a Celebration of the life of Leslie Arthur Pooch, J.P.
4.8.23 - 14.4.05

Service held at Zion Hill Church, Onewa Road, Birkenhead, Auckland
11am, Saturday 23rd April 2005

ORDER OF SERVICE

The service was led by Rev David C. Pratt

Welcome

Announcements

Words of Purpose

Opening Prayers

Hymn - The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended

Some words of comfort and blessing - Psalm 31: 9-10 and 19-24 Romans 8 (Selected verses), "I Have Got My Leave"

Tributes - David Pooch, Geoffrey Pooch, Dick Willson, David Pratt

Prayers

Hymn - When I survey the wondrous cross

Masonic Ceremony - Mike Whitlock

Committal

Blessing - Edelweiss. May the Lord, Mighty God…

Recession - The Casket was carried from the Church as the organist Janet le Pine played the tune St Oswald

A time of reflection and refreshment was held in the Church Hall following the service. 

Les's selected readings:
Farewell I have got my leave; Bid me a fond farewell, my loved ones, my sisters and brothers; I bow to you all and take my departure. I only ask for some last kind words from you. We were neighbours and friends for long, but I received much more than I could give. Now the day has dawned and the lamp that lit my heart is out. At this, the time of my departure, wish me a fond farewell my friends; The sky is flushed with the dawn and my path lies beautiful before me. When I think of this, the end of my moments, I have no fear in mind. Because I loved this life, I know that I shall love the peace that is death as well. - Tagore

Prayer of St Francis of Assisi
Lord make me an instrument of thy peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. - St Francis of Assisi

This was my favourite poem, one which I tried to base my life and actions upon, but never quite made it! Sorry - Les

Miss Me - But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room, Why cry for a soul let free?

Miss me a little - but not too long, And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that we once shared, Miss Me - But Let Me Go.

For this is a journey that we all must take, And each must go alone, It's all a part of the Master's Plan, A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart, Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, Miss Me - But Let Me Go. - Unknown

"I'd like the memories of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when my life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering, softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave, when my life is done." - Unknown

A personal message from the one you have come to honour:
"If I have shown any kindness to my fellow man, then all I ask in return is that you reflect that kindness by taking care of Gwen until she joins me later" - Les