June 9, 2006–Friends and colleagues offered fond remembrances of former St. John Administrator Roy Sewer, who died Wednesday at the age of 87.
A tall and distinguished figure who remained visible in the community up until his final days, Sewer died at the Schneider Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.
Over his lifetime Sewer helped shape many of today's leaders either born on St. John or long time residents, including former Sen. Cleone Creque-Maynard, Senate Majority Leader Roosevelt David and the current Administrator Julien Harley.
Sewer also taught many others, both as a teacher and later as the principal of the Julius E. Spravue School.
He also served the territory as a member of the Board of Education and as a member of the Independent Citizens' Movement, the Virgin Island's only homegrown political party.
Sen. David pointed out Sewer's role as a businessman. He said, at one point Sewer ran the island's only laundry.
But David also remembered him as a helpful person, recalling the time Sewer lent him his jeep to take the road test that helped him get his driver's license.
Many who knew Sewer described him as a strict disciplinarian, a devoted family man and a proud St. Johnian.
Sen. Liston Davis described him as a close friend. "He was very jovial. He could tell some of the jokes that would leave you laughing quite a while."
Current St. John Administrator Julien Harley said his predecessor was unique in his duties as island administrator.
"He was the only administrator that I know that had authority to make decisions and the only person who could change it was the governor," Harley said.
"No other administrator has had that authority, and he was very good for St. John because he would see something and he could act on it. Cyril King would be right there to back him."
Shortly after word of his death on June 7, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull called the former St. John administrator "a notable Virgin Islands educator, community activist and public servant" who "served his community in various capacities with devotion, competence and distinction."
Funeral services for Sewer are pending.
