Lynne enjoying the tulips at the Keukenhof Gardens in The Netherlands
Lynne enjoying an 'aperol spritz' at the seaside in Noordwijk aan Zee
Lynne amongst the amazing windmills at Zaanse Schans
On Thursday 5th July 2018, after a private family service at Harrogate Crematorium, a Service of Thanksgiving was held at St John's Chuch. It was a wonderful celebration of Lynne's life. The church flower team, who Lynne was a part of, decorated the whole church with beautiful flower arrangements. Our church worship band played so many of the songs Lynne loved before and during the service. Louisa, Susie and I displayed over one hundred scrapbook pages on the church columns and walls. They all represented Lynne and showed many aspects of her life, especially our travels. Lynne had chosen three hymns for the Thanksgiving . . . 'There is a redeemer', 'Praise is rising' and 'In Christ Alone'. Simon, our vicar and friend, read the tribute to Lynne I had written. Then the most moving and beautiful part of the service was Louisa and Susie singing a duet called 'Oceans'. It was so special and Lynne would have loved it! Our curate and friend, Ruth, read the bible reading from 2 Corinthians 4 verses 16 to 5 in verse 7 which had a very special meaning to Lynne and I in the last few days of her life.
Simon's address was based on the sure knowledge that Lynne is in the safe hands of Jesus. He explained how Lynne didn't want to die, but she was most definitely ready to meet her maker, to place her hand in His, and to journey forward without any fear. This was because she knew deeply that the best was yet to come, that she was going home to her heavenly Father, to the dwelling place Jesus had prepared for her through His death and ressurection. To sum up Lynne in a few words Simon chose . . . . loving, warm, engaging, outgoing, enthusiastic, funny, dynamic, chatty, battling, courageous, inspirational and unique. He said that Lynne has left an indelible mark on all our hearts, and she will always be very dear to us.
Everyone stayed for refreshments after the service. It was so good to chat to what was over one hundred and fifty people who had attended the Thanksgiving. There were friends from our college days, our church family, Richard Taylor School and many others. Over £600 was raised for St Michael's Hospice, St Gemma's Hospice and Yorkshire Cancer Care. I am sure that Lynne would have thought the occasion was just perfect. I am so pleased it was such a joyful celebration of Lynne's life.
David beside the polder at Zaanse Schans
Pilgrim 'shell' way-marker on the Camino de Santiago
David and Lynne near the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau in Switzerland in August 1973
Regards
David
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