Former VG District Officer Dies
March 6, 2003

A funeral service for Malvin Lanswell Flax was held at St. Mary's Anglican (Episcopal) Church in Virgin Gorda Saturday. Mr. Flax, 79, died suddenly on Feb. 20 at his home in The Valley. Mr. Flax enjoyed an active life. He was the captain of the boys' brigade troupe and worked as the foreman in clearing the property that would house Little Dix Bay Resort.

He served as a government agent and tax collector on Virgin Gorda for almost 50 years. And as district representative, Mr. Flax was often given the task of sharing his knowledge of the island with officials visiting from Tortola. One such official, Deputy Governor Elton Georges, expressed his sadness at Mr. Flax's passing.

"He was supremely dependable and trustworthy, and his detailed knowledge of the island of Virgin Gorda was placed at the service of the territory," a statement from his office read. Mr. Flax was also an avid traveller, and visited many countries, often accompanied by his children.

"You traversed the globe but always looked forward to coming back to Virgin Gorda, 'the rock,' as you called it," wrote his daughter Maizie Woodall.

Besides Ms. Woodall, Mr. Flax is survived by his wife Eda; sons Keith and Ellsworth; another daughter, Hildegarde Shaw; brother Hartman; sisters Ivy Flax, Theolinda Donovan, Lilian Warner, Melba Vanterpool, Grace Flax-Walters; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

BVI Beacon: Former VG District Officer Dies