Mike Davies - January 2007
This poem was read by his daughter Catherine at the service - it is always worth reading again.
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
Mike M-Rogerson
Mike was born on the 6th February 1937 and died on 27 Dec 2006 following a very
long illness. The funeral was held at St Mary’s Church, Woodham Ferrers at 11.00
am on Thursday 10 Jan 2007 - the delay being typical of the backlog which builds
up each year during the Xmas to New Year period.
St Mary’s is a very old church with leaded windows, mainly in plain glass and with
only the occasional stained glass window. In the entry porch there is a blue plaque
stating that the immediate area is mentioned in the Domesday Book.
The funeral was attended by about 75 people, mainly from an extended family
and friends of a similar age, but also half a dozen work colleagues from the
Building Services Department of Thurrock Council, and Barbara and myself. I was the
only one there whose friendship with both Mike and Loretta extended back to the
Farnborough days (Laurie was my girlfriend for some of that time).
The church ceremony was followed by an interment service in the church graveyard
in very windy and damp conditions.
Mike’s illness was such that as it progressed he lost all motobility and eventually
was unable to do anything for himself then could not eat and was unable to mouth words.
He needed constant care which made Laurie a virtual prisoner in her own home.
In late December Mike developed influenza and was taken into hospital on Christmas
Day where he died peacefully with Laurie by his side on 27 December. Daughter Melanie
said that it was a devastating blow, but the whole family were relieved that he was
no longer suffering.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, "Desiderata", Copyright 1952.
