Appreciations
ALAN DISHMAN R.I.P.
Alan died on January 10th 2003. His funeral mass was held on Saturday, 18th at 10.00. The church was overflowing with family and friends from the many activities in which Alan either took part or helped. Although a very sad occasion, there was light relief from Father Denis O'Gorman who concelebrated with Father Bryan Storey. John Dishman (son) gave an outstandingly appreciative talk. Father Bryan spoke movingly of the huge asset that Alan had been to our church and to himself since he came to our mission church thirty two years ago. The something special about Alan which was appreciated by so many was Father Bryan said, due to his Faith in God and great devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Alan's children were also (apparently) light hearted as they shared some of their memories of their childhood in Tintagel and a very loving father of many talents. Alan's direct family went to Bodmin after the service at St Paul's for a cremation.
Father Bryan Storey writes:
There is so much that could be said about Alan and his unforgettable tenacity of purpose. He grew in humility, kindness and thoughtfulness, especially through his great devotion to the Blessed Virgin. He was ready to meet Almighty God by his repentance and ever growing religious attitude. I shall miss him especially because of his reliability, dedication and helpfulness which suffered no obstacles to push on to good results. He was greatly instrumental in helping me to put up our Mission Social Centre and Priest's house. He regularly, with his devoted wife Mollie, cleaned the Church since it was built in 1968. He was, with Mollie, awarded the Bishop's medal for devoted and long service to our Church here in Tintagel. He presented this medal to the Mission as he said it belonged to all of us. His kindness is well remembered in the village, especially in connection with his days as the Village Chemist, help for Age Concern and Hospital Car Service.
DORA HOLMES R.I.P.
Dora died recently. Her Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, 12th February where many friends and family came to pay their respects. During Father Bryan's homily he said of Dora, who used to be the Postmistress of Boscastle, "I found her an inspiration in the wonderful way she endured through a lot of illness for over twenty five years. She reminded me of St.Teresa who said she did not know why God permitted her to suffer so much but she trusted Him. Such people are a great inspiration in the Community. She wonderfully reflected an important aspect of the Gospel- the craft of suffering."
May she Rest In Peace.
February 2003
PAT EVANS R.I.P.
Pat died at 7.15 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8th. Pat’s funeral mass was held at Bodmin Catholic Church, on Wednesday, April 16th @ 11.30. Father Guy of Bodmin, and Father Bryan of Tintagel concelebrated the Requiem Mass to a church full of family and friends.
Father Bryan writes: “I have known Pat for over twenty years. She had a rather sad life with many sufferings and setbacks. Her son Howard was always a great consolation to her especially after the death of John, her husband who by special request had his funeral service in our Catholic Church. He was not a Catholic but usually came to our church with Pat. With her, he took great interest in the sermons. It was a special pleasure for me to be with Pat for a while on Christmas Eve and to be asked to take her Holy Viaticum just before she died. Her warmth of character and kindness were unfailing even when it was painful for her to communicate. Our Community is very grateful to Peter and Gillian Jolley for all the loving care and attention and self-sacrifice they gave to Pat during her illness. May she enjoy a well earned peace with God. We pray for the repose of her soul, for Howard and for her family and friends.
MICHELE RASPA R.I.P.
Michele died in the early hours of Monday,28th April. His Requiem Mass took place on Saturday, 3rd May at 14.00hrs. Father Bryan celebrated the Mass at which he asked prayers for the repose of Michele's soul and the strengthening of the family in their loss.
Michele was a well known and well loved character locally. He was Italian and came to the U.K. in 1958.He lived in Davidstow.
Father Bryan writes: Michele Salvatore Raspa was the youngest of seven Italian brothers and the last to die. His brother Antonio, died last June, he also lived in Davidstow. Michele also worked in Davistow,first as a farmer and later for Dairy Crest Creamery, a Milk and Cheese Factory.
He lived in Davidstow for over 45 years. He and his late wife Carmela had two children, Peter and Grace both of whom, with their families were present with eighty others for the Requiem Mass.
Before Michele died in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon, he had the hospital Chaplain to pray with him.
The Requiem Mass was held on Saturday. 3rd May at St Paul's. The congregation sang mightily accompanied by organist, Doctor Miriam Rosenthal-English.
BETTY CROYDON R.I.P.
Father Bryan writes: Betty Croydon went to her reward on Thursday, 31st July 2003. After many illnesses, which were particularly hard to cope with, Betty died in Kent where she and her husband Gerry have been staying with their daughter and son in law. Along with many parishioners I have good memories of a lady who helped in several ways in the life of the church, including cleaning the church on a regular basis. I especially remember her help with the church gardens and promotion of the Garden of Remembrance, which is venerated and much appreciated by the Catholic Community here in Tintagel. Betty was highly thought of as a very pleasant person who nonetheless spoke as she found.
Betty was buried near Otford, Kent in new burial grounds. The Committal Service, which was confined to family, was on Friday, 8th August. Father Bryan, at the request of the family, officiated at the burial.
We have received a card from Mr. Croydon thanking our community for all their prayers and gestures of condolence.