23/06/2025
Being able to lead the funeral for my Uncle Gerry was one of the greatest honours of my life.
The service was well received with lots of positive comments.
As a former firefighter his coffin, adorned with a flag and fireman's helmet, was led into the chapel by a standard bearer from Kent Fire Brigade to You'll Never Walk Alone. His two Grandsons were among the pall bearers.
My Mum gave a most moving tribute to her big brother, in the form of a poem she wrote in his honour. There was also a fitting tribute from one of his friends from the North Foredown golf club as well as an emotional visual tribute to These are the days of our lives by Queen.
The turn out was incredible - over 100 people with standing room only for many at the rear of the chapel. It just shows how loved he was.
Afterwards we celebrated his life at the golf club by telling the same funny family stories we always tell but always laugh at no matter how many times we hear them.
Despite the sad circumstances, it was lovely to catch up with my Aunty Pat, cousin Jayne, her husband Roland and their three children Sophie, Joseph and George who we haven't seen for a while and also so good to be there with Mum, Aunty Di, Uncle Jock and Uncle Ian. It was also good to speak to so many of Gerry's friends and former colleagues and to meet Jayne's lovely friend Catherine.
It was a reminder that family is everything x
