Cecil Clark – funeral oration

We have come to pay tribute to Cec. There is much we know and admire. Therefore, we stand before the One who knows all things and say, ‘Look at Cec and reward him and make him flourish in a way we can only begin to imagine.’ For a funeral is not just a looking back to the past but is an anticipation of the future. Our lives in time are the programming of eternity; and each person paints their eternal portrait in the acts and emotions of their years.

Cec lived a rich life. I am speaking about the deeper dimension of things. For it is the depth of a person’s character and the quality of their spirit that make them worthwhile. Cec had perceived something of the rich mystery of God and wished to draw near to the fountain of life. He came to morning Mass most days, whether by car or later by motorised wheelchair. He attended Mass but also gathered people together in prayer in his own home. He wished to be at rights with the Maker of all and with those around him; he was sensitive and often came to confession.

He led a life of prayer and also a life of service. He was much involved in the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society both here in the parish and elsewhere. He cared for his wife in her illness and frequently visited others who were ill.

He sought for more in life than the five days of work and the two days of leisure. So, his life puts a question to us: what we are on about, what system of values is at work in us? He challenges us. He is an example to us and we honour him best by imitating him.

Therefore we pray: ‘Look on this man and love him. He lived for ninety years; give him eternity. We will lower him into the earth but we entrust him into your care, for he came from you and sought to draw close to you. We commend him and stand by him. He was a good and faithful servant; let him now share his Master’s happiness.’

Stella Maris Church, Beaumaris, 2006

Fr John Dupuche