Monday 21 April 2008

Ken Moore

A Tribute for Ken Moore
by Phyllis Bunnett

I remember Ken as he was when he first came to a Sunday Service; his smart appearance, the spring in his step, his benign smile. He was so polite, patient, painstaking and paternal.
While all this was obvious, it was only gradually that we came to experience the hidden depths. He had, we learned, come from a very warm Christian home, he was well educated and loved projects to research; these gave him an excuse to spend hours delving into his amazing library, writing letters to authorities both church and secular, and organising his material for presentation.
But deeper than that was his love and care for people, especially young people down on their luck. He had, over the years, helped to put some people back on their feet, with great self-sacrifice, and some of his neighbours will remember him with gratitude. He was proud of being our church warden—and made a real job of it.
But in spite of these onerous and time consuming labours, I think he will be remembered by many as “The Marmalade Man” - he also excelled at jam making and many other culinary arts. All his jars and goods were labelled very precisely, even to the extent of times and natures of our services. Whilst he didn’t reach the height of “by Royal Appointment” he certainly could say “Purveyor to the Bishop” - and he did! - very proudly.
There was no aspect of Church Life in which he was not actively involved, Toddlers, Lunch Club and catering, Prayers, Lent Groups, etc, etc…
Physically he had suffered a great deal in recent years; on two occasions through accidents on his boat, which he regretfully had to relinquish.
Just a fortnight ago he chaired our AGM but he was really very unwell, he had been laid low by a severe cold and cough, but true to form, refused to give up.
However he was taken into hospital, the following day, his condition worsened and he died in the Critical Care Unit on Friday 18th April at 2:30pm.
Already today - Sunday 20th - he is much missed, there are so many gaps to fill… and although I know he suffered some disappointments due to our stubbornness, and his too, I think relationships were strengthened by the outcomes - he bore no grudges.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his three sons and their families; to Simon and Louise, and their three daughters, to Andrew and Sarah and their two little ones and to Michael.
We would like you to know how much we appreciated him and also how proud he was of you all.
We are thankful that the end came gently and peacefully.
In loving memory,
Phyllis

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