On Thursday 16thMay 2019, we said a loving farewell to Geoff, our minister of almost 20 years.
He was taken seriously ill in September, but over the months since then he still ministered to us in many ways, still preaching, with the gentle support of Rev Peter Norton and, we know, praying for us all.
He was admitted to Willen Hospice for the last few weeks and when any of us visited him there, he would always ask us to read him something from the Bible and pray with him. We don’t know if we did him ‘any good’, but we all came away feeling uplifted by his dignity, care and love for us.
On 3rdMay he gently and peacefully went to be with his Lord and Saviour after many years of faithful service. He was an ordained (and working) minister for over 60 years and had received a certificate for 60 years for his long association with The London School of Theology, which was formerly known as The London Bible College.
His funeral service was a true celebration of a life faithfully lived for God. Geoff had chosen the hymns (even the tunes he wanted), readings and those he wished to speak at the service.
There were about 200 people at the service from all around the country.
We would like to record our grateful thanks to St Mary’s Church Bozeat for the use of the church and their gracious hospitality.
Geoff’s earthly remains have been laid to rest in Bozeat cemetery with his beloved Daphne; they were such a good team and are now reunited.
Special thanks to Chris and Linda Brett for the extravagant and generous use of the vicarage and garden. It was a beautiful day, wall to wall sunshine, and everyone felt relaxed and enjoyed catching up with family and friends. Thank you to Ellie for organising lunch.
The only person missing was Geoff, he would have loved it, but we know he was there in spirit.
In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore Thee and dwell in Thy sight;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus ‘tis now.
Sue Partridge-Underwood
Church Secretary
TLC Bozeat
Here is a link to the Order of Service