In Memoriam: Kenneth Richardson Laid To Rest
Kenneth Richardson – Bermuda’s first Black Secretary to the Cabinet – was laid to rest on March 31st.
A family spokesperson said, “Given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and our commitment to the safety of the Island, a private graveside burial was held for our dear Kenneth A Augustus Richardson, CVO, CBE, JP at 2PM on Wednesday 31 March 2021 at Christ Church Devonshire. Ken would want us all to adhere to the pandemic containment protocols articulated by the Premier, Minister of Health and Minister of National Security.
“On 31 March 2021 the flag at the Cabinet Office was lowered at half-mast as a mark of Ken’s remarkable service to Bermuda. Subsequently, a Bermuda cedar tree will be planted on the Cabinet grounds in Ken’s memory and to his honor.
“The family fittingly selected a ‘Mahogany’ casket as an ode to the name of the family home and because its attributes are aligned with Ken’s: Mahogany is prized for its beauty and durability, is a fine and even grain wood often used for musical instruments because of its ability to produce a very warm tone.
“A Bermuda flag was placed on the casket en route to the burial grounds. The flag was generously donated by one of Ken’s special friends Lt Col Eddie Lamb and shall be presented at a later date by Lt Col Eddie Lamb and his son Jordan to Ken’s son and grandson, K. Andrew and Ajani Richardson.
“The route to the burial grounds was via Bermuda Public Service Union [where he held union membership until his untimely retirement and was bestowed with honorary life membership in 2020], The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, 27th Century [business of his late friend Kirk Bartram], the Cabinet Office [where he served as Secretary to Cabinet 1984 – 1993, at which time he was the first black and youngest person to hold such office], Government Administration Building [where he served as PS of Labour & Home Affairs], Court Street Liquors [business of his former Friswell’s Hill neighbour Roddy Nesbitt], Scratchie’s Barbershop, Ricky Spence Barbershop and Union Square [where he resolved the 1981 General Strike].
“Ken was lowered to rest near his beloved sister Gloria Lawrence. A spray with handcut foilage, endemic plants and seasonal fruits [loquats, peaches and papaya] from his garden graced the casket. His favorite song “Unforgettable” by Natalie Cole and Nat King Cole filled the air.
“The private service was officiated by Rev’d Fr. Jamaine ‘Jay’ Tucker, JP, M.Div. and a scripture was read by Bishop Vernon G. Lambe, Sr. The pallbearers were Keith Fleming [relative], Leroy Stevens [former Friswells’ Hill neighbour], Ricky Spence [long time barber and friend], Noel ‘Manga’ Vanputten [family friend], Ray Jones [President of Devonshire Colts] and Germano Bothelo [former Devonshire Colts].
“Life has a fragile beauty and we’re forever changed by Ken’s passing. We wish to warmly thank you for all the calls [local and overseas], cards, hand written notes, flowers, care packages, tributes and expressions of condolences. They have reassured us of your affection for Ken and your loving support for us in our time of sorrow.
“Special thanks to Governor Rena Lalgie, Premier David Burt MP. JP, Maj. Marc T Telemaque LVO, ED, JP, Sir John Swan KBE, JP, Leopold Mills II, CBE, JP, Gary Phillips, OBE, JP, Altimont Roberts, Edward Ball Jr, JP, Helena “Molly” Burgess [BIU], Ottiwell Simmons, R Gil. Tucker, The Rt. Revd. Nicholas B. B. Dill [Bishop of Bermuda], Canon James Francis, Rev Dr. Leonard Santucci, Bishop Neville Smith, Zolita Oliver, Michelle Smith, Beverly Stoneham, Seth Darrell, Annette Simmons, Paulette Richardson, Isaura “Mary” Reiss, Lita Kendell and B.I.C. girls, Rodney Wilson [UK], Alaire Godfrey [Ultimate Imaging], Dr Walywn Hughes family, Jaoa Soares family, Donald Morris family [USA], Ileys Morton family, Foggo family, Erik Gotfredsen family, Sandra Belboda family, Adrian Cook family, Peppy Dill family, Gary Darrell family, Charlie and Leslie Marshall, Tony Saunders, Nedra Todd, Carlos Durham, Brian Dickinson, Verna Dickinson, Sharon Swan, Bonnie Preece, Pauline Augustus, Gary Augustus [Soul Food], Neurosurgeons: Dr Kondziolka and Dr Lunsford, Dr Ranjini Patton [emergency], Dr Dore, Dr Terceira and Linda [Family Practice], Dr Sharon Mason Bell, KEMH Nurses: Ione, Eric and Sarah, KEMH Nurses Aides: Sharika [relative], Bernard, June and Angela, life-long Howard Academy friends, Trimingham Hill neighbours, Challenger Banks, Devonshire Colts, Bermuda College and Bulley-Graham Rawlins Funeral Home.
“We extend further sympathies to the families of the late Dr Joseph Christopher, Heather Matthews, Kenneth Neil Paynter Sr., Grace Woodley, Richard A Bascome Jr., James Lloyd Scott and Coral “Peggy” Curtis.
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of everlasting memories in which we can all find a measure of peace and comfort. In due course, when it is safe to gather, we look forward to sharing memories with family, friends and former colleagues of Ken by way of a memorial service to honor and remember his many contributions.”
“In our most loving friendship and deepest gratitude, wife Brenda, children K Andrew and Tammy and ‘the Fabulous Five’ grandchildren Ajani, Imara, Nala, David and Drew.”
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