Darby Thanksgiving

11.01.13

One of the duties of the Master is to attend Services of Thanksgiving for members who have passed on. As always it is an honour to represent the Company and invariably a delight to meet the families and learn of the other life of one of our members. On this occasion it was particularly poignant in that the service was for Geoff Darby who was Master of the Marketors in 1992, the year that he proposed me for membership of the Company. The service, being at the Parish Church of Chalfont St Peter's, meant my passing on the train such places as North Harrow and Pinner where I had lived about forty years ago, so another chance to reminisce.

The Marketors were represented in strength with two Wardens, six Past Masters, including a Founder Austin Nunn, together with partners and other members. The CIM was represented by Norman Waite, my old University chum, while several generations of the Darby family packed the delightful country church. At Geoff's request the service was identical to that performed for his wife Sheila several years before. As always the Readings and the Eulogy were an interesting incite into the life of the individual. Geoff's Eulogy was given by the Rev. Dr. Watkins, who had know Geoff since they were both lads. This meant that he was able to cover subjects ranging from his early girl friends through to the amazing contribution he had made to the world of fast moving consumer goods marketing.

Following a moving service we all transferred to the Ivy at Chalfont St Giles for refreshment, and an opportunity to get to know the members of Geoff's delightful extended family, all of whom made us most welcome.

John Flynn
Master Markeor