And so to the day itself.. We took a taxi to Cathcart and all had tea and coffee with Agnes before joining in the funeral cortege.
Here are Iris, Rosemary, George and Christine at the end of Struan Gardens.
We were starting in by Cathcart Church. across the road from where Mum was brought up, Mum and Dad were married and Sue, Kirsty and I were baptised
Or nearly... Sue is looking anxious wondering where the cars were..
They were just around the corner, but they were late... because the hearse had a flat tyre! Dad's wicked sense of humour striking from beyond the grave! Fortunately the hearse had run-flat tyres so was able to get him to the crematorium. [Update: I remembered some Flat Tyre drinks in my local Sainsbury's - A lager and a cider, so just had to get them when I did my weekly shop in Saturday... see the photos above]. Here he is...
His was the only morning funeral that day at the crematorium so there was only us. About 30 all told - most of whom had met the previous evening. Sue had coordinated the construction of the service...
We entered to the sound of one of Dad's favourite pieces of music - the third of Strauss's Four Last Songs.
- Going to sleep. Our celebrant, Martin. did a marvelous job. The eulogy had input from all of the family and admirably reflected Dad's personality, love for the family and enduring quirky sense of humour. It is sad he had to suffer the indignity of Parkinson's, but he endured it with patience, dignity and an unquenched sense of humour. As he would have said.. "That's the way the cookie crumbles".
Here is the text of the Eulogy..
Good morning everyone and welcome to this ceremony of remembrance and celebration of the life of John Robert Moody. Bob.
My name is Martin Turner, one of the celebrants with Independent Humanist Ceremonies, and I'm honoured to have been asked to conduct today’s service on behalf of his son John and daughters, Sue and Kirsty, partners Dawn and David, the grandchildren James, Katrina, Laura, Sarah and William and indeed all of the family.
It will be a time to reflect on Bob’s life and the part that he played in yours, no matter how large or small that might have been. Bob might have been a brother, brother in law, your uncle, your friend,. But no matter your connection, Bob would have appreciated you being here today.
And you will meet in sadness that Bob is no longer with you, and there will be tears, there are always tears, but as you remember the life of Bob Moody, may there mostly be tears of happiness as you remember some of the moments that you had with Bob. Bob enjoyed his life, especially as a family man with his beloved wife Rose Ann . At 85, he made his 3 score ten and a good bit more, but even at that, he still had a lot to offer. Even the onset of Parkinson’s Disease failed to diminish his positive pragmatic outlook on life and his immense love for his family.
Bob played many parts in his life. A son, a brother, a cousin, a husband, a father, granddad, an uncle and a loyal friend. He was a student, and then lecturer at Glasgow University, where one claim to fame was when he accidently spilt some chemicals down the drain in his lab only to find the main university Quadrangle then developed a strange green fog. An internationally renowned research Chemist. In his retirement he had more time to enjoyed his music, play bridge and potter about in his garden. Every year there seemed to be even more tulips and dahlias along with the sunflower growing competitions with Kirsty, and there was always an abundance of soft fruits for Roseann to turn into a year’s supply of jam for all the family (and friends!). Bob loved family evenings, with Roseann producing Michelin star worthy banquets, while he presided over the crystal glasses, ensuring everyone was kept suitably lubricated, before everyone gathered round playing cards and the traditional family games of Totopoly. Along with his love for his Jaguar cars, he enjoyed the occasional cigar up in “Bob’s Bar” and of course drinking the water of life. As a very little boy, John remembers Dad encouraging him to help in the garden. John happily told his class that “I planted the potatoes, Dad helped!) Guess the teasing sense of humour has passed on!
He was very clever, being a top scholar at Hamilton Academy then a brilliant student of chemistry at Glasgow Uni. As he started his Phd he was asked to take lectures, which he did so well that he was given a junior fellowship and asked to stay on, but newly married with a honeymoon baby and another on the way, he instead went for a career in research becoming the Research and Development Manager for a major chemical company. Starting in Stockton on Tees, he moved to Grimsby then Durban (South Africa) before returning to end his career in Teesside. Bob was held in such esteem by his friends and colleagues that the new road to the Grimsby factory was named “Moody Lane” after him, and when the new research complex was build in Stockton, they were called the Moody Labs. In later years his job mean a lot of travelling round the world. After he flew off, Roseann would find little presents hidden around the house eg in the dirty clothes basket. In particular, he enjoyed visiting Singapore because his suitcase would say “First Class Sin” afterwards!
Born into a very musical family, his mother being an excellent pianist, as a boy he loved playing quartets with Iris, George and Rosemary. His wife Roseann came from a more vocal background and through her he developed a love of opera and choral music. John, Sue and Kirsty were brought up surrounded by classical music; many an evening was spent gathered in the lounge with likewise minded friends making music, and trips to Glasgow to visit the grandparents were never complete without at least one evening with an impromptu concert. Always there for school concerts, plays and music competitions, many the time Bob held Sue’s knees to stop them knocking as she awaited giving her solo performance, and they thought nothing of traveling the length of the country to hear a child perform. They have passed their love and talents on to their children and grandchildren. Bob was thrilled that his grandson, William, is now playing his beloved cello.
Bob to most and Robert to his siblings and their families, he was a most wonderful man who always had a humorous story to tell. Roseann’s cousin Roy remembers Bob telling him how, on returning to their hotel after their wedding for their first night, Bob says he left a trail of confetti from, the lobby, up the stairs, along the corridor, but stopped not at their bedroom door, but at that of an elderly couple who he had seen checking in earlier. His children grew up convinced that he had one leg shorter than the other because he always walked with one foot in the gutter. He happily indulged in the children’s love of animals – caravan holidays came complete with hamster as well as the trademark Westies.
A proud Scot, no matter the weather, on all trips to Scotland all windows had to be wound fully down as the car drove over the border from England so we could all breathe the lovely Scottish air. Similarly, on return South there was the compulsory competition of all of us taking our last breath of good old Scottish air and seeing who could hold on to it for the longest. As children one of the best bits of Christmas was seeing what 3d creation Dad made of his gifts to Mum. Best year was when he reassured his mother-in-law that he had bought his wife her heart’s desire and what she had been hinting for weeks that she really needed. Gran expected a fur coat to emerge from under the wrappings….out came a new dust bin. Roseann WAS delighted.
A brilliant mind, razor sharp wit, huge sense of humour and above all the most loving of husbands, fathers and grandfathers. He was a major influence in all our lives, gently encouraging whilst subtlety supporting. Incredibly patient with a positive can do attitude, we still hear him comforting us when something went astray, saying “that’s the way the cookie crumbles” then helping us to pick up the pieces and move on.
A good tennis player in his youth, he particularly enjoyed watching the wrestling with Kirsty and in later life he thought nothing of racing round the house after the grandchildren. He loved being a grandfather and would be so proud that James has just been awarded his Phd; and of course take credit for the fact that when James was very little and Bob was left holding the baby, when advised to talk to him, he proceeded to tell James about university level chemistry. He loved evenings with everyone playing snooker and cards, but you didn’t expect him to let you win just because you are little!
Above all is the total overwhelming love everyone had for him. Yes, he was very ill by the end. He bore the horrid Parkinson’s with such uncomplaining bravery and stoicism. He was our hero.
Sadly, Bob Moody passed away at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. "
Sue, Kirsty and I all gave a short reading and we exited to the sounds of the first Bach Cello suite - which Dad used to play and now William tries to too on Dad's "Stradivarius" cello (and thereby hangs a tale) - William has been playing Dad's cello for a few years now - featuring with it on the cover of this Year's Suffolk Youth Orchestra brochure!
Here are Iris, Rosemary, George and Christine at the end of Struan Gardens.
We were starting in by Cathcart Church. across the road from where Mum was brought up, Mum and Dad were married and Sue, Kirsty and I were baptised
Or nearly... Sue is looking anxious wondering where the cars were..
They were just around the corner, but they were late... because the hearse had a flat tyre! Dad's wicked sense of humour striking from beyond the grave! Fortunately the hearse had run-flat tyres so was able to get him to the crematorium. [Update: I remembered some Flat Tyre drinks in my local Sainsbury's - A lager and a cider, so just had to get them when I did my weekly shop in Saturday... see the photos above]. Here he is...
- Going to sleep. Our celebrant, Martin. did a marvelous job. The eulogy had input from all of the family and admirably reflected Dad's personality, love for the family and enduring quirky sense of humour. It is sad he had to suffer the indignity of Parkinson's, but he endured it with patience, dignity and an unquenched sense of humour. As he would have said.. "That's the way the cookie crumbles".
Here is the text of the Eulogy..
Good morning everyone and welcome to this ceremony of remembrance and celebration of the life of John Robert Moody. Bob.
My name is Martin Turner, one of the celebrants with Independent Humanist Ceremonies, and I'm honoured to have been asked to conduct today’s service on behalf of his son John and daughters, Sue and Kirsty, partners Dawn and David, the grandchildren James, Katrina, Laura, Sarah and William and indeed all of the family.
It will be a time to reflect on Bob’s life and the part that he played in yours, no matter how large or small that might have been. Bob might have been a brother, brother in law, your uncle, your friend,. But no matter your connection, Bob would have appreciated you being here today.
And you will meet in sadness that Bob is no longer with you, and there will be tears, there are always tears, but as you remember the life of Bob Moody, may there mostly be tears of happiness as you remember some of the moments that you had with Bob. Bob enjoyed his life, especially as a family man with his beloved wife Rose Ann . At 85, he made his 3 score ten and a good bit more, but even at that, he still had a lot to offer. Even the onset of Parkinson’s Disease failed to diminish his positive pragmatic outlook on life and his immense love for his family.
Bob played many parts in his life. A son, a brother, a cousin, a husband, a father, granddad, an uncle and a loyal friend. He was a student, and then lecturer at Glasgow University, where one claim to fame was when he accidently spilt some chemicals down the drain in his lab only to find the main university Quadrangle then developed a strange green fog. An internationally renowned research Chemist. In his retirement he had more time to enjoyed his music, play bridge and potter about in his garden. Every year there seemed to be even more tulips and dahlias along with the sunflower growing competitions with Kirsty, and there was always an abundance of soft fruits for Roseann to turn into a year’s supply of jam for all the family (and friends!). Bob loved family evenings, with Roseann producing Michelin star worthy banquets, while he presided over the crystal glasses, ensuring everyone was kept suitably lubricated, before everyone gathered round playing cards and the traditional family games of Totopoly. Along with his love for his Jaguar cars, he enjoyed the occasional cigar up in “Bob’s Bar” and of course drinking the water of life. As a very little boy, John remembers Dad encouraging him to help in the garden. John happily told his class that “I planted the potatoes, Dad helped!) Guess the teasing sense of humour has passed on!
He was very clever, being a top scholar at Hamilton Academy then a brilliant student of chemistry at Glasgow Uni. As he started his Phd he was asked to take lectures, which he did so well that he was given a junior fellowship and asked to stay on, but newly married with a honeymoon baby and another on the way, he instead went for a career in research becoming the Research and Development Manager for a major chemical company. Starting in Stockton on Tees, he moved to Grimsby then Durban (South Africa) before returning to end his career in Teesside. Bob was held in such esteem by his friends and colleagues that the new road to the Grimsby factory was named “Moody Lane” after him, and when the new research complex was build in Stockton, they were called the Moody Labs. In later years his job mean a lot of travelling round the world. After he flew off, Roseann would find little presents hidden around the house eg in the dirty clothes basket. In particular, he enjoyed visiting Singapore because his suitcase would say “First Class Sin” afterwards!
Born into a very musical family, his mother being an excellent pianist, as a boy he loved playing quartets with Iris, George and Rosemary. His wife Roseann came from a more vocal background and through her he developed a love of opera and choral music. John, Sue and Kirsty were brought up surrounded by classical music; many an evening was spent gathered in the lounge with likewise minded friends making music, and trips to Glasgow to visit the grandparents were never complete without at least one evening with an impromptu concert. Always there for school concerts, plays and music competitions, many the time Bob held Sue’s knees to stop them knocking as she awaited giving her solo performance, and they thought nothing of traveling the length of the country to hear a child perform. They have passed their love and talents on to their children and grandchildren. Bob was thrilled that his grandson, William, is now playing his beloved cello.
Bob to most and Robert to his siblings and their families, he was a most wonderful man who always had a humorous story to tell. Roseann’s cousin Roy remembers Bob telling him how, on returning to their hotel after their wedding for their first night, Bob says he left a trail of confetti from, the lobby, up the stairs, along the corridor, but stopped not at their bedroom door, but at that of an elderly couple who he had seen checking in earlier. His children grew up convinced that he had one leg shorter than the other because he always walked with one foot in the gutter. He happily indulged in the children’s love of animals – caravan holidays came complete with hamster as well as the trademark Westies.
A proud Scot, no matter the weather, on all trips to Scotland all windows had to be wound fully down as the car drove over the border from England so we could all breathe the lovely Scottish air. Similarly, on return South there was the compulsory competition of all of us taking our last breath of good old Scottish air and seeing who could hold on to it for the longest. As children one of the best bits of Christmas was seeing what 3d creation Dad made of his gifts to Mum. Best year was when he reassured his mother-in-law that he had bought his wife her heart’s desire and what she had been hinting for weeks that she really needed. Gran expected a fur coat to emerge from under the wrappings….out came a new dust bin. Roseann WAS delighted.
A brilliant mind, razor sharp wit, huge sense of humour and above all the most loving of husbands, fathers and grandfathers. He was a major influence in all our lives, gently encouraging whilst subtlety supporting. Incredibly patient with a positive can do attitude, we still hear him comforting us when something went astray, saying “that’s the way the cookie crumbles” then helping us to pick up the pieces and move on.
A good tennis player in his youth, he particularly enjoyed watching the wrestling with Kirsty and in later life he thought nothing of racing round the house after the grandchildren. He loved being a grandfather and would be so proud that James has just been awarded his Phd; and of course take credit for the fact that when James was very little and Bob was left holding the baby, when advised to talk to him, he proceeded to tell James about university level chemistry. He loved evenings with everyone playing snooker and cards, but you didn’t expect him to let you win just because you are little!
Above all is the total overwhelming love everyone had for him. Yes, he was very ill by the end. He bore the horrid Parkinson’s with such uncomplaining bravery and stoicism. He was our hero.
Sadly, Bob Moody passed away at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. "
Sue, Kirsty and I all gave a short reading and we exited to the sounds of the first Bach Cello suite - which Dad used to play and now William tries to too on Dad's "Stradivarius" cello (and thereby hangs a tale) - William has been playing Dad's cello for a few years now - featuring with it on the cover of this Year's Suffolk Youth Orchestra brochure!
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