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Welcome and Opening Words

Opening words, prayer, and introduction for the remembrance service for Elston David Avery.

Today we gather to remember a life that was well lived and deeply loved, giving thanks for Dave's family, friendships, service, and faith.

Back to remembrance page Read the eulogy The committal Remembrance poem Opening prayer

Welcome

Welcome.

Thank you all for being here today.

Whether you knew Dave as a husband, father, grandad, great-grandad, brother, sailor, golfer, friend, neighbour, or colleague, your presence means a great deal to the family.

Today we gather to remember a life that was well lived and deeply loved.

We come together with sadness because Dave is no longer with us, but also with gratitude for the many years, memories, friendships and adventures that he shared with us.

As we remember him, we give thanks for a man who was devoted to his family, proud of his naval service, generous with his time, and always ready with a story, a smile, or a helping hand.

The Christian faith reminds us that death is not the end of the story.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16

We therefore come together in faith, hope and love.

Opening Prayer

Gracious Father,

In sadness we gather today to remember Dave. We thank you for his life, for his love, for his family, and for all that he meant to those around him. Comfort those who mourn him today. Give strength to Hannah, to Bryan and Stephen, to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to his wider family and friends, and to all who feel his loss. Help us to remember with gratitude the good times we shared with him. May we find comfort in our memories, support in one another, and peace in your presence. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Introduction

Today we gather with love and sadness to say farewell to Elston David Avery - known to most simply as Dave.

Dave's life was one of service, dedication, friendship and family.

He was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, and from an early age developed the determination and character that would define him throughout his life.

His journey took him from Lancashire to Lincolnshire, from schoolboy to sailor, from husband to father, grandad and great-grandad.

He served his country with distinction in the Royal Navy and carried those values of loyalty, commitment and quiet strength throughout his life.

Most importantly, he was devoted to his family.

A loving husband to Hannah. A proud father. A treasured grandad and great-grandad. And a trusted friend to many.

Today we celebrate his life, give thanks for all he meant to us, and commend him into God's loving care.

Amen.