It's hard to believe it's been more than seven years since Brian Jacques passed away. We all still miss him. Brian's memorial service on March 4, 2011, was at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, and it was open to the public.
Those who attended received a traditional funeral Order of Service, or program. The Redwall Wiki library now has one of those programs in its archive. It consists of four pages, and it's approximately 11.5 inches in length, 8 inches in width. It was designed by Brian's granddaughter, Hannah Jacques.
The cover page leads off with a quote from Lord Brocktree; the back closes with a quote from Taggerung.
- So here is my story, may it bring
- Some smiles and a tear or so.
- It happened once upon a time,
- Far away and long ago,
- Outside the night wind keens and wails
- Come listen to me, the teller of tales!"
The inside left page:
- Music - Nimrod by Sir Edward Elgar played by Ian Tracey
- Welcome - Canon Anthony Hawley, Canon treasurer, Liveprool Cathedral
- Prayer
- Hymn - Amazing Grace sung by Sandra Jacques & Liverpool College Chamber Choir
- Poem - Lady Liverpool by Brian Jacques
The inside right page:
- Tribute - From Radio Merseyside Billy Butler, Alan Jackson and Mick Ord
- Liverpool College Chamber Choir
- Tribute - Brian's friend Bill Tidy
- Song - Handel's Ombra Mai Fu sung by Stuart Keen
- Prayers
- Commendation
- Blessing
- Tribute - Brian's cousin Ted Coogan
- Songs - by Billy Maher: Parting glass; Leaving of Liverpool
- Postlude - Nun Danket Alle Gott (Now Thank we all our God) by Sigfried Karg-Elert
The back page:
- "Don't be ashamed to weep, 'tis right to grieve. Tears are only water, and flowers, trees, and fruit cannot grow without water. But there must be sunlight also. A wounded heart may heal in time, and when it does, the memory and love of our lost ones is sealed inside to comfort us."
Donations in Brian's memory gratefully received for:
- The Imagine Appeal, Alder Hey Fund Raising Department, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP
- Royal School for the Blind Liverpool, Church Road North, Liverpool L15 6TQ
Of course, if you're interested in donating to either of those charities, please visit Alder Hey and the Royal School for the Blind Liverpool.
The Liverpool Echo captured some footage of Brian's service at the time. You watch it here:
And to hear Brian's poem mentioned on page 2, Lady Liverpool, just follow this link.
Rest in peace, Brian.
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