Dear Sir,

During my quiet moments when I offer up prayers of peace for my dear husband Kenneth A. Richardson CVO, CBE, JP, I also cannot help but feel full of gratitude by the kindness and blessings we have received from our nurturing family, community, and the Government of Bermuda.

The children (Andrew and Tammy) and I have received cards and letters of sympathy, which we have read twice over and drank in their every word. Nothing has gone unnoticed or unappreciated by me and my family — whether fruit trays, cheese and cracker platters, a basket including goodies of every kind, beautiful flower arrangements (some of which we are still receiving), hand-picked garden flowers, donations to Age Concern, phone calls (local and overseas), casserole and hot foods, offers of “what can we do to help”, and the kind expressions of sympathy whenever I am in Hamilton.

I would often say to Ken, “I wonder why out of 65,000 people living in such a beautiful spot did God pick me?” Well, now I know. You have uplifted and touched our hearts in ways that is hard to express. You have shown us what a community really is, and how a community can uplift in real time of need.

Further, I wish to thank the Premier, David Burt, and his Cabinet Office colleagues for the lowering of the flag to half-mast on the day Ken was laid to rest in a private graveside service on March 31, 2021 and later selecting the perfect spot to plant a cedar tree on the Cabinet grounds, and unveiling a cedar plaque listing the names of all the former Secretaries to the Cabinet (May 24, 2021).

Finally, where would we be without family. To all of our family (on both sides), thank you for holding our hand through all of this, and for showing us further the true meaning of family.

If I were to coin a phrase to capture our sentiments it would be: “Bermuda, blessed and beautiful”.

And to you, my dear Ken, I still feel your closeness and can see your likeness in our children and grandchildren. You have truly left your mark. Be at peace, which is my every morning and nightly prayer for you.

Your devoted wife,

BRENDA RICHARDSON

Paget