Even after his death Doctor Russell Rhys managed to surprise, delight and amuse his many friends today.
It was a non-funeral. There was no hearse, no speeches and no prayers. His remains arrived in a green vehicle with a number plate with the message BAD. His coffin was draped in the Red Flag and he had chosen most of the music.
The congregation entered to the sound of a jazzed-up Internationale. Soloists beautifully sang Myfanwy and Calon Lan. A harpist stirred our emotions with the lovely haunting lullaby Suo Gan. The great voices of Paul Robeson and Joan Baez inspired with Joe Hill and We shall overcome.
At the end there was a touching scene as his family including his grandchildren assembled around the coffin and touch it goodbye. We all followed.
There will be speeches and more music at the wake.
I am a very old friend of the family and ideally would have wanted to be there yesterday - this is such a touching blog and has brought tears to my eyes. I hope to meet you at the Wake perhaps and shake your hand!! Best wishes
Posted by: Ajones02 | October 22, 2011 at 09:07 PM
The family understood Russell's wish for a non-funeral but so many friends said they were coming the all music tribute was a rare experience. The music spoke for his loves and passions.
Posted by: Paul Flynn | October 23, 2011 at 11:44 AM