More on Chris's Funeral

Well what can I say, the funeral service itself was one of the most
pleasant I have been to. A sympathetic and apt treatment by the
Preacher with no hymns, just music from Chris himself.
The chapel was full to bursting with around 25 folks including myself
having to stand outside but well served by the PA so that we didn't
miss a word.
Fiona in spite of her tears looked wonderful in what was supposed to
have been her wedding outfit, a white trouser suit, such a pleasant
change from the formal mourning garb normally seen at these sad
occaisions. Most of the guests were also dressed as Chris would have
wanted, casual and colourful with hardly a black tie to be seen.
The coffin bore a simple floral tribute from Fiona in the shape of a
guitar with a keyboard added on the stand with the coffin.
As fine a eulogy as I have ever heard from Peter Rockcliffe gave all
of us, including those who knew him well a wonderful insight into
Chris's life and career. Even though I could not see properly, it was
obvious that Peter was holding back the tears as he spoke so warmly
about his baby brother relaying stories of happy times not just the
sad one at his end.
In the evening the mood lightened and a great celbratory event was
held at the Eagle in Buxton, one of the many venues in the town that
Chris helped establish in the local music scene. Singing and dancing,
playing and drinking until some time after midnight, I left at 12:30am
and it was still going strong. Many old friend****ps were
re-established and doubtless a few new ones started as folks both
local and from all parts of Britain gathered together not to mourn,
but to celibrate his life.
There are far too many people to thank, let alone mention and so many
that I don't have a name to go with their faces, but all contibuted to
the finest send off I have attended.
What better way to send him off to whatever place he has gone to.

Gan Canny lad