Rev. Christopher Archibald coined cricketing terminology to describe the future life of former Nevis and Leeward Islands off-spinner Harold Walters, ‘He was bowled out on 81 and some may say that he has lost, but if he died as a true believer, he is now continuing his innings at a higher level…’
Rev. Archibald was speaking during his sermon, delivered during the funeral service of the late beloved sportsman.
The homegoing service was held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Saturday 20th June.
Among the distinguished mourners were, his wife Lady Clara Walters MBE; Her Honour, Deputy Governor-General, Hyleta Liburd and Mr. Liburd; Premier Mark Brantley and Mrs. Brantley; Hon. Eric Evelyn; his children, grandchildren and many other relatives and friends, including former teammate Elquemedo Willet and representatives of the Nevis Cricket Association, which included former international players, Stuart Williams and Carl Tuckett.
As the coffin was wheeled towards the entrance of the church, male and female cricketers provided an honour guard, with bats raised. This was repeated when the coffin made its exit from the church and again as the coffin was wheeled to its final resting place at the Bath Cemetery.
Among those presenting sterling tributes were President of the Nevis Cricket Association, Carlisle Powell, who vowed to contact WISDEN and the WICB to get erroneous bowling figures for the great man corrected, in a match which he played for the Leewards versus a touring Australian team and his Daughter Dereka who rendered his glowing eulogy, via video stream.
In addition, the St. George’s and St. Join’s Anglican churches presented a tribute in song, while Junior Parris exhibited his well-known skills on pan.
The remains of the great man were interred at the Bath Cemetery, a virtual stone’s throw away from the revered spot, where he took the majority of his wickets, Grove Park, now the ET Willet Park.