Ben Haines' Funeral This Morning 17 April
 

It is now approximately 5:00 PM UK time and I wanted to post a brief report about Ben's funeral which was conducted this morning at 10:30 AM.

I was fortunate enough to arrive on time at Heathrow this morning and after grabbing a shower and making a change of clothes I picked up my rental car and drove straight to the church.

It wasn't easy as it turns out despite the "support" of my GPS but I made it to St. Catherine's Church, Hatcham, with five minutes to spare and there was lots of available street parking.

The funeral for Mr. Richard Benjamin Wheeler Haines (November 1936 - March 2007) began just a few minutes late.

Ben was brought into the nave in a coffin adorned with one of his apparently well-known straw boater hats.

Ben's brother, Rev'd Dr. Daniel Haines announced that Ben had left instructions and wanted it made quite clear that this funeral was for <b>all</b> people to include Muslims, Jews, Communists, etc.

The service began with various readings from the Bible and then Ben's choice of hymn (&quot;This house of God, set on a hill...&quot;) was sung with organ and trumpet accompaniment.

We heard a tribute from his nephew Tim and also from one of the church's long-time members.

We learned that Ben was educated at Cambridge and lived in various parts of the world. We know he loved to travel and his nephew mentioned the high respect in which Ben was held as well as the outpouring of affection from Fodorites and others after his death became known.

Various other hymns and prayers ensued and a brief sermon was also offered by Ben's long-time friend the Rev'd Arthur Hugh Mead.

A rousing version of &quot;Oh, when the saints go marching in&quot; concluded the church service itself. Someone remarked that Ben would have been particularly pleased and no doubt would have been singing quite loudly, if not off-key, had he been present in the flesh!

I was able to say a few words to Ben's brother at the conclusion and expressed the condolences of everyone here.

The service was as might be expected, both dignified and unpretentious as befits the person being remembered.

I was unable to attend the crematorium ceremony or stay for the reception at the church afterward as I had an appointment elsewhere.

I did want everyone to know that we had a &quot;presence&quot; at the service. There may have been other Fodorites who also attended but I am uncertain of that.

May perpetual light shine upon him.

Dukey, thank you so much for posting this and for representing his Fodor's Family.

Thank you Dukey, and may Mr. Haines rest in peace. He exemplified the best in Fodorites

TTT

What a lovely report. Thanks so much.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.

You have made my day Dukey, knowing you represented ALL of us here on this Board who gained so much from Ben Haines. RIP. Thanks so much for making the effort.

Thanks for letting us know how it went and for being there.

Thank you for taking the time and effort to represent us.

A really heartfelt thanks to you for being there today, Dukey.

Thanks, Dukey, for attending the service and representing all of us here at Fodors and for sharing these funeral notes with us.

Thanks so much for the report.

Ben helped me out several times with his very cordial, immaculately researched replies. He did not know me from Adam, as the saying goes, but he extended his full capabilities to me nonetheless.

I'm tearing up as I type this, so I will have to go.

Travel on, Ben, travel on. And thank you so very much!

So good of you to represent his cyber-friends and to report back to everyone. Thank you.

Dukey, thank you so much for attending to represent his Fodor's family. It sounds like it was a beautiful and fitting service for such a fine man. ((f))

Thank you Dukey, for all that you have done - for Ben and for us.

It is very much appreciated.

M.

He will be missed. He was always helpful and always a gentleman.

I was sorry that I couldnt be there. Thank you,Dukey, for reporting on the service. What a wonderful man. He will be missed.

he will be missed. thanks for the report.

Dukey,
What a good thing to do. Thank you for representing Fodorites and for the report.
JN

Thank you Dukey. It was really splendid that you were there....and kind enough to report back.