Geoff was licensed as a Reader in the Benefice at Southwell Minster in October 2004, the beginning of nearly 14 years faithful service to the people of Keyworth, Stanton in the Wolds and Bunny with Bradmore.
He was one of those people willing to help in any way possible and proved to be much appreciated and well liked. Keen to open the church doors to all, he was instrumental in bringing about the Chat in Church at Bunny to coincide with children being collected from school, encourage family involvement and to play his part in conducting services and ensuring all felt welcome. Committed to work with young people, he took his part in all manner of Youth work, sharing in the experiences of youth time away at Stathern and Soul Survivor, as well as events both within the benefice and beyond. Having been a paramedic for many years, he employed his considerable experience of traumatic situations in his ministry to the bereaved and his sensitivity and support were widely appreciated.
There were three main loves in Geoff’s life – his family, his Lord and his church. His love for Sheila, Joanne and Andrew and all his family was obvious to all and were an integral part of all his work. His theology and belief were incarnational, seeing God [and good] in all things and in all people “How can I help? What can I do?” And his church, especially that of St Mary’s Bunny, was where his vocation was worked out, where he was to be seen moving chairs or serving at the altar, preaching or listening, laughing or being reflective. With a welcoming smile which did not fade during his last cruel illness, during which he did what he could for as long as he could.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheila and the family; we, too, shall miss him as he hears the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master.”
Reverend Margaret 27 July 2018