Deputy Governor's agony over death of wife

But he is comforted by the tender messages of condolence from throughout the community.

Melissa Arkley, 42, was found dead at the couple’s home, ‘Clifton’, in Devonshire, on Wednesday night.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances but an autopsy will determine the cause of death. Mrs. Arkley, from Dallas, Texas, arrived on the island in October 2009 when her husband took up the post of Deputy Governor.

A charismatic, popular civic figure, she was known for her warm, friendly nature and eagerness to help charitable causes.

Mr. Arkley said yesterday: “The sudden and unexpected death of my beloved wife, Melissa, is quite simply overwhelming.  

“Melissa has been my whole life for the past 17 years. Imagining a future without her is beyond my abilities right now.

“Melissa loved being in Bermuda and I will treasure the good memories we had here, whether that be from Gold Cup Week, the Christmas Boat Parade, candlelight Christmas Eve in St. Peter’s Church or just simply watching the sun set from the veranda at Clifton.

“I have been overwhelmed by the number of condolence messages that I received from friends around Bermuda.

“Knowing how much people loved Melissa means a great deal to me in this difficult time.” Governor Sir Richard Gozney said: “We have lost a special member of the Government House family — a lady with a particularly warm personality who had worked her way into the affections of all of us during her short stay, of just 14 months, in Bermuda.

“Our thoughts are with David and both families at this very difficult time.”

Mrs. Arkley’s father, Barry Buchanan, said: “Her mother (Terry) and I can hardly imagine our life without Melissa in it.

“She had a gentle and loving soul and cared more for others than herself.

“She loved flowers and all sorts of animals and she loved her family greatly.

“She was, and is, a beautiful gift from God who was given to us to love and care for until she was called Home.” Premier Paula Cox said Mrs. Arkley’s passing had “saddened” Bermuda. She added: “More than one Government Minister said she had such a sparkling and charming personality — so bubbly.

“While words are never enough to soothe the ache left with the loss of a beloved one, I hope the combined strength of the community’s sentiments, words and prayers offer a measure of comfort to the Deputy Governor and his family in the days ahead.”

Opposition leader Kim Swan said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to Deputy Governor David Arkley, family, friends and everyone at Government House mourning the loss of Melissa. We were stunned and deeply saddened to learn of the news. We pray that she will rest in peace and that her family and friends will be comforted.”

Among Mrs. Arkley’s philanthropic work was her help in publicising the Centre Against Abuse’s ‘Denim Day’ in September, to raise funds for the charity’s domestic violence awareness programmes.

Executive director Laurie Shiell said yesterday: “We are shocked to hear of Mrs. Arkley’s passing. I had just e-mailed her and Mr. Arkley to wish them a happy New Year and to let them know we had a gift for them from Texas.”

Ms Shiell said Mrs. Arkley had offered to host a fundraiser at ‘Clifton’.

She added: “She was a lovely person. All of us at the Centre Against Abuse are extremely saddened and want to extend our condolences.

“Mrs. Arkley was a very warm and down-to-earth person who made you feel very at ease. She will be greatly missed by Mr. Arkley and her family in Texas, whom she talked very fondly about.”