Dr Lenrie Leopold Wilfred Peters has breathed his last on Wednesday 27 May 2009 at the Hôpital Dantec in Dakar at the age of 76, after a brief illness. Dr Peters, a poet surgeon has published several works: poems, articles, short stories, film scripts and a novel. Unfortunately, prior to the demise of this literary giant and the trailblazer of Gambian literature, a translation of a selection of his poems was under publication as well as a special peer-reviewed journal on his works. This was meant to accompany a special honour on his behalf. But God disposes even where we propose.

Dr Lenrie Peters has finally been laid to rest at the Banjul Cemetery, on Wednesday 3^rd June 2009 at around 18h30 GMT. Between 15h45 and 18h00, his life and works were celebrated at Dr Florence Mahoney's residence. People from all walks of life arrived there to pay their last homage to a great man. His business partner and close friend, Dr S. J. Palmer, ably coordinated the activities in his honour which consisted of prayers, tributes, poetry reading and songs. It took great mastery of oneself to pull back the tears under such an environment so heavily charged with emotions.

The opening prayers were performed by Rev. Dr. Frederick Oldfield and the Nurse Lucy Mahoney-Bright, one who cared for him until he breath his last, read the Beatitudes, St. Matthew chapter 5 vv 1-10. Ayodeji Mahoney, the deceased’s nephew read the poem ‘Open The Gates’ and Janet Bajan-Young read ‘Katchikali’ and ‘On The Death of Winston Churchill’.

Tributes were presented from the Peters family, Westfield Clinic, the Gambia Medical and Dental Fraternity, the University of The Gambia, the West Africa Examinations Council and the Medical Research Centre among others. Other bodies represented were the Saint Mary’s University Extension Programme alumni, the Gambian writers and the international literary body. Ayodeji Mahoney read the tribute for the Peters family and Ms Bijou Bidwell, Dr Peters’ eldest sister, fancied a recital of a tribute written by her daughter under the failing light.

The Hymn ‘NOW THANK WE ALL OUR LORD’ was read to open the programmes. Within the programme featured a double solo performed by Solo Forster. Under a selection of beautiful piano music by Arthur Roberts, the coffin was sealed and marched towards the Banjul cemetery to be laid to rest.