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TAIL OF
THE DOG

Requiescat in Pace

unerals are usually sombre It was a sad, beautiful funeral. Francis’ unembellished coffin seen
events. But only if they reflect on television a few days earlier.
Fthe person’s life or way of dying. In complete contrast, a very good After the service, family and friends
friend of long standing - we had walked the few blocks back to the
Many years ago, a good friend of known each other for over sixty house, which felt like a very local
mine, in his early fifties, was shot years - died quietly after a long battle village event, everyone gently
dead in a hijacking – for his Citi against invasive cancer. He hardly chatting to each other along the
Golf. We were all appalled. He had complained and fought to enjoy every way. More memories surfaced, more
been very precise, punctual and last minute of his life. The funeral stories were told. The house was full
punctilious in his life, and even was held in a church near the family of flowers, and glowing fires in the
though still young, had left exact home, and it was filled with cheerful fireplaces. It was a joyful celebratory
instructions for his funeral service. well-wishing friends, all with stories evening, befitting his long, interesting
We sat in a packed church, the to tell of how they knew him, and of life. His family felt he should have
organist was delayed, so when she how much he had meant to them. been there; he would have enjoyed
arrived, we half expected his ghost He loved people, he loved travelling every minute.
to sit up in the coffin and say, “You’re to the remotest corners of this and
late!” However, everything went neighbouring countries. Unusual May all souls RIP - Rest In Peace,
as planned, including the playing road trips were part of his life. He you are OBM - Of Blessed Memory.
of a recording of John Lennon’s could talk to anyone and always did.
“Imagine”. Everyone sat in total
silence, listening to every single word The service was simple, his plain
of that extraordinary hymn to peace. pine coffin reminiscent of Pope Gill Butler

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