Jolly Jeeper Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 From Richie Puttock in The RMA Network, if anyone can spare some time in or around Pompey on the 21st next week! DEATH OF FORMER ROYAL MARINE I am a clergyman in Southsea and I have been asked to conduct the Burial on 21st February for Mr McConnell who was in care at Bluebell Nursing Home, Southsea. Sadly, Mr McConnell appears to have no family, and the ceremony (graveside only, no formal Service) is being arranged by Social Services. The Nursing home that he was with have informed me that he was a Royal Marine but he was not at the Nursing home very long so other details are scarce. The graveside service will be held at 09.30 on the 21st Feb at Milton Cemetery, 197 Milton Road, Portsmouth. PO4 8RS. Ladies and Gentlemen, In this day and age it is tragic enough that anyone has to leave this world with no one to mourn their passing, but this man was family and I am sure you will agree deserves a better send off. If you can make it to the graveside for that time to pay your respects to a former brother in arms then please try to be there. Further information can be obtained by ringing the Revd Bob Mason at the address and number below. (Revd) Bob Mason 63 Tredegar Road, Southsea PO4 9BJ 02392 824712 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big ray Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Very sad news, I do hope that some local members can attend, may he R.I.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosie Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 If I can get a baby sitter I will try and get there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin craig Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 The Royal Marines will gladly send a Marine and an officer to the service, this was done for my uncle when he died. Contact nearest RM unit asap. R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted February 18, 2013 Share Posted February 18, 2013 So sad. Let's hope there will be people at the funeral to pay some respect. Rest in peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Degsy Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 It's reported today that after a facebook appeal more than 200 people attended the funeral. RIP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyFowler Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 Thats good news Degsy , thanks for the update ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosie Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 It's on radio 2 news and on Twitter and Facebook. Not wanting to glamourise things but what a good use of social media. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolly Jeeper Posted February 21, 2013 Author Share Posted February 21, 2013 Found this on facebook, 'A small procession through the cemetery was led by Royal British Legion standard bearers followed by a group of flag-bearing motorcycles. The service concluded with two buglers from the Royal Marines Band Service playing the Last Post. The great majority of you who have come here today did not know James McConnell but wanted him to have a dignified farewell. I thank you for that kindness and generosity of spirit. – REVEREND BOB MASON Danny Marshall, a former Royal Marine, said he attended because the corps was an extended family: It was mentioned wrongly that he did not have family; the corps family is bigger and better and than most people would know about. We are all family and always will be.' I am so glad that this chap wasn't alone on his last journey. RIP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolly Jeeper Posted February 21, 2013 Author Share Posted February 21, 2013 http://www.itv.com/news/2013-02-21/facebook-plea-sees-hundreds-turn-out-for-funeral-of-royal-marine-after-vicar-feared-he-would-be-buried-without-mourners/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enigma Posted February 25, 2013 Share Posted February 25, 2013 I just watched it via a Dutch website link. Its a pity he was alone when he passed but he got a dignified farewell. My eyes went misty watching the report. In May 2000my brother and meI met a veteran (43rd Recce) and his wife durin a commemoration. We "adopted" each other on the spot as family. When he (Allan) died in 2002 age 77 we were lucky to get a lift by other Dutchmen to his funeral. Now 11 years later I still phone his wido (Marjorie, 91). She's very lonely in her appartment although her sone visits on Fridays. She is allways so pleased to get a phonecall from her Dutch family. Now what is my message? Keep in contact with some one lonely, whether friend or family. We are so busy and tend to forget. Please take time to visit or call them, its so important. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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