A Celebration of the life of Roy Sewell
 
15th August 2019
 


Entry Music: ‘Oh Mein Papa’ by Eddie Calvert
 
 
Good morning everyone. A very warm welcome to you all as we unite in both love and friendship, not only to say goodbye to Roy, and to mourn his passing, but more importantly to pay tribute to him, to give thanks, and to celebrate his life.
 
The world has lost a very special person and no doubt you have been, and are today experiencing many emotions  – grief, sadness, shock, disbelief, or perhaps you are feeling simply overwhelmed. The intensity of these emotions only bears testimony to the depth of feeling that you all hold for Roy and reflects the joy and the love you were each privileged to share with him during his life.
 
However, whilst this is a sad day, we can be sure that Roy would not want to be remembered in sadness, but rather in love, with a smile, and with thoughts of the many good and happy moments of his life.
 
 
I’d now like to read a poem on behalf of Tonia, it’s called..
 
All Is Well
 
Death is nothing at all. It does not count.I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you.
And the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name.Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.Put no difference into your tone.Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.Laugh as we always laughed, at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.Let it be spoken without an effort and without the trace of a shadow on it.Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same that it ever was.There is absolute unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?  Why should I be out of mind, because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you. For an interval.Somewhere. Very near. Just around the corner.All is well.Nothing is hurt. Nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before, only better.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
 
 
 
Tribute to Roy
 
Roy was very well known to many people, a much loved friend, father, stepfather, grandfather and great grandfather – so much to so many.
 
Roy lived a full, rich life, the way he wanted to live it. It certainly wasn’t always an easy life, especially in his early days, but he always took things in his stride, and despite more than his fair share of life’s knocks he was a proud man, always remaining stoic, with a happy, cheerful outlook, even if deep down he didn’t always feel like smiling. He’d always say ‘keep smiling, keep eating, and keep taking the tablets!’
 
Roy always kept active, and wanted to stay young, which he did, physically. He was always very hardworking and over the years had a variety of jobs including farming, taxi driving, and milkman, to name but a few; he would turn his hand to anything. Indeed he was still working at the age of 83, delivering papers!
 
Roy had a somewhat distinctive voice!….you’d hear him coming before you saw him! He had the gift of the gab, and would love to chat to anyone ….especially a lady! 
 
Indeed, Roy loved the company of ladies, and was married 3 times over the years.  But the big love of his life was Millie – his 3rd wife;  she was his forever friend, and they were together for 33 years. He loved her so much and enjoyed spoiling her, giving her a very generous budget to buy clothes and other nice things! He missed her so much when she passed away 10 years ago, but can now be reunited with her.
 
 
After he lost Millie, Roy got on with his life, and got by with the wonderful support and help of family, and also friends, neighbours, and fellow dog walkers. The family are immensely grateful to you all for all the companionship and friendship you gave Roy; it made a big difference to him. In particular a huge thank you to his closest friend Bill – your companionship since Millie died has been second to none -  you kept him safe, and Lyn and the family will always be grateful to you.
 
Roy had a big family and I know he meant different things to each of you, and had different relationships with you all. He was a proud grandfather to 17 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. He loved children, and would take an interest in them, and always ask about them.
 
He was generally known as ‘Grandad Millie’!
His great grandaughter Iona recalled a particularly special memory -  ‘I remember the memory of Christmas – I got hair chalk and we all dyed our hair’ ….suffice to say it didn’t stop there……..Roy was then given a ‘tattoo’ on his arm!! and I think we’re going to see some photographic evidence of that shortly!!
 
At home, Roy loved his garden and was always doing something with it. He adored dogs and daily meetings with his fellow dog walkers;  his much loved dog has now gone to a good home.
Roy enjoyed watching a bit of TV – especially war films, and comedies such as Dad’s Army.
He loved live comedy and enjoyed trips to see Jethro, and Jim Davidson. He’d also enjoy the occasional trip to watch boxing with Brian and Andy. He loved music, and had a very wide range of tastes, from country music, to military, big band, and some pop such as Rod Stewart and Westlife.
 
Roy loved to go out for a meal, and especially loved going for the ‘all you can eat breakfast’ at the Beefeater with Tonia, and special meals out with the family for occasions such as fathers day.
 
Despite being quite outgoing and chatty, Roy had a very unassuming, humble, and, deep down, a sensitive nature. He remained very proud and hated being a burden to people. Perhaps it was this pride that made him quite stubborn at times. Above all, Roy was a very kind, generous, friendly man, and if he could help you he would.
 
Roy passed away peacefully, and takes his final journey today wearing his suit and….. as he always loved to do….. his slippers!
 
Roy is deeply missed but is and will always be very much loved.
 
Time of Reflection
We’ve heard some wonderful memories of Roy. No doubt each one of you has your own special, treasured memories of him.   Memories build a special kind of bridge when loved ones have to part – they help us feel we're with them still and soothe our grief. Our memories span the years we shared, preserving ties of love and bring us peace of mind.  Let us take time now for quiet reflection, and recall those moments that made us smile, made us proud or that were uniquely personal to us, whilst we reflect, listen to some music, and look at some lovely pictures.
 
Music: ‘Smile’ – by Rod Stewart
 
I hope may all draw some comfort from the following poem – its called..
 
A Life Well Lived
A life well lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace,
From someone who has made our world
A brighter, better place
It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears,
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacyOf joy and pride and pleasure,A living, lasting memoryOur grateful hearts will treasure
 
 
Indian prayer
When I am dead
Cry for me a little
Think of me sometimes
But not too much.
Think of me now and again
As I was in life
At some moments it's pleasant to recall
But not for long.
Leave me in peace
And I shall leave you in peace
And while you live
Let your thoughts be with the living. Amen 
 
There is one very dear person  - Mark - who cannot be here today, but we think of him as he is no doubt thinking of us. I’d now like to read some passages from the Bible on his behalf.
 
 
John 11: 25
 
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;
 
Thessalonians 4 : 13 – 14
 
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
 
Romans 8 : 38 – 39
 
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
 
The Committal
Let us hold dear our special thoughts and memories of Roy as we prepare to say goodbye – please stand
 
Our dear Roy, your life we honour, your memory we cherish, and our love for you will be eternal.   In grief at your death, but in gratitude for your life, and for the privilege of sharing it with you, with our love, we now commit you to your final journey. You are at peace now and free from suffering,  and you can now be with Millie. Rest now at the end of your earthly days. Rest in the hearts and minds of all you love.  Our love for you will be eternal. You will be forever in our hearts.    
 
 
Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Amen
 
Closing Words
We have bid farewell to Roy in a physical sense, but he is still very much here with you, forever in your hearts and in your minds; your love for him is eternal and his spirit lives on. Roy will not be out of mind just because he is out of sight - and that is exactly how it should be.  May you all find comfort, richness and example in your memories of Roy. I wish you all courage, strength and love to help you to gradually come to terms with your grief and gradually, over time, I hope that grief will be soothed by all your happy and treasured memories.
We are coming to the close of this special service for Roy here today, but just before we hear one final piece of music and then take our leave, I would like to thank you all for being here today, to pay tribute to Roy and to support the family and each other.   Thankyou. 
 
Exit Music: ‘Gertcha’ by Chas & Dave