March 29, 2007 — Retired Army 1st Sgt. Lawrence Arturo Bastian died early Thursday after a prolonged illness. He left a long legacy of service to the military, the V.I. government and the many civic organizations to which he dedicated his life.
"He was a true Virgin Islander," said longtime friend Vera Falu. "He loved his God, He loved America, and he loved the Virgin Islands," Falu said.
Bastian was born in Frederiksted on August 14, 1935. Following graduation from St. Patrick's Catholic School, he relocated to the mainland and joined the U.S. Army, where he served in Alaska, Korea, Okinawa and several other U.S. bases before being honorably discharged in 1974.
Upon returning to St. Croix, Bastian began his career in government service. One of his first assignments was as an administrative officer at Charles Harwood Memorial Hospital, now the Charles Harwood Medical Complex. After the hospital was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, he was tapped, because of his military experience, to set up the temporary hospital while the interim modular hospital was being completed.
His expertise was essential in the transition to the newly constructed Juan F. Luis Hospital. Bastian continued his service to St. Croix health care when he was named assistant hospital administrator; safety/OSHA Officer and disaster preparedness officer.
Bastian would go on to serve as director of the Office of Veterans Affairs and as Frederiksted administrator, before retiring from government service in 1998.
In a press release Thursday, Gov. John de Jongh Jr. praised Bastian for his long and dedicated service to the people of the Virgin Islands.
"The work of Lawrence Bastian during his lifetime is noteworthy" deJongh said. "He was relentless in his commitment to make sure that veterans living in the Virgin Islands received the same level of benefits as those who reside on the mainland."
DeJongh also recalled Bastian’s long history of service to numerous organizations on St. Croix, in particular the American Legion Post, where he held a number of positions, including district commander. "He used this position to continue the fight for fair and adequate services for those who served our nation in the armed forces," the press release stated.
"A power mightier than he has called Lawrence Bastian to his final resting place, our prayer now is for him to be granted eternal rest. While the moment is tinged with great sadness and sorrow, his family should know that a grateful Virgin Islands community joins in mourning their loss," deJongh concluded.
Lt Gov. Gregory Francis called Bastian a "major figure in the veteran community," recalling the many times they worked together on issues for veterans and military personnel.
"For many years as American Legion district commander, he helped to organize activities surrounding Memorial Day, Veterans Day and the observance of September 11. More recently, Bastian helped lead the charge to build a V.I. military museum and memorial complex to honor the territory’s veterans on St. Croix," Francis said in the release.
Francis also remembered Bastian as being very involved in the community, whether it was helping organize Crucian Christmas Festival or voicing his support or opposition on many issues.
Delegate Donna M. Christensen sent condolences to Bastian's' family from her Washington office. "We have lost the consummate public servant. Someone who worked tirelessly almost 24-7 on behalf of his beloved community, especially his beloved Frederiksted, Christensen wrote Thursday.
"Larry was a tireless worker and gave of his time and talent, despite illness, disability and pain. He was a dear friend, and this is a very personal loss for Olie and me," said Christensen.
Among the many distinctions of Bastian's life was being appointed by Christensen to the federal Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans by the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs. He was the first Virgin Islander to be named to one of the federal advisory committees, which help to shape national policy on veteran’s issues.
While serving as director of the Office of Veterans Affairs, Bastian provided services to all the veterans of the territory and coordinated veterans programs with a variety of agencies and offices.
A highly civic-minded person, Bastian gave his time to many local organizations, including the Crucian Festival Committee; The VI/PR Friendship Day Committee and the St. Croix Chapter of the AARP.
Bastian leaves behind his wife, Brenda A. Petrus-Bastian, and five children: Hyacinth M. Thibodeaux, Sgt. 1st Class Susan E. Bennett, Lawrence A. Bastian Jr., Janice C. Monestine and Carla A. Bastian, along with several grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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