NORMAN STUART BEDFORD
The death of this former Vicar & Lecturer
of Dedham is a great loss to
his family, of course, but
it is also a great loss to
his former parishioners, among
who he numbered many friends.
Shyness and strength were combined
in Norman. The one meant that
he found some encounters difficult,
the other that he never shirked
his responsibility as a teacher
of the Bible.
How fitting and poignant it
was that his preaching Bible
should be carried, open, and
laid in a place of honour at
a Memorial Service in Frinton
Parish Church. This service,
which was on the same day as
the private funeral which had
been lead by the Bishop of
Colchester, was attended hundreds
of people whose lives had been
touched by this gentle man.
His humour, which was kindly
and not cynical, never left
him, even when he was constrained
by grave illness. His strong
evangelical Christian faith,
which had inspired far more
than it had ever offended,
was matched by an almost complete
disregard for practicalities.
In a less loving man this might
have rendered his ministry
ineffective. With Norman, such-was
the affection which the inspired,
there was no shortage of practical
people willing to share the
task of Christian mission alongside
him. Pre-eminent among these
was his wife, Pat, whom he
delighted to refer to as "my
Team". Together they served
Dedham for a decade, facing
both the brickbats and bouquets
of public ministry, with a
patient and unselfish love
borne of their confidence in
Jesus Christ as Saviour.
Pat Bedford, John and Cathy
Brien and family have written
to thank everyone for their
love, prayers and help over
the last weeks of Norman's
illness and in the days since
his death.
They have been overwhelmed
by the loving letters, cards,
phone calls and hugs, all of
which have been much appreciated.
At the Service of Thanksgiving
in Frinton on 22nd January
the presence of so many friends
made it a really special occasion,
remembering Norman and thanking
God for His faithfulness.
Thank you, too, for the gifts
totalling £1,700 towards
the work of TEAR Fund. This
was something Norman had supported
for many years.
Back
to Latest News
|
