The funeral of Gerald Clarke, held at Torquay Crematorium, was very well attended with a large number of representatives from all his three main loves - music - teaching - cricket. There were two moving musical tributes from his own choir - the St David's Singers.
A full Thanksgiving Service for Gerald was held at the St Michael and All Angels Church, Pinhoe on Monday 15th June 2009. The service had been planned in advance by Gerald with his own choice of hymns and music - Who would true valour be, Rutter's Gaelic Blessing sung by members of Pinhoe Church, from the Vicar of Dibley - Goodall's The Lord's my Shepherd sung by the full Pinhoe Church choir, Glorious things of thee are spoken, Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Britten's Hymn to the Virgin from the St David's Singers, The day thou gravest, Lord is ended was the final beautiful closing hymn. The St David Singers gave another moving rendering of Purcell's Hear My Prayer, O Lord before organist Bob Millington concluded the service winning a deserved round of applause for his performance of that most difficult piece by Vierne - Carillon de Westminster. Readings included The Troops by Siegfried Sassoon and Mendip Hughes from Peter Tinniswood's Tales from the Long Room. Gerald had written many of the introductions outlining his life and interests and there were heartfelt tributes from school, cricket and music. Gerald would have been delighted at the energy and quality of the singing. Gerald's ashes were interred after the service at dusk to John Donne's evocative Bring us, O Lord God, at our last awakening. The service was followed by a jovial gathering, splendidly hosted by St Michael and All Angels, when much more information was learnt of Gerald’s life and interests
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