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« Reply #42 on: February 13, 2013, 10:27:29 AM » |
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Kim was laid to rest on Monday.
Maria wanted to Post something, but did not feel quite able to find the words, so I said I would write a few words on her behalf.
The Funeral was at a Greek Church, near the centre of Leicester, as Kim, & many of the family, live in the area.
There was not a spare seat, or pew, in the Church, there were some 250 mourners seated, & another 50 or so standing.
I had never attended a Greek funeral before, & it was very different to what I was used to.
The congregation were not required to sing, or pray, all that was done by three Clergy, dressed in their wonderful robes.
They "chanted", in Greek I assume, for some time, one at a time, in rotation.
Then the Chief Clergy spoke in English about Kim, & the family.
One of Kim's daughters, flanked, I assume by her sisters, then read out, with some difficulty via quivering lips, a Poem called "Welcome Home". I tried to find it Online, as it was perfectly lovely, but there are several, & I don't want to quote the wrong one.
We were each handed a long, thin, white candle, which we lit, & held throughout the Service, which lasted some 45 minutes.
After the service proper ended, music was played, starting with Cat Stevens, "Moonshadow".
Yes, I'm being followed by a moonshadow
Moonshadow, moonshadow
Leaping and hopping on a moonshadow
Moonshadow, moonshadow
And if I ever lose my hands
Lose my plow, lose my land
Oh, if I ever lose my hands
Oh, if - I won't have to work no more
And if I ever lose my eyes
If my colors all run dry
Yes, if I ever lose my eyes
Oh, if - I won't have to cry no more
Yes, I'm being followed by a moonshadow
Moonshadow, moonshadow
Leaping and hopping on a moonshadow
Moonshadow, moonshadow
And if I ever lose my legs
I won't moan, and I won't beg
Oh, if I ever lose my legs
Oh, if - I won't have to walk no more
And if I ever lose my mouth
All my teeth, north and south
Yes, if I ever lose my mouth
Oh, if - I won't have to talk-
Did it take long to find me?
I ask the faithful light
Oh, did it take long to find me?
And, are you going to stay the night?
Then all the family assembled on the Alter, near the coffin, & one by one, every Member of the congregation filed up to them & embraced.
The whole Funeral, such as it can be, was wonderful.
I never attended the burial at the Cemetery, or the wake at The Marriott, but Maria tells me it was packed with those paying their respects.
There must have been a good 30 or 40 poker players there, including so many faces from back in the day at Gala Notts, Gala Leicester, Walsall Grosvenor & The Broadway. I was sat next but one to John Shipley, & behind Frankie Knight. "Chippy" the Leicester lad, was close by, too.
I recognized many of Maria's family, including her Mum, who has not aged a bit, Angelo, Louis, & of course Peter. Peter looked terribly gaunt & distressed throughout.
Maria was there with Glenn. Maria had been dreading it, but she told me she was overwhelmed by how many people turned out to show their respects, and she was fortified by the wonderful way the whole Family had come together at such a difficult time.
Before the Funeral, Maria had shown this thread to the Family, & they were thrilled that so many of you had taken the trouble to say such moving tributes to Kim.
RIP, Kim. Proper Gentleman.
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