A Sad Goodbye

Backblip for Saturday 19th July 2025

I travelled up to the City of London Cemetery & Crematorium for the funeral of our BBC Radio colleague and contemporary Will, who died unexpectedly five weeks ago on the day after his 61st birthday. I think there were probably about 200 people who had come to pay our last respects. The chapel was packed. The humanist celebrant was a former Editor of Woman’s Hour. Several members of Will’s family and friends and workmates had prepared some words which really captured his colourful and unique personality, and summarised his career and prematurely ended life. Before leaving, we were invited to place flowers which we had brought from our gardens onto the coffin, along with sprigs of lavender which had been a favourite of Will and his wife Vi. I had brought a perfect yellow rose cut from the climber by my front door. There were many, many former colleagues mingling before and after the service and I greeted quite a few with hugs and kisses, but alas didn’t manage to speak to nearly enough. Old friends Sue, Fiona and I had a light lunch and a cuppa in the tea room at the imposing main entrance before walking back up to Manor Park station and parting ways. I hope the next time we meet it will be on a happier occasion.

A day which has given many of us pause for thought as we said our sad goodbyes to Will. May he rest in peace.