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Businessman & pioneer Charles O. Penn aka ‘16’ has passed

- He is the grandfather of Hon Marlon A. Penn, Representative for the Eighth District & father of Elections Supervisor Juliette Penn
Businessman and East End pioneer Mr Charles Obel Penn aka Sweet Sixteen passed away on March 23, 2017. Photo: CM Farrington/Facebook
Mr Charles O. Penn was the grandfather of second term Representative of the Eighth District Hon Marlon A. Penn (left). Photo: Facebook
Mr Charles O. Penn was the grandfather of second term Representative of the Eighth District Hon Marlon A. Penn (left). Photo: Facebook
EAST END, Tortola, VI- A family spokesman has confirmed the passing of father, grandfather, businessman and East End pioneer, Mr Charles Obel Penn (aka Sixteen).

Mr Penn, an indigenous Virgin Islander, died on March 23, 2017 at Peebles Hospital after a brief illness. He was 93 years of age, having been born October 7, 1923.

The late Penn is the last member of his siblings to pass and has been a stalwart contributor to his community. He was a regular feature of the East End/Long Look communities where he mentored many who were guided through his wise council. Mr Penn was also a boat captain, who made many voyages throughout the Caribbean archipelago provisioning good for the community as many of his generation did.

Father & Businessman

The father of the Supervisor of Elections, his only daughter Juliette Penn, also loved sports and was an avid cricketer and played with the likes of Honourable Ralph T. O'Neal OBE and Ivan Lettsome. He also coached and managed many softball teams and loved watching his beloved New York Yankees play baseball.

Mr Penn made significant contributions to the development of the physical infrastructure of the Territory. More notable he was instrumental in the developments at Beef Island, which included the restaurant and guest house at Bellamy Cay (Last Resort) and the business infrastructure at Trellis Bay which he had a direct involvement in its development with the late Wladyslaw W. Wagner as both a builder and foreman.

Mr Penn, the grandfather of Hon Marlon A. Penn, the second term Representative of the Eighth District, was also instrumental in the building of the first airstrip at Beef Island Airport where he served as foreman (Project Manager) of the project. He is survived by four (4) sons, Charles Penn, Nathaniel Penn, Dale Penn, and Ephraim Penn and one daughter Juliette Penn. He is also survived by over 50 other grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

14 Responses to “Businessman & pioneer Charles O. Penn aka ‘16’ has passed”

  • chad (24/03/2017, 13:39) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    My good old friend dead duck passed
  • Just saying (24/03/2017, 13:42) Like (14) Dislike (1) Reply
    Still looking like 16
  • Binocs (24/03/2017, 14:29) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Always shared good advice. Really good man.May he rest in peace
  • Just saying (24/03/2017, 14:41) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Still looking like 16
  • Cuz (24/03/2017, 14:53) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    What a good man he will be missed
  • tola (24/03/2017, 17:41) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    That man was a great man sweet 16 and could of sing .....and also he know has history.....he help me with lot of my home work on bvi ......well me love always .....tola
  • VG (24/03/2017, 17:58) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    The good die old also rip
  • Andrew Cox Sr (24/03/2017, 19:07) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Condolences to the entire Penn Family: I will continue Cherishing those good days when we will often meet and thanks for the gift of good advise ..you might be gone but never forgotten. Thanks 16


  • Jack-B-Quik (24/03/2017, 19:15) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    What an awesome man! I grew up knowing of Mr. Penn. Simply an awesome personality. I pray that he Rests In Eternal Peace.
  • great (24/03/2017, 21:19) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    He looked better than some of the younger ones. I'm digging the hat.
  • one eye (24/03/2017, 22:58) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Hope marlon learn something from him
  • Neighbor (25/03/2017, 11:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rip Mr pen you will be missed condolences to the remaining families I pray that the Lord will give you comfort and strength in this time of bereavement be bless.
  • ND (26/09/2020, 13:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Live in power Great-Uncle


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