguilla including a number of luxury villas for tourists; and his strong commitment and service to family, church and community.

Other members of the family in song

The Reverend Franklin Roberts, Richardson’s second cousin, took the opportunity to stress the societal benefits of persons striving “to be good, loyal, loving and caring in their family relationships.” He credited parents and other ancestors for having bequeathed to many members of the present generation a very great heritage of family values and love and noted that Mr. Richardson was among those who could call his parents ‘blessed.’

“Continue your journey through life, Brother Arthur, God will fulfil His promise to do for you exceedingly abundantly above all that you may ask,” he concluded.

Responding, Mr. Richardson sang verses of thanksgiving dedicated to his parents for their leadership and gave thanks for the divine blessings that attended him throughout his life. “My heart is full of joy and satisfaction,” he said in a brief statement. “I can see my wife and children, so many of my peers, so many in-laws, school mates, friends and some persons who have already turned 70 or will soon be joining us in celebrating their 70th birthday,” he stated.

The birthday celebrant was applauded for his inspirational singing and act of returning thanks to those who stood by him over the years and to the Almighty for keeping him over his three score and ten years.

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