Bob Cartwright's Funeral

Just as Bob always claimed he had "a Lucky Life" so on the the day of his funeral we all awoke to a beautiful day bathing the very grand St James's Church in sunshine, with rays of light through the colours of the decorated windows. Very befitting after the long grey winter we have experienced.

As expected, St James Church was full of people wishing to pay Bob their last respects, and as he was borne, followed by Helen and all the family into the Church, the sounds of "Amazing Grace "echoed through the Church.

This was a symbol of one of Bob's greatest campaigns as he encouraged the village to come together to raise money to fund treatment in the USA for fellow cancer sufferer Berni Cliffe.

Martin, Bob's younger brother, gave the eulogy in which he described their early life together and Bob's larger than life character and his decisive nature, which provided the grounding for his very successful career and his contribution to the village after he retired. His founding of the village website and chairing of the Parish Plan groups led to so many of the projects which have since come to fruition in the village.

The rousing hymn " Jerusalem" was followed by the exit music "When the Saints go Marching In" bringing a smile to the face.

The funeral party processed to the beautiful Audlem cemetery where Bob was laid to rest – his suffering over.

Refreshments were provided, as always so ably, by Jo and Allan of the Lord Combermere.

We finish with a poem from the Order of Service :

"A lucky Life" Bob would often say,
He filled our hearts along the way,
We'll remember him always, come what may,
So greatly missed on this, his final day.

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