John V. Taylor Knew It, When He Wrote

Derek Ward RIP

Resurrection has had, you might say, a bad press. It’s treated by some, even in the church, as ‘so heavenly-minded, that it’s no earthly-good’. Well, that’s the very opposite of what Jesus was about ~ with coins and sheep that got lost, sick people who weren’t sure they even wanted to be healed, crowds that needed feeding, weddings that needed a bit of a lift with the best vintage, and rather dodgy gatherings of misfits who wanted a bit of loving ~ indeed, ‘an everyday story of countryfolk’! Now, these are the very recognisable situations and people whose need of new beginnings was not for something dramatic, less still, theatrical or self-consciously religious, but just a little flickering of the embers tangible hope ~ that’s it!

John V. Taylor knew it, when he wrote:

At a turn of the head bent intent on a task,

Ripple of light, hem of his garment only,

Or lift of the heart suddenly less lonely

Is all the Easter evidence I ask.

And here, then, is the Easter evidence of Derek’s life, seenthrough the lens of his closest loved-ones:

Margaret writes:

“Derek volunteered for the navy in 1942 aged 17! He spent time in the Arctic as well as Russia, Berlin and also Antwerp, where he met Jessica, his first wife. They were married and were blessed with Peter, Cathy and Paul.”Peter writes: “My Dad, ~ Fond memories of Hornchurch, Upminster Bridge station, Dad coming home it seemed so late and having a fish for dinner; decorating, papier mache; a videogram, opera; paper chains at Christmas; the ferry to Belgium, Antwerp Zoo; the garden the black current bushes; a hint only about war and the North Atlantic Convoys; always reading, studying books. My father was a good man, a gentle man, a gentleman.”

Cathy writes:

“A few years ago, Dad and I visited with one of Dad’s neighbours, Eddie, who has since passed away, they had known each other in their youth in Edmonton, and during the course of the evening it came out that they had both been card-holding members of the socialist party! Well, to say I was shocked is something of an understatement, my Popsy, upright citizen,ex-banker ! I wound him up unmercifully about it which he enjoyed very much, I called him a "red in the bed" ~ he giggled heartily. On reflection, it was of course perfectly in keeping with his character that he felt everyone should have the same opportunities/chances in life and that basically was the underlying principle of socialism.”

Paul writes: “My overwhelming impression is that he was a truly good man. Everyone who knew him saw a special love and tenderness so rare to find.

He had a very full life. He was recently awarded the Arctic Star medal for his war service. He met my mother in Antwerp at the age of 19 with no common language, fell in love, married and had many years of happy marriage blessed with their 3 children. I’m the third. They struggled to build a life in post war England and raised 3 children who have gone on to be successful, honest and loving parents. He has 7 grandchildren who have loved and cherished him as we 3 have done. He touched their hearts as he did ours. He has always been a tower of strength and wisdom for us through our family ups and downs. His faith in us guided us through dark times when we needed it most.”

Very sadly, however, Jessica got cancer. They moved down from London, where Derek worked in the foreign currency dept of Barclays’ Bank, to Bournemouth, in 1976.

Derek took early retirement to nurse Jess, and when she died, in 1985, he lived on his own for 8 years. Paul: “When my mother died of cancer, my father’s life was left dark and empty. He suffered great depression. A great sorrow overwhelmed him.” Margaret writes: “During those years of living on his own, he became involved with the Sisters of Mercy in Bournemouth ~ helping them to close down the Convalescent Home, so that it could be rebuilt.

Derek made himself available for all sorts of jobs, especially doing the accounts! ~ and they had to be accurate, down to the last penny! This was when Margaret met Derek; eventually, after being soul-mates for a few years, Margaret left the convent and they were married in 1993.

They vowed to live useful Christian lives in anyway they could and when the opportunity arose.

Derek was an avid reader, and Margaret also shared a love of spiritual books.

Their different families meant a lot to them both, and Derek was always there for his children, in joyful as well as sorrowful times.”

Paul writes:

“His faith in life was rekindled when he met Margaret. They came together from dark times and found a way ahead. They loved and supported each other for a very happy marriage of 21 years. Dad’s failing health was no barrier to their bond. We cannot express our gratitude and love for Margaret for the devotion she has shown for Dad over very difficult times. Margaret has been devoted with her support for Dad throughout very difficult times. We owe her a great debt of gratitude. Dad found another very special person. Margaret is a very loved member of our family.

I’m constantly touched to meet Dad’s friends in Bournemouth who have such love and affection for him. He had a very special effect on everyone he met.

I hope I’ve lived up to his example. I hope I’ve taken from him as a Father, the principles of how to live a good life. I hope I’ve passed this onto my children.

Living in today’s world seems to be dealing with conflict, greed, selfishness and evil. My Father showed me that there is an alternative way, a way based on love and faith in humanity. He genuinely believed in the goodness of mankind. He showed me how love is our hope and salvation.”

It’s a mysterious thing, to attempt to give and receive love ~ by no means as easy as it’s cracked-up to be! ~ but it is made more tolerable, even joyful, by serious evidence of resurrection, breaking through any dreary and cynical downward-spiral, and surprising us with joy; and where there is joy, there is hope.

Derek saw that hope, and knew that joy ~ thank God! Of course, we miss, and mourn, him today (how could love be real if we didn’t?!); but we also give thanks, today, and probably for the rest of our lives, for his lively hope and expectation of the resurrection that, I am sure, he now enjoys, with a characteristic twinkle in his eye, for all eternity. May it be so. +

And now, Derek’s grand-daughter …