I regretfully have to announce the passing of a well known figure here on Ambergris Caye, the Reverend David Simpson.

David was a familiar figure to many on the island, in his long flowing robe, as he prepared to officiate at many a beach front wedding. Many of the larger resorts here called on him regularly to be a large part of the happiest days of some of their guests lives, where he conducted a great number of weddings or renewal of marriage vows.

David had been in ill health recently, and recently relocated to Belmopan where he was offered a place to stay with friends. On the evening of Thursday, the 28th, his health deteriorated to the point that he had to be hospitalized. David passed away that evening in the hospital.

David expressed a wish to be cremated and have his ashes spread over the beautiful Caribbean Sea, which is such a large part of both his home and his place of work. We are hoping to soon announce the date, time and place, and hope that many of his friends will be able to attend a simple memorial and the scattering of his ashes. At this time, we are trying to arrange his cremation, and will then bring his ashes over to the Caye. Unfortunately, due to his long spell of ill health, the family funds have been seriously depleted, so we are asking any and all members of the community that may want to assist financially at this time. The costs to be incurred are about Bze$3,000, we are hoping his freinds will be able to assist in making his parting wish a reality.

Donations can be pledged here on this site, or from Monday, cash or cheque donations can be taken to Grant, in the Pelican Properties office next to the Belize Bank. All funds will be accounted for, with the accounts to be published, along with a thank-you, in the local papers and on this site.

Our heartfelt condolences and best wishes go to his widow, Anneli, we hope she has the strength to come through this most testing of times.