Finding the right information in a small community isn't just about reading the news. It’s about connection. In Bermuda, that connection often starts with the royal gazette obituaries today. Honestly, if you grew up on the island or have family there, you know the routine. You grab a coffee, open the paper (or the site), and see who has passed. It's how we stay linked to our history and our neighbors.
But here’s the thing: people often treat these listings like a simple data feed. They aren't. They are a living record. Every name, from a "North Village matriarch" like Myrtle Burrows to a local sports legend, tells a story about where the island has been and where it’s going.
Why the Royal Gazette is Still the Primary Source
Bermuda is tiny. We're talking 21 square miles. Because of that, the royal gazette obituaries today serve as more than just death notices; they are the island’s official social fabric.
You’ve got a few major funeral homes—places like Augustus Funeral Home, AMIS Memorial Chapel, and Bulley-Graham-Rawlins. They all coordinate directly with the Gazette. If a notice isn't there, it almost feels like it didn't happen in the eyes of the public. It’s the "Gold Standard" for verification.
Recent Passings and Legacies
Just this week, the listings have been heavy with names that carried a lot of weight. For instance, Allison Augustus Seymour recently passed away; he was known as a true artist among the angels. Then there’s Ellen Gibbons from Pembroke Parish, who lived to be 90. These aren't just names. They represent decades of Bermudian life.
We also saw the passing of George Leopold Jackson, a former police commissioner. That’s a big deal. He served from 2005 to 2009. When someone like that shows up in the royal gazette obituaries today, it reminds the whole island of the public service and leadership that shaped our modern safety.
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How to Find Someone Specific
Kinda weirdly, the digital transition has made things both easier and more confusing. If you are looking for someone today, January 13, 2026, you have two main paths:
- The Official Website: The Royal Gazette has its own "Obituaries" section under the News tab. It’s updated daily, usually by 8:00 AM.
- Legacy.com Partnership: The Gazette uses Legacy to host their permanent guest books. This is where you go if you want to leave a note or look at photos from the family.
Searching is simple, but names can be tricky. Bermudians love nicknames. You might see a formal name like Arthur Sinclair John Caines, but everyone knew him as "Pointy." If you’re searching the archives, try searching both the formal name and the "known as" name.
Common Misconceptions About the Listings
Most people think every death in Bermuda is in the Gazette. Not true. It’s actually a paid service. While most families choose to do it because it’s tradition, it isn't a legal requirement.
Another thing? The timing.
Usually, a notice appears 2–4 days after a passing. If you’re looking for someone who passed away "today," you might not see the formal obituary until tomorrow or the day after. The funeral homes need time to get the text right and get family approval.
The Cultural Weight of the "Notice"
In Bermuda, the obituary is an art form. You’ll see phrases like "Homegoing Service" or "Celebrating the Life of." It’s rarely just a dry list of dates.
Take Myrtle Burrows, who lived to be 106. Her notice didn't just say she died; it mentioned she was still driving past 100 to help her "senior" friends get around. That’s a classic Bermudian detail. It gives you a sense of the person's spirit. Honestly, that’s why these archives are so valuable for genealogy. If you’re tracing your roots back to the 1800s, the Gazette is basically your Bible.
How to Submit a Notice Yourself
If you're in the position of having to place a notice in the royal gazette obituaries today, here is the practical side of it. You don't usually just walk into the office on Par-la-Ville Road.
- Go through the Funeral Home: Most local directors handle the placement as part of their package. They have the templates and the direct lines.
- Direct Contact: If you're doing it yourself, you need to email funerals@royalgazette.com.
- Deadlines: They are strict. If you want it in the next morning's paper, you usually need to have it submitted and paid for by midday the day before.
The cost varies. It’s based on length and whether you include a photo. Most people include the photo—it’s how the community recognizes the face even if they haven't seen the person in twenty years.
Practical Steps for Staying Updated
If you are tracking a specific family or just want to stay informed about the community, don't just wait for the physical paper.
Sign up for ObitMessenger. It’s a free service through the Legacy portal that emails you the royal gazette obituaries today every morning. It saves you from having to manually check the site.
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Also, keep an eye on Bernews. While the Gazette is the "official" record, Bernews often posts the funeral home announcements a few hours earlier. It's a good way to double-check if you're waiting for news.
Check the digital archives if you're doing research. The Royal Gazette has digitized many of its old issues, making it much easier than the old microfilm days at the Bermuda National Library. Whether you are looking for a long-lost cousin or checking the details for a service at St. John's Church, the information is more accessible than ever before.
Make sure to look at the "Guest Book" section on the digital listings. Often, friends from overseas will post stories or old photos there that you won't find in the print edition. It’s a great way to see the full impact a person had on the world, far beyond our small shores.