I am dedicated to completing Gloria’s book of memories February 27, 2007Dear Sir,My family wishes to thank the people of Bermuda for the tremendous outpouring of expressions of sympathy and kind words on the occasion of the passing of our dearly beloved Gloria. Although we have known and appreciated Gloria McPhee’s passion and love for Bermuda, it was a source of inspiration learning that people of every walk of life were personally touched by her encouragement and kindness. We are also grateful for the support we received from family, friends and the loving professionalism of the Amis Memorial Chapel staff.

In addition, on behalf of our family and Gloria McPhee’s memory, I’d like to clarify some statements made by Julian Hall during the service of celebration and thanksgiving for Gloria on February 24, 2007. It appears that in Julian’s grief, there were incorrect statements made in relationship to a book of memories that Gloria has been working on for several years. Gloria herself has already written most of her book. In the beginning, I was the editor. Later I was promoted to co-author; and more recently, because of my wife’s cognitive impairment, I was given the responsibility to finish the book. I am dedicated to completing Gloria’s book, as this is the promise I made to Gloria. To ensure that I make good on this promise, I have enlisted the assistance of my daughter, Karen, and a well-known writer.

Again, I thank the people of Bermuda for the loving thoughts and prayers we continue to receive.

G.B. MCPHEE M.D.C.M.

Flatts

Some of my remarks require clarification March 4, 2007Dear Sir:Many of your readers will be aware that I had the honour of presenting a musical tribute during the service of celebration and thanksgiving for the life, contributions and legacy of our beloved community leader the Hon. Mrs. Gloria Juanita McPhee following her recent passing. The service took place in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Hamilton. I was accompanied in my musical efforts by the manifestly gifted youngsters who comprise the choir of the Bermuda Institute of Seventh Day Adventists. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the school and the students for their sterling contribution; and also express my gratitude to Messrs Owen Simons and Marvin Pitcher, the director and pianist respectively.

Before rendering the musical portion of my tribute, I had a few things to say which, with the benefit of hindsight, require clarification.

First, I informed the congregation of the hope of publication of a book chronicling the life of this extremely wonderful and serene lady. In my speech, I may have erroneously given some listeners the impression that I had been or will in future be actually writing this book myself. This would not be correct. On the contrary, the late Mrs. Gloria McPhee and her beloved husband Dr. G. B. “Bert” McPhee have already devoted countless hours over the past few years in composing a manuscript. If any further writing is to be done, as I hope it will be, this will be accomplished by Dr. McPhee and/or under his direction. As a devoted friend and admirer of Dr. and Mrs. McPhee, I would of course be more than willing to render any assistance when asked.

Second, I repeated in the Cathedral an observation that I have made before expressing the view that Mrs. McPhee should have been awarded the honorific of “Dame Gloria”. I say at once that I made this statement entirely on my own initiative, and that I was in no way encouraged to make such a statement by anyone else; nor did I foreshadow to anyone my intention to do so. It has been suggested to me that this was neither an appropriate place nor occasion to make such a remark. Upon reflection, I am satisfied that that criticism may be valid. I deeply regret if offence was taken by anyone as a result of my remarks; and I particularly regret that in taking this approach I may have diminished the dignity of what was otherwise a flawlessly — and appropriately — gracious occasion.

Gloria McPhee represents one of the finest examples of womanhood and statesmanship that this country has ever seen. We shall not see her like again. Let us continue as a community to hold her up in positive memory; and to keep her dear husband and family in our thoughts and prayers.

May she rest in peace.

Yours sincerely

Julian E S P Hall