Jack Delaney (19/02/1935 - 24/10/2022) - Eulogy delivered by celebrant Anne Paterson at Clackmannan Parish Church on 3rd November 2022.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is his faithfulness.
Good afternoon and thank you for being here as we gather in this house of God to remember and give thanks for the life of Mr Jack Delaney – beloved husband of the late Leslie Delaney, father to John and Fiona, partner of Margaret, father-in-law to Susan and Michael and very proud grandfather of Kendal, Heather, Eilidh and Jack. After the service here there will be a short service of committal at Stirling Crematorium. As you leave the church, there will be an opportunity to donate to the work of Strathcarron Hospice and the British Heart Foundation. After the services you are invited to join the family at the Dunmar House Hotel in Alloa where you can chat with the family and share your memories of Jack.
Let us open our service by standing to sing the first hymn on your order of service – The Lord’s My Shepherd which we will sing to the tune of the Rowan Tree.
I am very grateful to the family for putting together this tribute to Jack’s life. It is quite long but I make no apologies for that for Jack lived a long life, a very full life and its story deserves to be told in all its fullness.
John (Jack to everyone) Gordon Delaney was born in Inverkeithing on 19th February 1935. Son of Marion and John and a surprise baby brother for his sisters Greta and Mima. He had a great childhood where he spoke of helping his dad with the grocery runs during the war and generally being spoiled by his parents and his older sisters!
In 1945 the family sold the grocery business in Inverkeithing and moved to Tullibody. This was the start of the family business Delaney & Lyle Ltd, run at that time by his dad and mum in partnership with sister Greta and her husband Bud. Following the death of his father, Jack and his mum moved to 45 Grange Road so they could be closer to the family business. Jack attended St John’s Primary school where he was Dux (I’m sure he wouldn’t want that to be shared since he was quite a modest person!). Having a good 11+ result he was then able to continue his education at Alloa Academy. Jack later joined his brother-in-law in the family business.
Jack was fifteen when he first picked up an accordion and started having a tune with pal Allen Barnett while on his dinner break. Not having a music teacher or able to read the dots the lads ‘lugged’ tunes from records and the radio (he called it ‘the wireless’ but we are sure it’s the same thing!) It was while practising in one of the glasshouses that they were overheard by the conductor of the Alva Youth Club Choir who invited them to play during breaks in the choir’s annual concert.
The duo became regular guests with the choir and this helped them to build up confidence to later set up ‘The Rowan Band’. They played together for three years and became well known locally. Unfortunately, they had to part company as some of the members went off to do their National Service.
It was while he was in Leeds with the Royal Army Pay Corps that Jack was invited to play for the Leeds Scottish Country Dance Club’s monthly dance. Having no experience of Scottish Country Dancing and little knowledge of the skills required, Jack had to embark on a steep learning curve to find original tunes and learn the discipline of counting bars etc.
In June 1955, when he was twenty Jack finished his National Service and was back in Alloa. It was at this time that a friend, Andrew Rankine, asked him if he would like to join his band. This was a great opportunity as Andrew was a really good, swingy player. Although playing melody alongside him was a daunting task, this experience had a huge influence on Jack and provided the basis of Jack’s swingy and driving style. It was with these men that Jack enjoyed his Scottish Dance Band apprenticeship and in the September of that year performed his first live broadcast.
In 1956 Andrew and Jack were inspired by the new sound and technique of one of the accordions playing rhythm and immediately started experimenting and developing the idea. Shortly after, they decided to do a full broadcast using the second box playing chords all the way through and this is what was to become his style of playing ‘Second Box’ as we know it today. This was one of the most influential periods in his musical career which led to him becoming much sought after in this role with many bands.
The band was very busy in those years. They travelled all over the country often playing in the north of Scotland on the Friday night and down south in the Borders on the Saturday. They regularly toured the West Coast of Scotland. It was a butcher called Willie McLean who first invited them to play in Aultbea at the famous village hall. Jack said there used to be a grand piano in the Aultbea village hall which was amazing because good pianos were always hard to find. What was even more amazing was that Willie often had a bottle of whisky hidden under the lid - just for emergencies!
Gigs like these ones would often start at midnight and carry on until 5 in the morning when the band would get a couple of hours sleep then load up and drive back down the road for a broadcast or work, usually followed by a gig that evening.
It was during 1959 that Jack met Leslie. He had been delivering flowers and when he saw her he told his niece Marion that he would like to ask her out. Marion encouraged the relationship and they were married in September 1960. She was the perfect wife putting up with him being away so much and having to wash white shirts all the time. She supported him unquestionably and even forgave him (just!) when he accidentally arranged a gig in the Lake District for someone’s silver wedding party – on the day of his own silver wedding!! In 1962 they welcomed the arrival of son John. At this point the family were staying in Alloa supporting Jack’s mum, however John’s tendency to wander led to a move to Riccarton in Clackmannan. In 1969 Fiona was born.
The family spent many happy years there with Graeme and Evelyn Burns living just round the corner in Park Place. Not only did the two families spend time at home, they enjoyed annual holidays to Mellon Udrigle to visit the McIver family – Jack’s favourite place to be with Leslie – where the 5 children, two couples and close family friend Sandy McGilchrist would squeeze together in the caravan owned by Alice and Jessie, for 3 meals every day! Days were spent fishing, pottering in boats or canoes and playing many card games whilst avoiding the midgies. These holidays continued up until very recently and often involved doing jobs for Ian on the croft that might just involve having a wee shot of his grey Fergie.
Jack and Leslie had a very warm and loving relationship, living in ‘perfect harmony’ for 53 years. Jack and Leslie encouraged all the family with their music and Leslie in particular was very proud of them all. As a couple they worked together in the family business, played host to band practices and regularly held family gatherings for the extended family with New Year’s Dinner often seating 24 people for a three course meal! Jack was renowned for taking over the cooking at the end of the day for his famous cheese on toast for supper for the whole team.
In 1960, Jack joined the Hamish Menzies band and played with them until 1972. Hamish was Jack’s best friend at the time and later married his niece Marion. This band consisted of Hamish on fiddle, Dochie McCallum on Shand Morino, Bert Leishman on drums, Walter Sinton on piano and keeping it in the family Andy, husband of his niece Mary, on bass. They would travel all over the country in the Bedford van with a dodgy heater playing in Lochearnhead, Killin, Lochgilphead as well as many venues on the west coast, in the borders and the north of England. This was one of the best working bands he had been in and Jack really enjoyed playing with these fellows. He reckons that Hamish and Dochie were two of the finest gentlemen in the band business. In 1965, Gus Miller joined the band and did his first broadcast with them.
It was in 1972, when Hamish Menzies took over as Postmaster in Callander, that Jack started his own band. The original line-up was Gus Miller, Neil McMillan, Ricci Franci and Graeme Burns plus Elaine Anderson singing. Elaine was later replaced by Jean Thom.
Jean and her husband John became close friends with Jack and Leslie, and in recent years Jean encouraged Jack to take up a weekly spot with Colleen Blyth to support a group of adults learning through the Have Your Say organisation. Jean and Jack along with their wee band gave freely of their time and talent to bring fun and laughter to these adults and Colleen mentioned that he even did what he was told!
Jack’s line up changed over the years, and he was so proud to have his granddaughter Heather playing fiddle for a time, but his final line up saw his great friend Alistair as his right hand man, son John on bass, Fiona Cook on fiddle and Melanie Dutton on drums. The band played right up until the start of the lockdown period with Jack’s last gig being the 21st birthday party of Eilidh, our piper Callum’s sister.
Over the years Jack has played second box for many different artists’ recordings and broadcasts and you were listening to the last broadcast Jack recorded with his own band as you arrived today. He has played alongside many of the top bands including Bert Shorthouse, Sir Jimmy Shand and Jimmy Shand Jnr., Jim Johnstone, Alex MacArthur, Robin Brock, Iain MacPhail, Sandy Nixon, Neil Barron, Colin Dewar and many others.
Jack has always been keen to see traditional Scottish music survive and be enjoyed by as many people as possible. For many years Jack helped tutor bands of young people in an organisation called ‘The Clachan Ceilidh’. ‘The Ceilidh’ was set up by Matt McCabe in Alloa and it provided an opportunity for youngsters to learn skills in Scottish dance, song, and a variety of musical instruments. The young people could then come together to perform for the public at concerts and ceilidhs.
It was through the Clachan Ceilidh that many of today’s musicians did their apprenticeship including Gus Miller, Neil McMillan, Walter Sinton, John Sinton, Marissa Bryce, Billy Ferguson, Graham Miles, Bert Fullerton, Ian Thomson, Gordon Shand and many more. It was during this period that Jack met Graeme Burns who began to play with his band and became his best friend.
Playing with so many different people means that Jack has managed to travel the length and breadth of Britain reaching north to Wick and south to London and across the seas to France and Monte Carlo. Whoever said that playing the accordion wasn’t glamorous? He has even played for Royalty in Edinburgh, Balmoral and Stirling. The Queen commented to Jack that she was most concerned that they had to carry so much heavy equipment around with them! Whilst her granddaughters Beatrice and Eugenie asked if the band knew any Stevie Wonder numbers.
Jack has met so many friends through his music, family and his business and he was grateful for the encouragement and friendship of Alistair and Veda Stephen and Farquhar and Maree Matheson over the years. Sandy McGilchrist who also played in Jack’s band for a time, had grown up with Leslie’s family and thought of her as the sister he never had. Jack and Sandy enjoyed a shared love of boats and music and he was part of the family. Jack yet again went out his way to support and care for Sandy when Sandy’s health deteriorated.
One of the highlights in Jack’s career was receiving the Caithness Bowl from the National Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs as one of their Guests of Honour in 2005 at their Annual AGM and luncheon.
Despite being so busy with his music Jack and son John continued to run the local Nursery in Alloa. In 1979 they moved back to Grange Road – this time moving into number 47. As always Jack and Leslie put family first and this move was to support Leslie’s mum Mary in her final years.
Running the family business and a busy Scottish dance band meant that there wasn’t much time left for relaxation, however Jack’s passion was boats! When the family were younger Jack worked a 13 day fortnight and day 14 was usually spent pottering around on Loch Lubnaig or Loch Tay. In later years he could be seen on the Forth with Sandy or with Andy on their yachts. It was during this period that Jack made a strong friendship with Ian Fraser or Para Handy as he was called on Jack’s mobile phone! Ian and Billy Ferguson encouraged Jack to keep this hobby going as long as he was able and last year at the tender age of 86 he was still out in his boat at Loch Lomond with his loyal crewmates.
Jack and Leslie lived for their family and were proud parents and grandparents. He loved when the family all got together for a meal or a games night. He always had time to listen to the news of each of the grandchildren and would encourage and support them all when they were at school and as they took up their different careers. He was delighted that the children followed the family tradition and became talented musicians in their own right. Despite his age he was great at keeping up to date with the latest technology and would often bypass John and Fiona and go straight to the young team when advice was needed. When they were younger he was delighted to give rides on the tractor to each of them and they all took turns to ‘drive the boat’. Each grandchild was encouraged to drive in the winter as if there was a glass of water on the bonnet of their car – maybe a glass of whisky would have had better meaning!
Jack was completely devoted to Leslie over their 53 year marriage. He supported her unconditionally through the fun times and the more challenging times in her life. The family were very concerned about how he would cope when she finally lost her battle in October 2013. As always, the family worked together to support him, with countless games of Gin Rummy, Black Jack and Chinese take away party nights. Robert Ralston took him under his wing and got him to help out in the Manfrini workshop in Tillicoultry to keep him busy.
However, in 2014 there was concern to hear about a meeting of the CID. When asked to explain he said it was Comrades in Distress. He was meeting an old family friend who was experiencing similar grief as he was. This friend could understand his pain of losing Leslie. Margaret or M as he called her was also in need of support. They met regularly to have coffee and share their memories of Leslie and Kenny.
Jack took ill in 2018 and was blue lighted to Edinburgh Royal infirmary where the family were called to say their farewells. During the family gathering (slightly more than the two to a bed which the sign suggested) the Consultant called John and Fiona to one side. He was curious as to which boat tour Jack had been experiencing when his heart attacks had started. And whose wedding was he to attend in the coming months? After explaining that at the tender age of 83 he was out in his own boat and was the leader of a Scottish Dance Band with a diary of gigs ahead the Consultant decided that Jack needed to take the risk of an operation. His time wasn’t up!
When the dreaded Lockdown was about to be announced in 2020, Jack and M had already predicted the situation. Jack explained to the family that after a series of 5 back to back gigs with various bands up and down the country he was heading to Killin for three weeks to be with M since the roads were going to be closed. Jack loved his time in Killin and the two had so much fun walking by the river and tending to Margaret’s garden. He became a well-known figure in the community and repaid favours to those carrying the heavy shopping or doing wee jobs for them by growing bedding plants and tomato plants which he shared round the village.
After lockdown ended they decided that they were safer in the quieter streets of Killin and Jack continued to stay there – M’s cooking was far superior to his, although he did become a dab hand at making pots of soup and helping to prepare sandwiches for the many charity events that M supported.
The pair were always busy with trips away with ‘The Gang’ led and organised by Neil and Fiona McMillan, and the house was always busy with folks coming for ‘a tune’ and some of M’s well known baking. The neighbours were clearly very patient as regular visitors Elizabeth, Jake, Aggy and many more had the rafters ringing with Scottish Dance tunes.
As Jack’s health deteriorated all he wanted was to stay in Killin where the local health care was so good – in particular his devoted CID partner M. Unfortunately there is no Chinese Take Away in Killin so the family were requested to bring the best alternative – Sweet and Sour Chicken from Marks and Spencer for their visits. Whilst visiting lately ice cream from Shutters and Pennylicks was often on the menu.
Jack’s wishes were fulfilled when he passed peacefully with M and his family by his side in Killin.
The family are so grateful to all the staff at Killin Medical Practice, Sandra Wright from Forth Valley Royal Hospital and latterly Elaine and her fantastic team from Strathcarron who attended daily to support them. Thanks also to the extended family and neighbours in Killin for all their care.
Jack did say he wanted a quiet funeral, however the family did explain to him that they didn’t think that would work. The family would like to thank each and every one of you for being part of Jack’s life and for taking the time to join them today to celebrate a wonderful man.
Let us join together in prayer.
And in God’s house for evermore my dwelling-place shall be.
God of all grace, we thank you for giving your Son, Jesus, to overcome death and bring us forgiveness and eternal life with You. We rejoice that through His death on a cruel cross you have opened the kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Lord, today is a tough day for us. Our hearts are heavy and our pain is real for we have come together to say our farewells to Mr Jack Delaney – a man who meant so much to so many people - but we want to thank you for enabling us to gather here today so that we can celebrate a life well-lived – a life spent loving and helping others – a life spent loving and serving you.
Heavenly Father, we know that You have promised to be with us always and we thank You for that promise and we pray that we may know the presence of the Holy Spirit in this place with us now bringing comfort and peace to each person here.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
Amen
We began this service by singing the 23rd Psalm. In his book ‘Words for Living’ Douglas Aitken says this
Death is just a part of life,
Not an end,
Just a stage.
In the 23rd Psalm, the Shepherd Psalm
The verse about death
Is in the middle
Not at the end;
Not this world,
Then the next
But life on both sides,
And that is good.
We know that Jack loved life and loved his family deeply. There are many verses about love in the Bible but one of my favourites comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans in chapter 8.
For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below — there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.
And then we read one of the greatest and most comforting promises of the Bible, the well-known words of verse 16 of chapter 3 of the Gospel of John.
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its saviour.
May God add His blessings to these readings from His Holy Word.
Usually when I conduct a funeral, I choose one aspect of the person’s life to focus on. With Jack that was quite difficult – there were too many choices for Jack had such a full life and was involved in so many different things. However, with our final hymn being Will Your Anchor Hold, I decided to think about the sailing and I’d like to read the words of a short poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson. It’s called ‘Crossing the Bar.’
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
Tennyson actually wrote this poem in 1889, some 3 years before his death. It was intended for his own funeral and he also wanted it placed at the end of all collections and editions of his poetry. ‘Crossing the Bar’ is a metaphorical meditation on death.
** Meditation removed for copyright reasons.
And isn’t that exactly what the Christian life is all about. We can trust God to be with us guiding and supporting us throughout our lives and Jesus Christ by his death and resurrection, opened the door for us to enter Heaven itself and meet God face to face. Chapter 14 of the Gospel of John says this “Do not be worried and upset,” Jesus told them. “Believe in God and believe also in me. There are many rooms in my Father's house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.
And what is more we are promised that in the Father’s house there will be no pain, no sadness, no weeping and no fear.
** Meditation removed for copyright reasons.
Let us join together in prayer.
Heavenly father, we thank You for all that You give us in this world.
We thank You for the love of family and friends
And the ability to love and care for one another.
We thank You particularly today for the life of Jack Delaney
And all that he meant to those who are gathered here today
Whether as a family member, a friend a neighbour or a work colleague.
We thank You for his early life,
for his upbringing and education in Inverkeithing and Alloa
For the care he was given by his parents Marion and John
And the times he shared with his sisters Greta and Mima.
We bless you for that chance meeting with Leslie
And the love they shared for so long.
We thank you too for the time he was able to spend with Margaret and the pleasure she was able to bring to his later years.
We remember his dedication as a father and grandfather and the close bonds that he had with each of his children and grandchildren.
We thank you for the enjoyment he got from his music, his sailing and his work with so many different charities and for the pleasure he brought to so many other people.
For all these reasons, Lord, and for all the memories which each person here will treasure in their hearts, we give you thanks for the life of Jack Delaney.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and our Redeemer.
Amen.
Let’s sing that final hymn now – Will Your Anchor Hold.
And now
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
The love of God
And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Be with you all
Now and evermore.
Amen.
Thank You, God for speaking softly through smiles of Love. Help us always to feel Your presence in others and receive the comfort You offer through their love.
Good afternoon and thank you for being here to offer your love and support for the family as we gather again to say our final goodbyes to Mr Jack Delaney.
John Gordon Delaney – known to everyone as Jack – was born on 19th February 1935 to Marion and John Delaney in Inverkeithing. He had two older sisters, Greta and Mima. In 1945 the family moved to Tullibody and his parents, in partnership with sister Greta and her husband Bud set up the family business, Delaney & Lyle Ltd. Following the death of his father, Jack and his mum moved to Grange Road in Alloa to be nearer the business. Jack was educated at St John’s Primary School, where he was Dux, and then Alloa Academy. Jack later joined his brother-in-law in the family business.
He was 15 years old when he first picked up an accordion and started having a tune with pal Allen Barnett in the dinner break and this was to be the start of an amazing musical career. I would guess that many of you got to know Jack through music. The path of his musical life, the bands he played with, the places he played and the people he met are too numerous to be listed here but I will tell you that he played for Royalty in Edinburgh, Balmoral and Stirling. Apparently, the Queen commented that she was most concerned that they had to carry so much heavy equipment around with them and Beatrice and Eugenie asked if the band knew any Stevie Wonder numbers.
One of the highlights in his career was receiving the Caithness Bowl from the National Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs as one of their Guests of Honour in 2005 at their Annual AGM and luncheon.
There is no doubt whatsoever that music was a huge part of Jack’s life. He was also very fond of his boats and helped out with several different charities over the years but the family always knew that they came first.
In 1959 he met Leslie whom he married in September 1960 – a marriage which was to last 53 years. In 1962 son John was born followed by daughter Fiona in 1969.
Jack was a dedicated father who supported his children greatly and was very proud of their many achievements. Later he welcomed daughter-in-law Susan and son-in-law Michael into the family and became the proud grandfather of Kendal, Heather, Eilidh and Jack.
Sadly Leslie died in 2013. In 2014 Jack met up with an old family friend who had also lost her partner. Jack and Margaret – or M, as he called her – met up for coffees and supported each other through these difficult times. In 2020, just before lockdown, Jack decided to move to Killin to be with Margaret. The couple enjoyed this time together and when lockdown ended Jack decided to stay in Killin and it was there that he passed away on 24th October – exactly as he wanted it.
Let us join our hearts in prayer.
Living Lord, you have been our dwelling place in every generation. From everlasting to everlasting you are God.
We thank you for the assurance that you stand beside us in every experience of joy or sorrow, happiness or desolation.
Father God, we thank you that you have made each of us in your image and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you.
We thank you especially today for the life and talents of Mr Jack Delaney, for the years we shared with him, the love we received from him and the memories we made with him.
Be with us now as we say our final goodbyes and entrust him to your eternal care.
In the midst of our grief and loss, give us the peace of Christ, who passed through the deep waters of death for us all, and by your power was raised to glorious life.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Amen
Let’s read now from scripture. First of all from the Old Testament in Psalm 139.
LORD, you have examined me and you know me.
2You know everything I do;
from far away you understand all my thoughts.
3You see me, whether I am working or resting;
you know all my actions.
4Even before I speak,
you already know what I will say.
5You are all round me on every side;
you protect me with your power.
6Your knowledge of me is too deep;
it is beyond my understanding.
7Where could I go to escape from you?
Where could I get away from your presence?
8If I went up to heaven, you would be there;
if I lay down in the world of the dead, you would be there.
9If I flew away beyond the east
or lived in the farthest place in the west,
10you would be there to lead me,
you would be there to help me.
11I could ask the darkness to hide me
or the light round me to turn into night,
12but even darkness is not dark for you,
and the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
And then from 1 Thessalonians chapter 4.
13Our brothers and sisters, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him. And so we will always be with the Lord. So then, encourage one another with these words.
Amen and thanks be to God.
‘After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.’
So said the writer Aldous Huxley.
We know that music was a huge part of Jack’s life. It brought great joy to him, to his family and to the many thousands of people who heard it at his gigs or through his broadcasts. This little poem called ‘A Life Well Lived‘ is read in tribute to the pleasure he brought to so many over so many years. The author is unknown.
‘A Life Well Lived’
A life well lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace
From someone who has made our world
A brighter better place
It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years
A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure
A living, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure
Please, if you are able, stand for the committal.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said,
I am the resurrection and the life.
Whoever has faith in me shall live,
Even though he dies;
And no one who lives and has faith in me shall ever die.
We have remembered Jack and all that he accomplished in life through God’s amazing grace. We know how much he meant to each person here and how many happy memories they all hold deep in their hearts which can never be taken away from them.
In confidence we have entrusted Jack to God’s merciful keeping.
And so we now commit his body to be cremated, ashes to ashes, dust to dust,
In the sure and certain hope
Of the resurrection to eternal life,
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died, was buried,
And rose again for us,
And is alive and reigns for evermore.
Amen
Please be seated.
Let us pray.
Loving God, as we close our service today
And move forward with our lives
We know that this is what Jack would have wanted us to do
But we know that this will not be easy
For there will be a massive Jack shaped void in our lives.
Help us, Lord. Calm us with your peace.
Comfort us with your presence.
Strengthen us with your strong hand.
Lord we especially ask your blessing for those who will miss him most because they loved him most.
We especially think of Margaret, John and Susan, Fiona and Michael and his grandchildren Kendal, Heather, Eilidh and Jack. Be with them Lord.
All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
Amen
And now as we prepare to leave this place
Go in peace
And the blessing of God Almighty
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Be with you and remain with you always
Amen
Good afternoon and thank you for being here as we gather in this house of God to remember and give thanks for the life of Mr Jack Delaney – beloved husband of the late Leslie Delaney, father to John and Fiona, partner of Margaret, father-in-law to Susan and Michael and very proud grandfather of Kendal, Heather, Eilidh and Jack. After the service here there will be a short service of committal at Stirling Crematorium. As you leave the church, there will be an opportunity to donate to the work of Strathcarron Hospice and the British Heart Foundation. After the services you are invited to join the family at the Dunmar House Hotel in Alloa where you can chat with the family and share your memories of Jack.
Let us open our service by standing to sing the first hymn on your order of service – The Lord’s My Shepherd which we will sing to the tune of the Rowan Tree.
I am very grateful to the family for putting together this tribute to Jack’s life. It is quite long but I make no apologies for that for Jack lived a long life, a very full life and its story deserves to be told in all its fullness.
John (Jack to everyone) Gordon Delaney was born in Inverkeithing on 19th February 1935. Son of Marion and John and a surprise baby brother for his sisters Greta and Mima. He had a great childhood where he spoke of helping his dad with the grocery runs during the war and generally being spoiled by his parents and his older sisters!
In 1945 the family sold the grocery business in Inverkeithing and moved to Tullibody. This was the start of the family business Delaney & Lyle Ltd, run at that time by his dad and mum in partnership with sister Greta and her husband Bud. Following the death of his father, Jack and his mum moved to 45 Grange Road so they could be closer to the family business. Jack attended St John’s Primary school where he was Dux (I’m sure he wouldn’t want that to be shared since he was quite a modest person!). Having a good 11+ result he was then able to continue his education at Alloa Academy. Jack later joined his brother-in-law in the family business.
Jack was fifteen when he first picked up an accordion and started having a tune with pal Allen Barnett while on his dinner break. Not having a music teacher or able to read the dots the lads ‘lugged’ tunes from records and the radio (he called it ‘the wireless’ but we are sure it’s the same thing!) It was while practising in one of the glasshouses that they were overheard by the conductor of the Alva Youth Club Choir who invited them to play during breaks in the choir’s annual concert.
The duo became regular guests with the choir and this helped them to build up confidence to later set up ‘The Rowan Band’. They played together for three years and became well known locally. Unfortunately, they had to part company as some of the members went off to do their National Service.
It was while he was in Leeds with the Royal Army Pay Corps that Jack was invited to play for the Leeds Scottish Country Dance Club’s monthly dance. Having no experience of Scottish Country Dancing and little knowledge of the skills required, Jack had to embark on a steep learning curve to find original tunes and learn the discipline of counting bars etc.
In June 1955, when he was twenty Jack finished his National Service and was back in Alloa. It was at this time that a friend, Andrew Rankine, asked him if he would like to join his band. This was a great opportunity as Andrew was a really good, swingy player. Although playing melody alongside him was a daunting task, this experience had a huge influence on Jack and provided the basis of Jack’s swingy and driving style. It was with these men that Jack enjoyed his Scottish Dance Band apprenticeship and in the September of that year performed his first live broadcast.
In 1956 Andrew and Jack were inspired by the new sound and technique of one of the accordions playing rhythm and immediately started experimenting and developing the idea. Shortly after, they decided to do a full broadcast using the second box playing chords all the way through and this is what was to become his style of playing ‘Second Box’ as we know it today. This was one of the most influential periods in his musical career which led to him becoming much sought after in this role with many bands.
The band was very busy in those years. They travelled all over the country often playing in the north of Scotland on the Friday night and down south in the Borders on the Saturday. They regularly toured the West Coast of Scotland. It was a butcher called Willie McLean who first invited them to play in Aultbea at the famous village hall. Jack said there used to be a grand piano in the Aultbea village hall which was amazing because good pianos were always hard to find. What was even more amazing was that Willie often had a bottle of whisky hidden under the lid - just for emergencies!
Gigs like these ones would often start at midnight and carry on until 5 in the morning when the band would get a couple of hours sleep then load up and drive back down the road for a broadcast or work, usually followed by a gig that evening.
It was during 1959 that Jack met Leslie. He had been delivering flowers and when he saw her he told his niece Marion that he would like to ask her out. Marion encouraged the relationship and they were married in September 1960. She was the perfect wife putting up with him being away so much and having to wash white shirts all the time. She supported him unquestionably and even forgave him (just!) when he accidentally arranged a gig in the Lake District for someone’s silver wedding party – on the day of his own silver wedding!! In 1962 they welcomed the arrival of son John. At this point the family were staying in Alloa supporting Jack’s mum, however John’s tendency to wander led to a move to Riccarton in Clackmannan. In 1969 Fiona was born.
The family spent many happy years there with Graeme and Evelyn Burns living just round the corner in Park Place. Not only did the two families spend time at home, they enjoyed annual holidays to Mellon Udrigle to visit the McIver family – Jack’s favourite place to be with Leslie – where the 5 children, two couples and close family friend Sandy McGilchrist would squeeze together in the caravan owned by Alice and Jessie, for 3 meals every day! Days were spent fishing, pottering in boats or canoes and playing many card games whilst avoiding the midgies. These holidays continued up until very recently and often involved doing jobs for Ian on the croft that might just involve having a wee shot of his grey Fergie.
Jack and Leslie had a very warm and loving relationship, living in ‘perfect harmony’ for 53 years. Jack and Leslie encouraged all the family with their music and Leslie in particular was very proud of them all. As a couple they worked together in the family business, played host to band practices and regularly held family gatherings for the extended family with New Year’s Dinner often seating 24 people for a three course meal! Jack was renowned for taking over the cooking at the end of the day for his famous cheese on toast for supper for the whole team.
In 1960, Jack joined the Hamish Menzies band and played with them until 1972. Hamish was Jack’s best friend at the time and later married his niece Marion. This band consisted of Hamish on fiddle, Dochie McCallum on Shand Morino, Bert Leishman on drums, Walter Sinton on piano and keeping it in the family Andy, husband of his niece Mary, on bass. They would travel all over the country in the Bedford van with a dodgy heater playing in Lochearnhead, Killin, Lochgilphead as well as many venues on the west coast, in the borders and the north of England. This was one of the best working bands he had been in and Jack really enjoyed playing with these fellows. He reckons that Hamish and Dochie were two of the finest gentlemen in the band business. In 1965, Gus Miller joined the band and did his first broadcast with them.
It was in 1972, when Hamish Menzies took over as Postmaster in Callander, that Jack started his own band. The original line-up was Gus Miller, Neil McMillan, Ricci Franci and Graeme Burns plus Elaine Anderson singing. Elaine was later replaced by Jean Thom.
Jean and her husband John became close friends with Jack and Leslie, and in recent years Jean encouraged Jack to take up a weekly spot with Colleen Blyth to support a group of adults learning through the Have Your Say organisation. Jean and Jack along with their wee band gave freely of their time and talent to bring fun and laughter to these adults and Colleen mentioned that he even did what he was told!
Jack’s line up changed over the years, and he was so proud to have his granddaughter Heather playing fiddle for a time, but his final line up saw his great friend Alistair as his right hand man, son John on bass, Fiona Cook on fiddle and Melanie Dutton on drums. The band played right up until the start of the lockdown period with Jack’s last gig being the 21st birthday party of Eilidh, our piper Callum’s sister.
Over the years Jack has played second box for many different artists’ recordings and broadcasts and you were listening to the last broadcast Jack recorded with his own band as you arrived today. He has played alongside many of the top bands including Bert Shorthouse, Sir Jimmy Shand and Jimmy Shand Jnr., Jim Johnstone, Alex MacArthur, Robin Brock, Iain MacPhail, Sandy Nixon, Neil Barron, Colin Dewar and many others.
Jack has always been keen to see traditional Scottish music survive and be enjoyed by as many people as possible. For many years Jack helped tutor bands of young people in an organisation called ‘The Clachan Ceilidh’. ‘The Ceilidh’ was set up by Matt McCabe in Alloa and it provided an opportunity for youngsters to learn skills in Scottish dance, song, and a variety of musical instruments. The young people could then come together to perform for the public at concerts and ceilidhs.
It was through the Clachan Ceilidh that many of today’s musicians did their apprenticeship including Gus Miller, Neil McMillan, Walter Sinton, John Sinton, Marissa Bryce, Billy Ferguson, Graham Miles, Bert Fullerton, Ian Thomson, Gordon Shand and many more. It was during this period that Jack met Graeme Burns who began to play with his band and became his best friend.
Playing with so many different people means that Jack has managed to travel the length and breadth of Britain reaching north to Wick and south to London and across the seas to France and Monte Carlo. Whoever said that playing the accordion wasn’t glamorous? He has even played for Royalty in Edinburgh, Balmoral and Stirling. The Queen commented to Jack that she was most concerned that they had to carry so much heavy equipment around with them! Whilst her granddaughters Beatrice and Eugenie asked if the band knew any Stevie Wonder numbers.
Jack has met so many friends through his music, family and his business and he was grateful for the encouragement and friendship of Alistair and Veda Stephen and Farquhar and Maree Matheson over the years. Sandy McGilchrist who also played in Jack’s band for a time, had grown up with Leslie’s family and thought of her as the sister he never had. Jack and Sandy enjoyed a shared love of boats and music and he was part of the family. Jack yet again went out his way to support and care for Sandy when Sandy’s health deteriorated.
One of the highlights in Jack’s career was receiving the Caithness Bowl from the National Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs as one of their Guests of Honour in 2005 at their Annual AGM and luncheon.
Despite being so busy with his music Jack and son John continued to run the local Nursery in Alloa. In 1979 they moved back to Grange Road – this time moving into number 47. As always Jack and Leslie put family first and this move was to support Leslie’s mum Mary in her final years.
Running the family business and a busy Scottish dance band meant that there wasn’t much time left for relaxation, however Jack’s passion was boats! When the family were younger Jack worked a 13 day fortnight and day 14 was usually spent pottering around on Loch Lubnaig or Loch Tay. In later years he could be seen on the Forth with Sandy or with Andy on their yachts. It was during this period that Jack made a strong friendship with Ian Fraser or Para Handy as he was called on Jack’s mobile phone! Ian and Billy Ferguson encouraged Jack to keep this hobby going as long as he was able and last year at the tender age of 86 he was still out in his boat at Loch Lomond with his loyal crewmates.
Jack and Leslie lived for their family and were proud parents and grandparents. He loved when the family all got together for a meal or a games night. He always had time to listen to the news of each of the grandchildren and would encourage and support them all when they were at school and as they took up their different careers. He was delighted that the children followed the family tradition and became talented musicians in their own right. Despite his age he was great at keeping up to date with the latest technology and would often bypass John and Fiona and go straight to the young team when advice was needed. When they were younger he was delighted to give rides on the tractor to each of them and they all took turns to ‘drive the boat’. Each grandchild was encouraged to drive in the winter as if there was a glass of water on the bonnet of their car – maybe a glass of whisky would have had better meaning!
Jack was completely devoted to Leslie over their 53 year marriage. He supported her unconditionally through the fun times and the more challenging times in her life. The family were very concerned about how he would cope when she finally lost her battle in October 2013. As always, the family worked together to support him, with countless games of Gin Rummy, Black Jack and Chinese take away party nights. Robert Ralston took him under his wing and got him to help out in the Manfrini workshop in Tillicoultry to keep him busy.
However, in 2014 there was concern to hear about a meeting of the CID. When asked to explain he said it was Comrades in Distress. He was meeting an old family friend who was experiencing similar grief as he was. This friend could understand his pain of losing Leslie. Margaret or M as he called her was also in need of support. They met regularly to have coffee and share their memories of Leslie and Kenny.
Jack took ill in 2018 and was blue lighted to Edinburgh Royal infirmary where the family were called to say their farewells. During the family gathering (slightly more than the two to a bed which the sign suggested) the Consultant called John and Fiona to one side. He was curious as to which boat tour Jack had been experiencing when his heart attacks had started. And whose wedding was he to attend in the coming months? After explaining that at the tender age of 83 he was out in his own boat and was the leader of a Scottish Dance Band with a diary of gigs ahead the Consultant decided that Jack needed to take the risk of an operation. His time wasn’t up!
When the dreaded Lockdown was about to be announced in 2020, Jack and M had already predicted the situation. Jack explained to the family that after a series of 5 back to back gigs with various bands up and down the country he was heading to Killin for three weeks to be with M since the roads were going to be closed. Jack loved his time in Killin and the two had so much fun walking by the river and tending to Margaret’s garden. He became a well-known figure in the community and repaid favours to those carrying the heavy shopping or doing wee jobs for them by growing bedding plants and tomato plants which he shared round the village.
After lockdown ended they decided that they were safer in the quieter streets of Killin and Jack continued to stay there – M’s cooking was far superior to his, although he did become a dab hand at making pots of soup and helping to prepare sandwiches for the many charity events that M supported.
The pair were always busy with trips away with ‘The Gang’ led and organised by Neil and Fiona McMillan, and the house was always busy with folks coming for ‘a tune’ and some of M’s well known baking. The neighbours were clearly very patient as regular visitors Elizabeth, Jake, Aggy and many more had the rafters ringing with Scottish Dance tunes.
As Jack’s health deteriorated all he wanted was to stay in Killin where the local health care was so good – in particular his devoted CID partner M. Unfortunately there is no Chinese Take Away in Killin so the family were requested to bring the best alternative – Sweet and Sour Chicken from Marks and Spencer for their visits. Whilst visiting lately ice cream from Shutters and Pennylicks was often on the menu.
Jack’s wishes were fulfilled when he passed peacefully with M and his family by his side in Killin.
The family are so grateful to all the staff at Killin Medical Practice, Sandra Wright from Forth Valley Royal Hospital and latterly Elaine and her fantastic team from Strathcarron who attended daily to support them. Thanks also to the extended family and neighbours in Killin for all their care.
Jack did say he wanted a quiet funeral, however the family did explain to him that they didn’t think that would work. The family would like to thank each and every one of you for being part of Jack’s life and for taking the time to join them today to celebrate a wonderful man.
Let us join together in prayer.
And in God’s house for evermore my dwelling-place shall be.
God of all grace, we thank you for giving your Son, Jesus, to overcome death and bring us forgiveness and eternal life with You. We rejoice that through His death on a cruel cross you have opened the kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Lord, today is a tough day for us. Our hearts are heavy and our pain is real for we have come together to say our farewells to Mr Jack Delaney – a man who meant so much to so many people - but we want to thank you for enabling us to gather here today so that we can celebrate a life well-lived – a life spent loving and helping others – a life spent loving and serving you.
Heavenly Father, we know that You have promised to be with us always and we thank You for that promise and we pray that we may know the presence of the Holy Spirit in this place with us now bringing comfort and peace to each person here.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
Amen
We began this service by singing the 23rd Psalm. In his book ‘Words for Living’ Douglas Aitken says this
Death is just a part of life,
Not an end,
Just a stage.
In the 23rd Psalm, the Shepherd Psalm
The verse about death
Is in the middle
Not at the end;
Not this world,
Then the next
But life on both sides,
And that is good.
We know that Jack loved life and loved his family deeply. There are many verses about love in the Bible but one of my favourites comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans in chapter 8.
For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below — there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.
And then we read one of the greatest and most comforting promises of the Bible, the well-known words of verse 16 of chapter 3 of the Gospel of John.
For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its saviour.
May God add His blessings to these readings from His Holy Word.
Usually when I conduct a funeral, I choose one aspect of the person’s life to focus on. With Jack that was quite difficult – there were too many choices for Jack had such a full life and was involved in so many different things. However, with our final hymn being Will Your Anchor Hold, I decided to think about the sailing and I’d like to read the words of a short poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson. It’s called ‘Crossing the Bar.’
Crossing the Bar
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
Tennyson actually wrote this poem in 1889, some 3 years before his death. It was intended for his own funeral and he also wanted it placed at the end of all collections and editions of his poetry. ‘Crossing the Bar’ is a metaphorical meditation on death.
** Meditation removed for copyright reasons.
And isn’t that exactly what the Christian life is all about. We can trust God to be with us guiding and supporting us throughout our lives and Jesus Christ by his death and resurrection, opened the door for us to enter Heaven itself and meet God face to face. Chapter 14 of the Gospel of John says this “Do not be worried and upset,” Jesus told them. “Believe in God and believe also in me. There are many rooms in my Father's house, and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not tell you this if it were not so. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so that you will be where I am.
And what is more we are promised that in the Father’s house there will be no pain, no sadness, no weeping and no fear.
** Meditation removed for copyright reasons.
Let us join together in prayer.
Heavenly father, we thank You for all that You give us in this world.
We thank You for the love of family and friends
And the ability to love and care for one another.
We thank You particularly today for the life of Jack Delaney
And all that he meant to those who are gathered here today
Whether as a family member, a friend a neighbour or a work colleague.
We thank You for his early life,
for his upbringing and education in Inverkeithing and Alloa
For the care he was given by his parents Marion and John
And the times he shared with his sisters Greta and Mima.
We bless you for that chance meeting with Leslie
And the love they shared for so long.
We thank you too for the time he was able to spend with Margaret and the pleasure she was able to bring to his later years.
We remember his dedication as a father and grandfather and the close bonds that he had with each of his children and grandchildren.
We thank you for the enjoyment he got from his music, his sailing and his work with so many different charities and for the pleasure he brought to so many other people.
For all these reasons, Lord, and for all the memories which each person here will treasure in their hearts, we give you thanks for the life of Jack Delaney.
In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and our Redeemer.
Amen.
Let’s sing that final hymn now – Will Your Anchor Hold.
And now
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ
The love of God
And the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Be with you all
Now and evermore.
Amen.
Thank You, God for speaking softly through smiles of Love. Help us always to feel Your presence in others and receive the comfort You offer through their love.
Good afternoon and thank you for being here to offer your love and support for the family as we gather again to say our final goodbyes to Mr Jack Delaney.
John Gordon Delaney – known to everyone as Jack – was born on 19th February 1935 to Marion and John Delaney in Inverkeithing. He had two older sisters, Greta and Mima. In 1945 the family moved to Tullibody and his parents, in partnership with sister Greta and her husband Bud set up the family business, Delaney & Lyle Ltd. Following the death of his father, Jack and his mum moved to Grange Road in Alloa to be nearer the business. Jack was educated at St John’s Primary School, where he was Dux, and then Alloa Academy. Jack later joined his brother-in-law in the family business.
He was 15 years old when he first picked up an accordion and started having a tune with pal Allen Barnett in the dinner break and this was to be the start of an amazing musical career. I would guess that many of you got to know Jack through music. The path of his musical life, the bands he played with, the places he played and the people he met are too numerous to be listed here but I will tell you that he played for Royalty in Edinburgh, Balmoral and Stirling. Apparently, the Queen commented that she was most concerned that they had to carry so much heavy equipment around with them and Beatrice and Eugenie asked if the band knew any Stevie Wonder numbers.
One of the highlights in his career was receiving the Caithness Bowl from the National Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs as one of their Guests of Honour in 2005 at their Annual AGM and luncheon.
There is no doubt whatsoever that music was a huge part of Jack’s life. He was also very fond of his boats and helped out with several different charities over the years but the family always knew that they came first.
In 1959 he met Leslie whom he married in September 1960 – a marriage which was to last 53 years. In 1962 son John was born followed by daughter Fiona in 1969.
Jack was a dedicated father who supported his children greatly and was very proud of their many achievements. Later he welcomed daughter-in-law Susan and son-in-law Michael into the family and became the proud grandfather of Kendal, Heather, Eilidh and Jack.
Sadly Leslie died in 2013. In 2014 Jack met up with an old family friend who had also lost her partner. Jack and Margaret – or M, as he called her – met up for coffees and supported each other through these difficult times. In 2020, just before lockdown, Jack decided to move to Killin to be with Margaret. The couple enjoyed this time together and when lockdown ended Jack decided to stay in Killin and it was there that he passed away on 24th October – exactly as he wanted it.
Let us join our hearts in prayer.
Living Lord, you have been our dwelling place in every generation. From everlasting to everlasting you are God.
We thank you for the assurance that you stand beside us in every experience of joy or sorrow, happiness or desolation.
Father God, we thank you that you have made each of us in your image and given us gifts and talents with which to serve you.
We thank you especially today for the life and talents of Mr Jack Delaney, for the years we shared with him, the love we received from him and the memories we made with him.
Be with us now as we say our final goodbyes and entrust him to your eternal care.
In the midst of our grief and loss, give us the peace of Christ, who passed through the deep waters of death for us all, and by your power was raised to glorious life.
Lord, hear our prayer.
Amen
Let’s read now from scripture. First of all from the Old Testament in Psalm 139.
LORD, you have examined me and you know me.
2You know everything I do;
from far away you understand all my thoughts.
3You see me, whether I am working or resting;
you know all my actions.
4Even before I speak,
you already know what I will say.
5You are all round me on every side;
you protect me with your power.
6Your knowledge of me is too deep;
it is beyond my understanding.
7Where could I go to escape from you?
Where could I get away from your presence?
8If I went up to heaven, you would be there;
if I lay down in the world of the dead, you would be there.
9If I flew away beyond the east
or lived in the farthest place in the west,
10you would be there to lead me,
you would be there to help me.
11I could ask the darkness to hide me
or the light round me to turn into night,
12but even darkness is not dark for you,
and the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
And then from 1 Thessalonians chapter 4.
13Our brothers and sisters, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as are those who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him. And so we will always be with the Lord. So then, encourage one another with these words.
Amen and thanks be to God.
‘After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.’
So said the writer Aldous Huxley.
We know that music was a huge part of Jack’s life. It brought great joy to him, to his family and to the many thousands of people who heard it at his gigs or through his broadcasts. This little poem called ‘A Life Well Lived‘ is read in tribute to the pleasure he brought to so many over so many years. The author is unknown.
‘A Life Well Lived’
A life well lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace
From someone who has made our world
A brighter better place
It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years
A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure
A living, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure
Please, if you are able, stand for the committal.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said,
I am the resurrection and the life.
Whoever has faith in me shall live,
Even though he dies;
And no one who lives and has faith in me shall ever die.
We have remembered Jack and all that he accomplished in life through God’s amazing grace. We know how much he meant to each person here and how many happy memories they all hold deep in their hearts which can never be taken away from them.
In confidence we have entrusted Jack to God’s merciful keeping.
And so we now commit his body to be cremated, ashes to ashes, dust to dust,
In the sure and certain hope
Of the resurrection to eternal life,
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died, was buried,
And rose again for us,
And is alive and reigns for evermore.
Amen
Please be seated.
Let us pray.
Loving God, as we close our service today
And move forward with our lives
We know that this is what Jack would have wanted us to do
But we know that this will not be easy
For there will be a massive Jack shaped void in our lives.
Help us, Lord. Calm us with your peace.
Comfort us with your presence.
Strengthen us with your strong hand.
Lord we especially ask your blessing for those who will miss him most because they loved him most.
We especially think of Margaret, John and Susan, Fiona and Michael and his grandchildren Kendal, Heather, Eilidh and Jack. Be with them Lord.
All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
Amen
And now as we prepare to leave this place
Go in peace
And the blessing of God Almighty
Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Be with you and remain with you always
Amen