Reverend Father Alric Skerritt dies at 65

Anglican priest the Reverend Father Alric Skerritt died at his home at Prospect on May 23.{{more}}

Father Skerritt, 65, was the priest in charge of the Parish of St James, Layou, with St Mary’s Buccament.

He was ordained Deacon on June 29th, 2000 and as a priest on March 26th, 2001. Since his ordination he has served in the Parish of St James, Layou, with St Mary’s Buccament, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In his youth, he served as an acolyte and was a member of the St George’s Cathedral; he was also a member of the Anglican Young People’s Association; a Scoutmaster, Sunday School teacher and Foundation Member of the Men’s Fellowship.

He began his primary school education at the Kingstown Anglican School and continued on to the Intermediate High School. He worked at the Young Island Hotel as an assistant manager, accountant; and was at one time the vice president of the St Vincent Jaycees.

He lived in New York for several years and while there he pursued studies at Baruch College – City University of New York – BBA Major in Accounting; Brooklyn College – City University of New York Graduate Studies in Political Science; George Mercer School of Theology – Christian Education: Diaconate Studies; Blanton Peale Graduate Institute – Pastoral Studies (counselling) and New York Theological Seminary – Masters in Pastoral Studies. He was also employed by Depository Trust Company as a supervisor in the Dividend Department. Father Skerritt was a member of the St Alban’s Episcopal Church, New York and served as treasurer, Vestry Member and Lay Eucharist Minister, before returning to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

When he returned to SVG, he worked with the Ministry of Health as a Counselor with specific regard to the HIV/AIDS programme where he shared his knowledge and skills with various churches and organizations throughout the country.

Bishop of the Windward Islands The Rt Rev’d C. Leopold Friday said in a release, “Fr. Skerritt was one man of God who loved and cared for people especially the poor and the less fortunate and was always willing to be of assistance to them. He was always willing to go beyond the call of duty and to be of assistance whenever the need arose. We give thanks to God for his life and ministry with us.”

The funeral Eucharist for the late Rev’d Father Alric Ardon Skerritt takes place tomorrow, Saturday, June 1, at 3 p.m. at the St George’s Cathedral.

Interment will be at the Cathedral Churchyard cemetery.

A release from the Diocese of the Windward Islands said they were “truly saddened by his death” and extended deepest sympathy to his relatives.

Skerritt is survived by his mother, his widow Theresa and two children Karyil and Tial and many other relatives and friends.