When a community unite to say a heartfelt farewell

This week we bid the fondest of farewell's to a gent who has clearly and so lastingly touched the lives of many people throughout his 83 years with us. From a humble young man with a dream and sparkle in his eye, to a gentleman who had achieved so much by his later years - this was a life lived and enjoyed. For the family they were a little unsure how many would join us in chapel. All they knew was that "he was so well loved by many." And as we came to appreciate, closing the chapel doors just wasn't going to be possible as more and more came to join us. As I looked around the room we had such a wide ranging gathering. People of all ages and a huge gathering from our Filipino friends. 
As the family were greeted outside, these were many treasured moments of hugs and quiet words from everyone who had joined us today. This is a family and community of friends who will now continue to look after one another and forever hold this special man in their hearts and memories.