Dozens of relatives and close friends gathered at the Washington National Cathedral Saturday morning to give thanks and celebrate the life of the late Eustace Edward Ricardo Braithwaite, author of bestselling book, “To Sir, With Love”.

Representing Guyana at the ceremony was Ambassador, Dr. Riyad Insanally, who in his tribute said, “Ted Braithwaite’s accomplishments went far beyond anything I could ever hope to achieve. Quite simply, Ted Braithwaite was not just a son of Guyana; he was one of Guyana’s greatest gifts to the world as scholar, educator, writer, diplomat and humanist. And he was, of course, an exemplar of the enlightened citizens of the world.”

ER Braithwaite was also a British fighter pilot during the Second World War. Over the years he served Guyana as a diplomat, serving at the United Nations and Venezuela.

On the occasion of his 100 birthday, he was invited to the land of his birth by the Guyana Government, and was bestowed with the National Award of the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH).

Braithwaite lived on for another four years, and enjoyed relatively perfect health, not having to use a walking cane or any other aid to get around. He died suddenly of heart failure on December 12, 2016.

In concluding his tribute, Ambassador Insanally stated, “At 104 years old, he was a life well lived and we celebrate it today.”