Former Senator Edgar Iles died on Saturday at the age of 93. By. V.I. LEGISLATURE
Local leaders have been sharing memories of former Senator Edgar Iles, describing him as a stalwart of the community whose legacy will live on. He died on Saturday at the age of 93.
Governor Albert Bryan in a statement issued Wednesday, said, “We have lost a dedicated community leader with a long and storied legacy of service to the people of the Virgin Islands. As a St. Croix senator, a labor advocate, a Rotarian, a Legionnaire, a culture bearer – his life’s work centered on supporting families and improving the quality of life for his fellow citizens. His contributions to numerous non-profit organizations are immeasurable and will not be forgotten. Yolanda and I offer our sincere condolences to his family, especially his daughters Kisha and Juanita and son Ray. He was a true Virgin Islander and will be sorely missed by our entire community.”
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett on Tuesday stated, “St. Croix, particularly the Frederiksted community, has suffered a great loss in the passing of Edgar Iles. A faithful Rotarian, having served as a President of Rotary West and former 2 term member of the Virgin Islands legislature, he truly lived out the motto, “Service above Self” with his life. Mr. Iles was also an active member of the American Legion, having served our country in the U.S. military during the Korean War. In the words of one of his sons, he was a true statesman, community-oriented. He also took the helm of the Crucian Christmas Festival, sharing his love of and high regard of Crucian culture. Most importantly, Mr. Iles was a devoted father, grandfather, husband and friend.
“I give the condolences of myself, family and staff to Mr. Iles’ wife Dolores, his beloved children—5 sons and 3 daughters—and grandchildren, along with his extended family and friends who mourn his passing. May God’s peace comfort your hearts during this time.”
A release from the Office of Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory said, "The members of 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands joins the Virgin Islands community in mourning the passing of former Senator Edgar Iles. Former Senator Iles served in the Virgin Islands Legislature from 1981 to 1985. A Korean War Veteran, Mr. Iles dedicated 40 years to the Government of the Virgin Islands. Mr. Iles was very active in the St. Croix community, especially his beloved town, Frederiksted. He was an active Rotarian and was a member of Rotary West for over 50 years. In 2020, he was honored by receiving the Lifetime Achievement from the club."
Ms. Frett-Gregory stated, "Former Senator Iles epitomizes the rotary motto of service above self. He was also a fine example of a leader who always maintained a calm demeanor while getting the work done."
Mr. Iles served in volunteer leadership positions, working to make the organizations better and stronger, long after giving so much of himself through government service, according to the Senate's release. Former Senator Iles will long be remembered for his service to the Virgin Islands community, especially throughout the St. Croix district. The members of the 34th Legislature offer sincere condolences to his wife, Delores, children, and extended family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Said Senator Dwayne DeGraff: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Iles, who was a noble community activist, particularly on the island of St. Croix,” Senator DeGraff said. “In addition to him serving four terms in the V.I. Legislature, Iles was a veteran, having served his country in the Korean War.”
