Lovely service for a wonderful man. I have fond memories of Uncle John over the years including staying with you at the house in Warragul Road. Thinking of you all at this difficult time
Thank you for connecting me as an online guest at Uncle John’s farewell service.
It brings back so many cherished childhood memories of spending time with Uncle John, Auntie Mavis and the Spence children. Special times holidaying at Sorrento, attending church and other events at Burwood Presbyterian/Uniting Church and happy times at the Ness and Spence houses. Our parents friendship went back to times when they were all single and attended youth group as young adults. Great times for us as children with our families living close. We enjoyed such carefree happy times in our lives.
It doesn’t ‘seem’ that long ago!
Thank you Uncle John for being such a fond part of my childhood and teenage years.
Hi Jenny
We were very glad that you could join us on the live stream for Dad’s funeral.
Thank you very much for your kind comments’
Jeanette
How uplifting with beautiful sentiments from each of you, a true gentleman.
Your words and fullness of gratitude are shared as always with ole buddies who now especially send Love and gladness straight to your gentle a’heart.
Kindly
Catherine and family
Dear Catherine – I just wanted to thank you for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our children.
I really appreciated your friendship and kindness.
Sincerely Ken
Thank you for this beautiful funeral service for Uncle John. It was great to learn about his early life, war experience & career. Amongst the grief it was wonderful to feel the great affection all generations clearly felt for him. Wonderful memories to share of a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend & colleague.May he rest in peace.
Mary Fraser (Spence)
Thank you for making it possible for me to be at John’s service today although far away in Blackburn.
John was our families’ elder when we joined Burwood Uniting Church in 1982 and I got to know Mavis and John many years later as I did some cleaning for them as their health became a concern and they were looking to sell their Thomas street house and move to Cameron Close. I had forgotten in the intervening years a lot of the things which they told me about their life and family, so it was good to be reminded. How generous they were and embarrassingly grateful for what I did to help them. They raised a lovely family.
A wonderful tribute to John, fleshing out his life for those of us who only knew him superficially.
We are sure he would be very proud of how he has been represented today. You are all very lucky to have had such a wonderful role model, may he Rest In Peace.
Dear John, Cheryl, Johnny, and Thomas- I just wanted to thank you for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our children.
All the best. Kind regards Ken.
What a send off. I can’t remember the last time a “dash” between two years 1923 & 2020 packed so much life, love, care and consideration for others and such an overwhelming and palpable sense of family commitment and closeness.
As was said, a full life and a wonderful legacy passed on to all the Spence and their families.
Thank you for facilitating and giving us the opportunity to share this service with you.
All our Love and good wishes,
Leonie, Sylvain and Kate
A beautiful service, but brought a few tears. I wish I could have been with you ,you all spoke eloquently And movingly . I was proud of you , as I know John would have been ,a fitting tribute to a very special man
Dear Robyn – I just wanted to thank you for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our kids.
I really appreciated your thoughtfulness. All the best Ken
A beautiful heartfelt celebration for a lovely man. Love to you all .
Dear Judy and Peter – I just wanted to thank you both for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our children.
With all these new covid concerns it must be incredibly tough for Joy and the both of you.I really feel for you all.
Lots of love Ken
Thank you all for sharing so many truly happy memories, and very many congratulations upon managing with the limited permitted numbers. This was a very moving experience
Dear David – I just wanted to thank you for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our children.
I know dad appreciated working with you as well as your friendship.
Kind regards Ken
Thanks, Jeanette, Ian and Ken, for the opportunity to share in the celebration of John’s life. His 96 years were well lived and we were lucky to be your next-door neighbours in Warrigal Road for some of them. Happy times and wonderful memories! Colin joins me in sending best wishes to you all. Meredith x
Meredith
We were glad that you could join us for the live stream of Dad’s funeral.
Thank you for your kind comments and memories.
Jeanette
A beautiful service. Lovely insight into a wonderful man and family. You all did a fantastic job in honouring your dad, pop and friend.
No wonder you are all such lovely folk.
What a privelidged to be there with you in spirit.
BIG hugs
Philip and Fiona
Dear Rwth – I just wanted to thank you for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our children.
Lovely service for a wonderful man. I have fond memories of Uncle John over the years including staying with you at the house in Warragul Road. Thinking of you all at this difficult time
Thank you for connecting me as an online guest at Uncle John’s farewell service.
It brings back so many cherished childhood memories of spending time with Uncle John, Auntie Mavis and the Spence children. Special times holidaying at Sorrento, attending church and other events at Burwood Presbyterian/Uniting Church and happy times at the Ness and Spence houses. Our parents friendship went back to times when they were all single and attended youth group as young adults. Great times for us as children with our families living close. We enjoyed such carefree happy times in our lives.
It doesn’t ‘seem’ that long ago!
Thank you Uncle John for being such a fond part of my childhood and teenage years.
thanks you for sharing such intimate tributes about john and learning about the man his was ; a true privilege . thank you and blessings to you all
It was wonderful to be able to participate in the Service through the live streaming and share in family memories. Our thoughts are with you all.
Hi Jenny
We were very glad that you could join us on the live stream for Dad’s funeral.
Thank you very much for your kind comments’
Jeanette
How uplifting with beautiful sentiments from each of you, a true gentleman.
Your words and fullness of gratitude are shared as always with ole buddies who now especially send Love and gladness straight to your gentle a’heart.
Kindly
Catherine and family
Dear Catherine – I just wanted to thank you for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our children.
I really appreciated your friendship and kindness.
Sincerely Ken
Thank you for this beautiful funeral service for Uncle John. It was great to learn about his early life, war experience & career. Amongst the grief it was wonderful to feel the great affection all generations clearly felt for him. Wonderful memories to share of a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend & colleague.May he rest in peace.
Mary Fraser (Spence)
Thank you for making it possible for me to be at John’s service today although far away in Blackburn.
John was our families’ elder when we joined Burwood Uniting Church in 1982 and I got to know Mavis and John many years later as I did some cleaning for them as their health became a concern and they were looking to sell their Thomas street house and move to Cameron Close. I had forgotten in the intervening years a lot of the things which they told me about their life and family, so it was good to be reminded. How generous they were and embarrassingly grateful for what I did to help them. They raised a lovely family.
A wonderful tribute to John, fleshing out his life for those of us who only knew him superficially.
We are sure he would be very proud of how he has been represented today. You are all very lucky to have had such a wonderful role model, may he Rest In Peace.
What a beautiful service and tribute to John. What a wonderful man with a life well lived. Condolensences to all the family.
Such a beautiful service to celebrate a wonderful Life. R I P John. Love John Cheryl Johnny and Thomas x
Dear John, Cheryl, Johnny, and Thomas- I just wanted to thank you for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our children.
All the best. Kind regards Ken.
What a send off. I can’t remember the last time a “dash” between two years 1923 & 2020 packed so much life, love, care and consideration for others and such an overwhelming and palpable sense of family commitment and closeness.
As was said, a full life and a wonderful legacy passed on to all the Spence and their families.
Thank you for facilitating and giving us the opportunity to share this service with you.
All our Love and good wishes,
Leonie, Sylvain and Kate
A beautiful service, but brought a few tears. I wish I could have been with you ,you all spoke eloquently And movingly . I was proud of you , as I know John would have been ,a fitting tribute to a very special man
Love to you all, and thank you for sharing your wonderful tribute to John.
Dear Robyn – I just wanted to thank you for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our kids.
I really appreciated your thoughtfulness. All the best Ken
A beautiful heartfelt celebration for a lovely man. Love to you all .
Dear Judy and Peter – I just wanted to thank you both for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our children.
With all these new covid concerns it must be incredibly tough for Joy and the both of you.I really feel for you all.
Lots of love Ken
Thank you all for sharing so many truly happy memories, and very many congratulations upon managing with the limited permitted numbers. This was a very moving experience
Thank you for allowing me to attend the very touching live stream
Dear David – I just wanted to thank you for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our children.
I know dad appreciated working with you as well as your friendship.
Kind regards Ken
Thanks, Jeanette, Ian and Ken, for the opportunity to share in the celebration of John’s life. His 96 years were well lived and we were lucky to be your next-door neighbours in Warrigal Road for some of them. Happy times and wonderful memories! Colin joins me in sending best wishes to you all. Meredith x
Meredith
We were glad that you could join us for the live stream of Dad’s funeral.
Thank you for your kind comments and memories.
Jeanette
A beautiful service. Lovely insight into a wonderful man and family. You all did a fantastic job in honouring your dad, pop and friend.
No wonder you are all such lovely folk.
What a privelidged to be there with you in spirit.
BIG hugs
Philip and Fiona
A wonderful celebration of a remarkable life.
Sending you all our love.
Thank you, big hugs to all.
Dear Rwth – I just wanted to thank you for joining us via technology at dad’s funeral and for the kind message you left on the website.
As I said at the funeral, he had a good life, he was a good man and he was a good friend.
We will miss him very much, but he definitely deserved some peace. The last few years had been particularly tough on his health. Also dealing with another lockdown would have been much like being placed back in solitary confinement for a person with dementia who wouldn’t have understood why we weren’t visiting him.
We are left with wonderful memories and are uplifted by the knowledge that both he and mum have had such a positive and enormous impact on our lives and the lives of our children.
All the very best. Kind regards Ken.