Friends and associates of the late UVI President Orville Kean bade him a warm farewell from the University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas Campus on Saturday. There, about 400 people settled into seats and bleachers at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center to remember him.
Kean — the school’s third university president — died Jan. 19 on St. Thomas at the age of 86. He was remembered on Saturday as a “deeply respected and loved” educator committed to the advancement of knowledge, promotion of progress, and dedication to his Virgin Islands home.
The service was a celebration of a life lived to the fullest to the very end. Catherine Kean — his daughter — told the story of his passing in a way that conveyed her father’s spirit.
“The morning dad passed…he looked at me squarely and asked…’Am I dying now?’…I said ‘yes, daddy…it’s today…'”
“We used to play a game…I would say not today and not tomorrow…We both knew what I meant…He said…’I thought I had until June.’”
The sports and fitness center offered a homey setting for Kean’s memorial, with a wreath and his giant portrait smiling at those seated in the rows of chairs facing the stage and a cluster of banquet tables arranged towards the back where a repast would be served later.
Musicians and vocalists assembled in a corner at the front of the stage, delivering spirited performances of jazz and gospel selections, including an arrangement of “Spain” by Chick Corea.
Virgin Islands songbird Lorna Freeman sang “Bridge over Troubled Waters;” Louis Taylor and Friends joined jazz drummer Dion Parson with a version of “My Funny Valentine.”
St. Thomas jazz man Taylor took the microphone upon the last note, saying it was one of Kean’s favorite tunes; it was played at his last birthday party and he asked that it be played again when his time was done.
“There will be no funeral dirges for Dr. Kean,” said Mistress of Ceremonies Joanne Moorehead, but there was poetry and tributes from longtime friends Malcolm Kirwan, Roy Watlington, and Gilbert Sprauve as well as from UVI President Safiyah George and President Emerita LaVerne Ragster.
George recalled her predecessor as an extraordinary leader and her personal mentor. “Today and in the days to come, when we think of Dr. Kean with sadness, we will be reminded that he brought joy to this university and that his spirit and contributions will always be remembered.”
