Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, he is survived by his wife of 39 years Cecile Phillip, children Odessa Phillip, Tamieka Thomasson (m. Donte Thomasson), Ernest Skinner, Jr and grandchildren Aidyn and Maddyson Thomasson. He is also survived by his siblings Sherma Edwards, Ingrid Goodridge, Ian Phillip, Marilyn Phillip and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was a father figure to many who passed through his home including Michelle Goodridge, Keisha McCray, Malachi Smith, and Nicole Bramwell.
He grew up in Point Cumana and was the older ‘brother’ to his cousins David and Pamela. He attended Trinity College for secondary education, graduating in 1965. He left Trinidad in his late teens and moved to the United States to further his education.
He attended UDC Teachers College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish launching his career educating international students with his friend and mentor, Maria Tukeva, at the Multicultural Career Intern Program (MCIP), later renamed Bell Multicultural High School (Bell). He later earned a Master’s degree in Education from George Mason University focusing on Bilingual/Multicultural education. He was promoted many times, earning a position as Assistant Principal at Bell until he took the helm as Principal of Theodore Roosevelt Senior High School in the fall of 1995. In 2000, Learie was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Although the diagnosis ultimately led to his early retirement, he required educational excellence from every student and staff member he encountered at Roosevelt, increasing college bound student enrollment until his retirement in 2005.
A lifetime soccer enthusiast, he coached at Bell, leading to league and tournament championships. He was recognized as the DCIAA Soccer Coach of the Year in 1992 and 1993 and served as the DCIAA Soccer commissioner for many years. He played soccer with and managed the Twilighters Soccer team until PD impacted his ability to play competitively. He began refereeing - often providing advice to coaches and players after the games. Most recently, he attended and enjoyed watching his grandson Aidyn’s soccer games.
An avid traveler, he saw the world with his wife, Cecile, visiting countries in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He enjoyed watching television shows with “good writing” and cheering for his favorite sports teams Manchester United and Washington Football Team.
He will be dearly missed and remembered fondly by his family, friends, colleagues, and the thousands of students whose lives he influenced in his 20+ years educating DCPS students.
