I find myself once again at the computer, this time not typing what Reg dictated but writing for him. He had been approached by Cheryl to do a write up for the Cathedral Visitor on Baptism/Confirmation shortly before he passed and therefore had been doing research. Research was Reg’s favourite pastime, something that he so enjoyed and writing the article had to be just perfect. He so wanted to help where ever he could especially seeing that he was once again going to conduct the Confirmation course this year.

However, we cannot do the write up for him. Instead we find ourselves writing a very different article. His shoes are going to be very difficult to fill as he possessed so much love. Theology was his life’s passion and services had to be conducted correctly. Always bearing in mind who the service was meant for, our Holy Father, so nothing was to be second best or shoddily done.

He loved each and everyone in the congregation and worried about ‘you all’. Praying came easily to him and he prayed for all in need, no matter what the need was. He loved his hospital visitations and took this most seriously. Nothing, but nothing would stop or impede these visits even on his not so good days when he was having difficulty walking and to negotiate the long passages took it out of him. But to him these people needed him and so he went.

Dad’s passion was for his church. He would always say that you don’t do something for the church but for God. In the words of Ancient & Modern hymn 235 he did “serve thee to the end” and we know that “then in heaven receive me my Master and my Friend” is where you are.

Thank you Dad for what you meant and did for us as a family ~ nothing was too much of an effort. We miss your smile, the security of your presence and your chair is empty. You once said that you could be alone in your study but as long as you knew we were in the house you were content. Distance may have separated us over the years but you were only a phone call away.

In conclusion we would like to end off with words Reg would use at a funeral. He would tell the family that death is like a railway station. One person boards the train and the train pulls out of the station leaving the others behind on the platform. In his words “You don’t say goodbye, instead till we meet again.”

Rest in peace our wonderful and precious Reg/Dad/Jumpy – we will always love and cherish you. We are heartbroken and miss you terribly. Your heart was so tired Dad, but you will live on in our hearts. Rest now Dad, and may your rest be peaceful and happy. Rest at Jesus’ feet.

Dawn, Tracy, Louise, Edward & Jessica