Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/7759/-1/131/
|
Obituary: James Leopold Richardson
|
Anguilla has lost one of its few remaining well known sea captains, James Leopold Richardson “Captain Polo” of Pond Ground, East End. Not only was he a long-standing seafarer, but was perhaps the only Anguillian to have sailed on and capatained so many of the island’s famed and locally-built cargo vessels.
|
|
The late Mr. James richardson
|
The late Mr. Richardson was the husband of retired teacher at the old East End School, Teacher Daisy Princess Richardson (nee Lake). Their union produced 12 children. In 1944, the year after his marriage, he served as a cook of the schooner Ismay and in 1948 he joined Captain Wilfred Fleming on the Rose Millicent. In 1950 he became a crew member of the Betsy R. He served at first with Captain Hershall Gumbs and later with Captain James Mussington with responsibilities for cooking and super cargo.
In 1960 Mr. Richardson joined Mr. Davis Lloyd as Captain of the Yankee Girl. In the years that followed he also captained the Atlantic Star and Da Costa.
Captain Polo sailed the waters of various parts of the Caribbean including the Trinidad in the south to Puerto Rico in the north respectively, but not without encountering terrible storms and severe accidents. The brave, beloved, respected and accomplished seaman retired in 1983. “I had enough of the sea and thank God I am still alive,” he was quoted as saying.
The very pleasant, kind and helpful sea captain has been described as “a devoted, loving and caring husband and father.” Following his retirement he occupied himself with a small personal business and served as a Member of the Brotherhood at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church and an Usher there.
He passed from this life on Wednesday, December 9 at the age of 91. His Funeral and Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Monday, December 21.
The Anguillian offers its condolences to the wife, Teacher Daisy, children and other relatives and friends of the late James Leopold Richardson.