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A celebration of life marked final respects to late Mr Roy A. Hodge
A modest number of persons including family, friends, relatives, political leaders and other leaders and residents of the West End and other community all came together to grant Mr Hodge his wishes. The ceremony was titled, ‘Celebrating the journey of Roy Amos ‘Shaggy’ Hodge’ and saw many visibly holding back their tears.
Several performances filled the air from the likes of steel pan, the 1970 Youth Choir of the Zion Hill Church, rendition by the cruise Pier taxi men, tribute by Linette Hyndman, reflection by Ms Emma K. Barker among others.
Also present were members of the BVI Cancer Society and their President Ms Gloria Fahie reiterated her promise to Mr Hodge shortly before his passing when she told him that she will be carrying on the fight until end of her time on earth.
She otherwise echoed sentiments that were also expressed by others who had the opportunity to give tributes. “Our dear brother Roy A. Hodge fought the good fight, and he is in a better place today without pain and undue suffering. He is free. His poems reflect messages of hope, and he will take a place in the history of the Virgin Islands as one of our beloved renown poets,” said Ms Fahie.
Mr Hodge will be remembered as that man who was unselfish as even while he as at his wits end battling the dreaded disease of cancer, he called for initiatives to be put in place to help persons who were likewise and otherwise in need of medical, social, spiritual and emotional support.
His family was very touched by the support that was forthcoming from the community and others who knew Mr Hodge. “Please be sure that that we have derived comfort from your prayers, phone calls, visits and from your presence as we together celebrate the sojourn of our beloved Roy Amos Hodge. He will forever be remembered.”
Bridges – A poem by Roy A. Hodge
One in a million, This opportunity to search our hearts for strength wisdom,
The wisdom, the will to face our mistakes.
Bridge the chasm of pain denying our togetherness, building a bridge to understanding,
To acceptance, warts and all.
Embracing the challenge of separating illusion for reality
Overcoming obstacles, preventing us restructuring friendship, love and joy
Caring, sharing, daring to construct a needed span to happiness
According to a blueprint of mutual design is ready
Will you sign…..
Mr Hodge succumb the cancer related medical complications at the Peebles Hospital on January 29, 2014. He would have celebrated his 58th birthday on February 23, 2014.
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