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Fellowship of Christian Magicians (UK) |
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Fellowship of Christian Magicians (UK) |
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Report by Peter Gardner Christmas Eve is not the best time to have a funeral and none of us wanted to be there. None of us expected Pete to die so soon and we thought that he would be around for many years. Probably like many, when I heard the news of Pete's sudden death I thought that it must be a joke or that this was a grand illusion that he was working on and that he would suddenly spring from the box holding up loose chains and handcuffs. Sadly for us all it was true. Pete's funeral was certainly the most amazing funeral that I have ever attended. The burial took place at Kingston upon Thames cemetery. To begin with there were just so many people there. Quite a few had colourful clothes on as had been requested. Apart from Pete's family and close friends there was also a large turn out from the fellowship, The Magic Circle and the other clubs that Pete was a member of. There were many top names from the entertainment world in attendance. One of the workers at the cemetery told us that he had worked there for 25 years and this was the first time that he had ever seen a traffic jam there. We all lined up at the cemetery gate and a lone piper piped the hearse carrying Pete's body from the cemetery gate to the grave side. We all followed on behind. Never have I seen such a large coffin, it was huge. Pete is a big lad. It took seven men to lift the coffin from the hearse. The grave digger had placed wooden slats across the top of the grave, to support the coffin prior to it being lowered into the ground. I don't think that these would have taken Pete's weight though and neither it seems did the funeral directors as they kept tension on the lowering straps all during the addresses over the coffin. Dennis Blacksmith gave the address for The Fellowship of Christian Magicians. Everyone without exception was moved with emotion and we all just wanted to throw our arms around Pete's family standing by the grave, give them all a big hug and assure them that Pete was now OK and with Our Lord and Saviour. The piper played Amazing Grace at the end of the burial. After the burial we travelled the short distance to New Malden Baptist Church for the service of thanksgiving for Pete's life and his time with us. At the church we were all made very welcome by members of the church and given tea or coffee before the service to warm everyone up. The church was packed for the service which was led by the Revd. Scott Williams. Mark Shortland read two sections of scripture 1 Thess. 4:13-18 and Rev. 21:1-7 The first hymn was a very upbeat version of the 23rd psalm which was very rousing. Tributes were then given by Richard Pinner and Mark Stafford. There were many laughs at some of Pete's antics that were described during these tributes. The whole congregation applauded the speakers at the conclusion of each tribute. A prayer of thanksgiving for Pete's life was said by Ian Valance. This was followed by the hymn "Be Though my vision" again this was very upbeat and rousing. The address was given by the Revd. Steve Chalke from the Oasis Trust. Again there were tears and also laughter during this talk and Steve took great care to stress that we were all there to support Pete's parents, family and friends. The final hymn was "I cannot tell why He, whom angels worship" this was to the tune of The Londonderry air (Oh Danny Boy). After the service refreshments and food were served and it was a great time to renew contacts with magical friends old and new. Pete was only 39 and on his way to an incredible career. Why then I thought was he taken away from us so early, when he could have done so much more. As soon as I thought this, I was given a rare insight into God's incredible plan of battle. Pete had accomplished all that he was required to do but God had one last task which only he could perform. How else could God, get the Good News spoken, so clearly, to so many non-Christian magicians without laying down one of his best men and bringing him home. You can be sure that there were many people in that congregation who God spoke to that day. My wife and I had a private chuckle on the way back home. I said to her, can you imagine the angel's expressions when they give Pete a sword for the final battle. His reply will probably be "No thanks I prefer my chain saw" You are going to be a hard act to follow Pete and we all look forward to that glorious day when we shall meet again. Rest well you have earned it. ps. These pictures were supplied by Andy Chipling from The Magic Circle for the benefit of people who could not attend the funeral.
N.B: - Should anyone want to get copies of the photos
sent to them. |
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Revised: April 06, 2008
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