Gareth Smyth

A very warm welcome to St Bride’s, as we come together to honour the memory and to celebrate the life of a man who was not only outstanding in his field – Gareth was a consummate journalist, dedicated, courageous, and respected by all – but who was also an outstanding human being: a man of integrity, compassion, and wonderful good humour.

When Gareth’s life was cut short so suddenly and tragically last January, the shock was devastating, and the sense of loss shared by those who knew him and loved him remains acute.

And yet, we also have so much for which we can be thankful – because the world was so much the richer for Gareth’s presence within it – and all whose lives he touched were the richer for having known him.

We shall have as few announcements as possible during this service, so if you would please stand for the hymns and sit for just about everything else, you will not go far wrong.

We begin with an opening prayer. Let us pray:

Spirit of God, source of all love, within us and between us;
As we come together to give thanks for Gareth’s life,
Comfort with your gentleness all who are gathered here today.
Thank you for the gift of love, from which we can never be separated;
For although gone from our sight,
Gareth will never leave our hearts.
And when the dark shadows fall, may we have the courage
and the faithfulness, to know that he is safe in your care;
may the gift of your peace rest upon us,
and the strength of your embrace support us,
until we are reunited with him once more
in your heavenly presence.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.