The passing of Teacher Art Egel has left an aching void in his immediate family and in his extended family which comprised all the people of Anguilla whom he had come to love, admire and serve.

Tower of Strength - Teacher Art with students of Alwyn Allison School (2005 - Photo courtesy Ivor Hodge)

Originally from the United States, Teacher Art eventually settled in Anguilla, building a comfortable residence for his wife Marian and family in the South Hill area. He was one of those extremely contributing persons from abroad whom the Government of Anguilla was readily moved to grant belongership in recognition of his outstanding contribution to community life and development.

His teaching appointments in Anguilla gave him the opportunity he wanted to make a sterling contribution to young people, and he grasped every moment of it to demonstrate his love and commitment to youth development, school life and environmental protection.

Every year he opened up his home to hundreds of school children from across the island for ceremonies and other social functions as part of his well-established Environmental Club activities. It is through this involvement that he was able to create a national consciousness among youth about environmental protection and led many young people on useful educational trips throughout the island. He always deserved a national award for his social development work on the island. His passing is certainly not too late to give him some posthumous recogntion - although he never worked for reward.

Teacher Art loved the Stoney Ground Primary School and the Alwyn Allison Primary School at West End, two of the public schools at which he served over the years with distinction. Up to the time of his passing in Puerto Rico, this week, where he had been receiving medical attention, he was Principal at the Alwyn Allison School, where he was adored by the teaching staff and students. He ensured that his students were well groomed, brilliant, had computers and other equipment and services to assist them in their educational development, and that they excelled in sports, Spelling B and other inter-school competitions.

Tall, dignified and athletic, he was the embodiment of a good and visble mentor at all occasions. He was always there for students - applauding and encouraginjg them in road relays, track and field events, bicycle races and other forms of sport. He was one of the agitators for the development of the Alwyn Allison School and rejoiced to see the day when Viceroy, in agreement with Government, provided one million US dollars for the completion of the school.

Space does not alllow for all the praises of Teacher Art to be sung in this tribute. Suffice it to say that just as he was a giant of a man in height, he was a giant of a man in honour, dedication and will power. It was sad when he had to be laid up at home as a result of illness. It is sadder and a great loss that he has now departed this life. We all were fortunate to have known him, to share our island with him and his family and to know that in this world there were still lovely human beings like him. We shall miss him very much and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family.

| Printer-friendly page | Send this article to a friend |

World News