Article published December 20. 2008 12:12PM
Friend of Bermuda Dennis Sherwin dies
By Nadia Arandjelovic
Philanthropist Dennis Sherwin, an influential figure in the 'Buy Back Bermuda' campaign, sadly passed away in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Though not originally from Bermuda, Dennis Sherwin adopted the Island as his home in 1974, and invested money and countless amounts of time and energy into preserving the Island's natural and cultural treasures.
His family could not be reached yesterday for comment, but his close friends at the Bermuda National Trust, where Mr. Sherwin served as a valued member for thirty years, released a statement on his behalf.
"Dennis possessed a deep love for Bermuda and an unyielding determination to preserve as much of its unique environmental heritage as was possible," they wrote. "We will always cherish the memory of Dennis, for his friendship, his generosity and his unwavering love for Bermuda."
Mr. Sherwin, a born and bred American, fell in love with the Island and forwent his house in Georgetown, Washington in order to stay here. He wrote in his family blog: "When I do visit Washington and drive by the house, I can hear it calling for me, but I keep right on driving and grab the first plane back home to Bermuda and my dog..." "For me happiness is living in Bermuda."
Perhaps his most lasting contribution to the Island, Mr. Sherwin envisioned an "Emerald Necklace" that would link parks, nature reserves and open spaces across the Island- this is the same vision that drives the Buy Back Bermuda campaign today and in the years to come.
In addition to his work with the BNT, Mr. Sherwin was also a genuine lover of the arts and worked to make the Bermuda National Gallery free to all visitors.
David White, the Chairman Emeritus, calls Mr. Sherwin the " godfather of the environment and of the arts in Bermuda" and said: "His enthusiasm, his support and his financial generosity will probably never be matched." "Dennis was a major force, a substantial contributor and a founding trustee of the Bermuda National Gallery." "No one is likely to replace (him). Bermuda will be poorer in every sense for his passing."
