March 19, 2007 – The memorial service for Rik Van Renssalear – a founding member of Nazareth By The Sea Episcopal Church, and up to the time of his death, a devoted member of the Nazareth Church family – will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 26, at the church's current location at Cabrita Point (the old Seafood Jungle Restaurant location by the pink condos on the water). Rik died Feb. 17. ( See "Marine Activist Rik Van Rensselaer Dies").
The service will include eulogistic testimonials, the memorial service itself with Holy Eucharist and a special homily, water-side dispersal of ashes, and a concluding reception, with special music from start to finish. Bishop Ambrose Gumbs will preside; Rev. Frank Johnston will celebrate; and Dr. Wesley Williams will preach.
The family asks people to wear comfortable shoes for walking on the beach and to wear the tropical colors that Rik so loved.
In lieu of flowers, Rik’s family requests that donations in his memory be made to the "Rik Van Rensselaer Fund" for the support of faculty professional development in the arts at Antilles School. Checks should be made payable to Antilles School, with the fund designated in the memo. (Antilles School, 6280 Frenchman’’s Bay 16-1, St. Thomas, VI 00802.)
