Following John's funeral on 27th January, we have provided below details of the Service which includes a reflection of what John meant to his family:  
   
          Order of Service  
   
Entrance Music -  Jerusalem  
   
Welcome & Opening Words – Chaplain

Poem: ‘As We Look Back’ by an Unknown Author
 
As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering.....
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us.....
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
and accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgement,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We are thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us  
   
    
What Dad/Grandad John meant to us
 
“You, John’s family, are pretty sure he was aware how much he meant to you all. The many times you shared together were filled with love and laughter, and there is lots to thank John for. For example: 

- All the times he was by your sides supporting you in your education, on the sports fields, at dance and drama performances and school assemblies to name but a few;

- Being there to celebrate your successes and also in support if things got tough or didn’t go to plan;

- He taught you about the world, gave you opportunities to travel, live abroad and experience different cultures

- He passed on his love of animals and nature. You will all recall the many woodland walks, sometimes to look for wildlife, or other times to collect chestnuts for bonfire parties. Also the trips to the beach to build sandcastles and go rock pooling. Or cycle rides and getting lost on treks through muddy farmyards.

                                                                                                                         
- Caroline and Mike will recall, as children, those long trips in the car to holiday destinations using the ‘I-spy’ sheets John meticulously prepared to keep you entertained. The lists of villages to tick-off along the way, and the sing-a-longs and games to keep you busy. Many of you experienced the early morning stop- offs at the ‘Hogs-Back’ for a picnic breakfast and opportunity to see the rabbits and other creatures. Holidays were opportunities for fun; night time walks along the beach with torches to look for bats at Freshwater in Dorset; Fossil  and shell hunting; Paddles and swims in the sea; canoe trips along the river at the River Dart Country Park; and jumping the stepping stones and climbing the high ropes; and skimming stonesand crab fishing. And you didn’t let a bit of rain get in the way. When there was a massive downpour, the tarpaulin you had been sitting on was quickly lifted up and put over your heads, and in a single file you walked like a caterpillar, getting looks and smiles from all the people you passed. Evenings would be spent talking and playing games.

- John taught you by example the value of kindness, hardwork and humility. You know from experience, as well as letters you have seen from some of the less fortunate people John met in Nigeria and Chile, how he went out of his way to make sure they were fairly treated and provided for.

- Mike & Caroline will also recall as young children the thrill of looking forward to the ‘Friday night treat’; a penny Jamboree bag and a small box of chocolates for mum.  You realise now, looking back, how important this gesture was to John despite money being very tight at that time.

-As finances got more comfortable, Dad and mum were so generous to all of you; supporting the grandchildren during their teenage years and treating you all at every opportunity including holiday trips abroad as well as hiring cottages here in the UK. A trip to Disneyland Paris and Menorca were special times. You will remember so fondly the Christmases you all spent at the family home with mum and dad, with visits from aunts, uncles and cousins which was so important to John.

- Without doubt, however, the most important thing you wish to thank John for is the laughter, smiles and the times you shared. He helped shape you all, and you will all miss him dearly, but at the same time, know he is with you always.”  
   

Moment of Reflection and music: ‘The Way We Were’: Barbara Streisand
 
 
Prayers and Closing Words
 
 
Committal
 
 
Exit Music – ‘Wandering Star’ – Lee Marvin  
   
   
In these very strange times, it was not been possible for all the family and friends to pay their respects to Dad at his funeral. It is our plan, therefore, that when normality returns, we will organise a special gathering in dad’s memory.

Many thanks to all who have sent thoughts, photos, stories and donations to Dad’s Tribute page.