BVI says farewell to businessman, public servant Elihu Rhymer

Elihu Rhymer

(JTV News) — A funeral service for businessman and veteran public servant, Elihu Rudolph Rhymer, was held on Saturday, March 4 at the North Sound Methodist Church on Virgin Gorda.

Rhymer passed away at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital in Road Town on Feb. 4 at the age of 80.

The devout Methodist was born in Virgin Gorda and grew up in North Sound. Up to the time of this death, he was also a resident of Butu Mountain on Tortola.

Notable Accomplishments:

* Attended college in Antigua and Barbuda
* Headmaster at St. Mary’s School in The Valley, Virgin Gorda
* Earned Bachelor’s Degree at Mt. Allison University, Canada in 1971
* Earned Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Economic Development at Carleton University, Canada in 1972
* Administrative Officer in the Chief Minister’s Office
* Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, 1974-1976.
* Chairman, BVI Tourist Board, for 16 years
* Chairman, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College board, for four years
* Operated Josiahs Bay Cottages, BVI Development Consultants, and Best Vacations Imaginable
* Earned Queen’s British Empire Medal for contributions to the community in 2018
* Public commentator: articles in local newspapers and commentary on local  talk shows

Elihu Rhymer is survived by his wife, Dr. Patricia Rhymer Todman; son, Brian Rhymer; and daughter, Kimeli Rhymer Hanley.

He is also survived by son-in-law, Collin Hanley; grandchildren, Nikesha Rhymer, Keila Rhymer, Zevadiah Rhymer, Amia Rhymer Hanley; great-grandchildren, K’Mani Rhymer Helliger, K’Moi Rhymer Helliger; brother, Daniel Harrigan; mother-in-law, Doris W. Todman; brothers-in-law, Terence A. Todman, Michael A. Todman; sisters-in-law, Lucia Harrigan, Jenny Coleman Harrigan, Iris Harrigan, Lynn Todman; nieces, Rosalie Skelton, Yvonne Horton, Sandra Harrigan, Diane Harrigan, Sherry Williams, Cheryl Harrigan-Huyghue, Hazel Harrigan, Hazel Harrigan Grey, Sharlene Harrigan, Telesia Richards, Enid James, Natasha Harrigan, Melanie Todman, Jasmine, Browne-Lambert, Laura Browne-Lambert, Amy Browne, Elizabeth Mahaffy, Tshocha Jannean Coleman, Nefratia Jennie Altamirano; nephews, Ashburn Harrigan, Henry Harrigan, Dean Harrigan, Roystin Harrigan, Ray Harrigan, Clive Harrigan, Ken Harrigan, Ottnel Kuntz Harrigan, Eugene Harrigan, Leal Harrigan, Roberto Harrigan, Dean Harrigan, Wilburn Harrigan, Jeremiah Browne, Joshua Browne, Joseph Browne, Sean Todman, Robert Stern, Ramos Edward Coleman; special niece, Lynette Harrigan, MBE; special nephew, Clayton Harrigan and numerous cousins, godchildren and special friends.