Ascension : THANK-YOU
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Editors) 01.07.2010 (Article Archived on 15.07.2010)

By the time you all read this we will no doubt be back in the UK as we leave tonight with heavy hearts and many sad memories,

By the time you all read this we will no doubt be back in the UK as we leave tonight

with heavy hearts and many sad memories, but could not leave without taking this

opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those acquainted with Darren

throughout his life, at the time of his death and in the preparation leading up to his

burial.

We would like to thank the following people:

The Island Administrator for permission for us to travel at such short notice and for

the authorisation of Darren’s Body to be laid to rest at the Georgetown Cemetery;

Patsy Ann for making the travel arrangements and to Elaine Arms for her time and

efforts in getting the Family on the next available flight out to Ascension;

The RAF Base Commander, the Movements Warrant Officer and SERCO Security

Staff for taking excellent care of the family on arrival at Ascension after what felt like

the hardest journey we had ever made;

The Doctors, Nurses and Medical Staff for their care and attention and to Mr. Kenny

Henry for his assistance at the time of Darren’s death;

Canon Clive Duncan and Church Wardens Alan Nicholls and Mervyn Isaac for

conducting the Funeral Service and to Cheryl Anthony for operating George in

Church.

Anita Stevens for the Eulogy and to Johnny Hobson for reading the Eulogy in Church;

Amelia and Patrick for the compilation of the Hymn Sheets, making of the cards for

the wreaths and to Patrick for the photographs and the many other jobs carried out

behind the scenes;

Robert Anthony and Peter Williams and all the AIG Work force who worked in

preparation for the funeral – the grave diggers, drivers and those who led the funeral

procession, the carriers and to all who assisted at the graveside. Darren loved his

work mates and would have been so proud of you all;

The Manageress and all staff at the Saints Club for hosting the Wake and kept

everyone supplied with drinks and snacks until the late hours – it was a fitting tribute

to end what was a ‘perfect send-off’ and those who knew Darren will agree that he

wouldn’t have wanted it any other way;

Bobby-Jo and Susie-gal for the lovely photo display;

A Big ‘Thank-you’ to our family - Winnie and Jimmy, Susie and Roy and family,

Patsy and Melvyn and Family for accommodating us and for their love and support

throughout a devastating time;

Vicky for traveling with us from and back to the UK and for her continued support

throughout;

Cathy, Joanne, Susan, Stuart, Glenda, Tonetta and families for being there for us;

All the many families and friends including Faron, Karina and Joyce who have

supported Ursula and Brooke through a difficult time;

And last but not least to you all – family and friends on Ascension for attending the

Funeral and the Wake to honor and celebrate his life – it is fortunate for him to have

lived in such a loving, caring community and it has made us so proud to know that our

son had touched the hearts of so many people – it was such a memorable send-off.

It was a pleasure to have met so many of you all in person – even although under such

difficult and sad circumstances, but we will remember you all in the months ahead as

we deal with the sadness of our loss.

To those of you who made wreaths and other floral contributions especially ‘Dutch’

for the beautifully made wreaths, and for the many cards, e-mails, messages and

phone-calls received from you all – a very big Thank-you! Your words of love and

sympathy have been so overwhelming and touching and have eased some of the pain

and sorrow that we have felt since we arrived. We take away with us so many

memories that will be instilled in our hearts forever.

Thank you each and everyone one of you – if we have forgotten or left anyone out –

please forgive us – you all know who you are.

God Bless you all and may he remain in your lives forever.

Peter, Stephanie and Sebastian Harris,