This was the picture I put into a silver frame to stand on his coffin for the service,until that day,no one had seen the picture,it was taken when he visited me and paid respects at the bench I have for George in Settle churchyard.

Funeral service for Mark took place Thursday July 11^th 2013

Following Mark’s wishes the service was assembled by his Father Paul and delivered in the small chapel of the Hull Crematorium followed by a graveside service in northern cemetery at the family plot…Grave 20/467….by Reverand Val who came out of retirement to conduct Mark’s funeral,she had conducted George’s 4 years previously

Family led in behind the coffin to Frank Sinatra…”My Way”

Reverand Val gave a welcome introduction.

Prayers and why we are here….

TRACK 2.. Puff Daddy “Every breath I take”…

23^rd Psalm…..

 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Eulogy 1 was from Mark’s very good friends Nikki and Tony…

The words cannot express how we are feeling right now.Never thought we would be saying our goodbyes so soon.

Our love for you will always be strong and go on and on.

We understand it is your time but it doesn’t stop the hurt for those who are left behind.

You told us so many times you were honoured to have such a wonderful Mum and Dad.They were your rock and pulled you through the good times and the bad.

You asked me to thank them for all they have done for you and to let them know that your love for them was true.

We remember the day you were re-united with your beautiful daughters Naomi and Georgie,you said tell them that your love for them would never die and that you both made him the proudest Dad on this Earth.You really made his day,you made him so happy too.

Mark… you are the best friend anyone could have wished for,so precious,so brave,so loving and so funny too.

Now our dearest friend,this sad time has come for God to open his gates for you.

Your battle is now over and your freedom has come.

So very pleased we all stayed together through the hurt, the pain and fun.

Well ‘Tosh’,we sang,we laughed,we cried and now from all our hearts we say our fondest goodbyes.

God bless you till we meet again.

Love always,your best friends Nikki and Tony and Jamie. Xxx

TRACK 3 UB40…”please don’t make me cry “

EULOGY TWO from his Mum and Dad….

Mark was no Angel,but who of us on this Earth are?.

He suffered so much,the same as his late brother George.So,like George,he earned his place in Heaven with Celestial Angels.

Mark was kind,considerate and thoughtful and just recently was reunited with his daughters.Alas,it was not to be and a void is left in all our hearts,most of all his loving Mum who has cared for him and nursed him the same as for his late brother.

We can rest in the knowledge that they are re-united and at peace and free from pain.

Mark wanted the same poem read as was at Georges funeral.Its by Mary Elizabeth Frye and entitled,”Do not stand at my grave and weep”

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there; I did not die.

TRACK 4 UB40 “ Johnny Be Good” …

Prayer Eternal God…

God of mercy,

as we mourn the death of Mark
and thank you for his  life,
we also remember times when it was hard for us to understand,
to forgive, and to be forgiven.
Heal our memories of hurt and failure,
and bring us to forgiveness and life
in Jesus Christ our Lord

AMEN.

Rev Val’s Commendation……

The Lord’s prayer

OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Service moved to the graveside with music

TRACK 5 UB40 “Too many rivers to cross”…

At the graveside.

Poem from Dad’s choice. “Death is nothing at all” by Henry Scott Holland…

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to 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 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 effect.
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.
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.

Poem choice from Mum….”Weep not for me”

Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my souls at rest.
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed.
For all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on..

By Constance Jenkins

Rev Val said a final prayer followed by the scattering of soil,single red roses and then the service was over.

It was a memorable day…..