A Bit Of A Do
On Tuesday October 11th 2005 my father, Paul Lenfestey de Garis, died in his beloved Guernsey, the island of his birth. Dad was a larger than life person! He was multi-talented, a successful businessman, respected senior politician, sportsman and musician whose Christian faith was at the forefront of his life. It was only right and proper that his funeral last Saturday should reflect the man he was.
My youngest sister, Juliette, has wonderful organisational skills and had Dad’s funeral planned down to the last detail, almost like a military campaign! At first I thought the three pages of instructions I was commanded to commit to memory was a little OTT, however I was glad I complied as they were all necessary in making Dad’s final big occasion run smoothly.
As the eldest child of Dad’s dynasty, I escorted my mother as we processed behind the coffin. The church was packed to the doors with family, friends and people who had known Dad in church, political and business life. The island’s senior political dignitaries had also joined the congregation to pay their last respects to my father, who for many years had served the island so well in a number of political posts.
The funeral service was one that Dad would have thoroughly enjoyed. There were three of his favourite hymns, two eulogies, one address, his favourite readings and prayers. Our daughter, Paulette, was one of the three clergy in attendance and contributed to the service. Her Papa would have been very proud indeed.
The interment was held in the graveyard of a country parish church where my father’s ancestors have been buried for many centuries. In contrast to the funeral service his committal was very simple, in keeping with the peaceful surroundings, only the chief mourners present.
Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious luncheon, including many of Dad’s favourite dishes; he loved his food and the mourners tucked in with appreciation just as Dad would have done if he had been there!
Dad’s funeral was of course poignant, but it celebrated his long and full life. I do hope he was sitting on cloud nine strumming his harp and enjoying his ‘bit of a do’!
Paul Lenfestey de Garis, Dad, REST IN PEACE!
In Sure And Certain Hope
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust
The familiar words are intoned
The mortal remains are lowered
The polished oak casket starkly pale
Against the rich dark soil
The man’s final resting place
He confidently lived and died
In sure and certain hope.
Rose-Mary Gower