The link for this week's worship service is : https://youtu.be/oQmxHnYBdGs
Remembering Bill Richer
On Saturday September 26th, 2020, Blanche,
their children Alan, Derek, Pamela, granddaughter Danae, and Pamela’s partner
Frank along with friends of Bill, said good-bye as Bill’s ashes were laid to
rest in the Garden of Remembrance. Despite the inclement weather and the
restrictions of Covid, family and friends of Bill from the choir were able to
sing with Derek, in their hearts, or into their masks, “Abide with Me”.
Over the years, many members of the
congregation came to know Bill as a friend, a fine artist, a regular and loyal
choir member, illustrator extraordinaire of the “Shepherd’s Way”, which he
illustrated for Blanche, and was published several times a year for many years.
The heartwarming stories and the illustrations gave us all reason to smile and
reflect on our many blessings. Many will not realize that Blanche and Bill
produced, copied, and distributed the Shepherd’s Way, all as a labour of love,
and a gift to members of the congregation.
Bill was always a gentleman. He attended
all the activities of the congregation and was loyal in his support. His
paintings and sketches, often provided as gifts for fund-raising, were enjoyed
by all and demonstrated his artistic talents.
Bill was born in Guernsey in The Channel
Islands, and, as a child, was evacuated to a safer haven when the German army
landed on his island home. Stories of his life had to be teased out of Bill,
often at the Thursday Coffee Hour, where he always sat with the gentlemen,
solving the world’s problems. Bill’s good humour was enjoyed by all. Bill was a
quiet man and his story of life on the sea was only referred to in brief… how
we would have loved to hear more of his rich experiences.
Each one of us will have a special memory
of Bill, and I felt privileged to know this quiet gentleman and his
family. Bill will be greatly missed by
all who knew him.
Rest in peace, good and faithful friend of
SPPC.
by Roy Napier
