Eulogy

Everyone here will have different memories of my Grandfather, and he would have meant different things to each of us. Overall, despite the different sides of him and times we knew him, there was something constant across all aspects of his personality; his pure goodness of spirit, generosity, and his love of life and people.

Thomas Vincent Cammell was the first child of John Bernard & Alice Cammell. Born 9^th August 1922 in Holborn, London. At 16 his father died suddenly, leaving him as the sole breadwinner and male role model for his 5 younger siblings.

At 19 he was conscripted, and served as a signaller in the army. Stationed in North Africa and Italy he was away from home for three years.

Upon returning from the army Tom felt it was his calling in life to join the order of the Catholic Church. This changed however during a pilgrimage to Rome in the holy year of 1950, when he helped a young Monica Thompson with her suitcase.

My Grandad was smitten, and (fortunately for me) married my grandmother in 1952.

They had Paul in 1953, before moving to Swindon in 1957. My mother Annie was born later that year, and over the next 8 years they added Mary and John to the fold. Unfortunately their second son Dominic died at birth.

My Grandad worked first at Vickers, before moving to Square D and then to Raychem, where he worked for 15 years, riding his bike to work every day he finally retired in 1987 at the age of 65.

In retirement he remained active; he volunteered in Charity shops (including “The Shop” in Cavendish Square), and listened to school children read at Holy Family school, and the library in Park South.

I am one of 11 grandchildren, and want to share a few memories I have of my Grandfather:

I remember sitting on his knee, listening to him read me stories from the huge storybook that used to reside on the bookshelf.

He used to greet us with an extended hand and the words “Shake hands with a millionaire.” He believed he was the luckiest man in the world, for meeting and marrying an amazing woman, and for having 4 wonderful children.

I remember getting some new roller skates when I was around 13; after mass one Sunday I somehow convinced him to let me hold on to the back of his bike to “catch a lift” as he rode home. Even at 13 I was not the smallest fellow. If you can imagine the sight of this 70-something gent pulling a gangly teenager along…well, it was quite something.

What remains in my mind the most was his utter and complete devotion to my Grandmother, during their retirement they would walk every day into town to attend mass and to catch up with old friends. As my younger brother observed they were the masters of the stop and chat – catching up with people from all walks of life.

Going through Grandad’s personal affects has been a humbling experience; he appears to have given away all of his suits to charity. In a world of over-indulgence he lived a simple life, few possessions but much knowledge. From his radio (“The Wireless” – permanently tuned to The Irish) to the Catholic paper the Universe, his was a life devoted to god. Going through his bank statements shows a man determined to help those less fortunate than himself, he gave money monthly to many charities, including Help The Aged - bearing in mind that this was a man who was 87 years old.

Grandad would never have any fuss. He was always interested in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and even our friends. He always had something positive to say, and I never once heard him say a bad word about anyone. He had so much knowledge but never forced his ideas on people. All of our lives have benefitted from his wisdom and insight.

His life, full of devotion to his wife, his family, his religion and the wider community, serves as a fine example for us to aspire to. But in his selfless giving to others, he received the gift of true happiness. We are here today not just to mourn the passing of Tom, but to celebrate the life of a man whose spirit will live on in the lives of those he touched: The quintessential English gentleman.

He is reunited now with his sweetheart.

Peace be with you.