Gilbert “Bertie” Ellis, the oldest known living person in Belize, passed away on 8 August, at the age of 109 years, 318 days.
Gilbert Winston Ellis was born on 24 September 1916 in Belize City, Belize (then British Honduras), to Maud Ferrell and Scot Ellis. He was the father of 19 children, most of whom reside in the United States.
In 1936, Ellis began working for the Santiago Castillo Company, where he served for 45 years before retiring in 1981. Starting as an entry-level laborer, he steadily advanced to the position of chief warehouse keeper. In 1967, he was appointed Justice of the Peace and later served as chairman of the Social Welfare Board for four years. He also chaired the Rent Assessment Board. Among his notable achievements was serving as the first president of the Harmony Housing Association, founded in the 1950s with 15 members.
Ellis was also well known in the Belizean community for his athletic contributions. He gained recognition as both a batsman and bowler in cricket, becoming captain of the Rovers cricket team in 1938. After four years with the Rovers, he joined the Sussex team. Beyond cricket, he was the first president of the Amateur Boxing Association, captained a domino team, and was later inducted into the Cricket Hall of Fame.
On 22 February 2025, at the age of 108 years, 148 days, he surpassed the final age of Leonora Patnett (1913–2022), becoming the oldest (known) person ever to have lived in Belize. On 27 July 2026, at the age of 109 years, 303 days, he surpassed the final age of Alice Banner (1915–2024), becoming the oldest (known) person ever born in Belize.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Gilbert Ellis during this difficult time.
