A perfect send off

It was Maurice Gilmour’s funeral today.

Liz and Nick took me to the crematorium for the 1.15pm service. It was the first time I have been to a funeral since Mum died. I was fine.

This was a religion free service. We heard Dave Brubeck’s Take Five, Alex Glasgow singing Saturday Afternoon and left to Enya’s Sailing Away.

Family members spoke movingly.

The we all went back to Humshaugh for food and entertainment.

Maurice was an inspirational teacher. The book “Once Upon an Ordinary School Day” by Colin McNaughton was dedicated to Maurice and his teaching methods. I have ordered a copy. (The black and white dreary classroom becomes full of colour with the arrival of the teacher.)

It sounds as though he was a fun Dad who could make pirate ships out of next to nothing.

Maurice worked in education in Leicestershire for years. I can’t begin to tell you all the wonderful schemes he set up and followed through there. Drama was his big love.

After retirement, in Humshaugh he started a theatre group for children and young people. Some (all grown up) were there today. He often had his head in his hands when lines had not yet been learned….

My blip? Maurice always had a tube of sweeties in his pocket. His son decided to buy Dad’s favourites for us to share.

Some of the cast of his last (and arguably best) show in Humshaugh sang from “Oh What a Lovely War”

Last night, 11 family members had a meal at The Crown. There were 12 places at the table and 12 meals came. The unwanted one was scampi and chips. Maurice had ordered that on his last few visits for a meal at the pub……..

Farewell to a legend.