THE funeral service took place at Gorleston Crematorium on January 21 for Ralph Butcher of Lowestoft who died on January 1 aged 84.Canon Brian Wisken officiated.

THE funeral service took place at Gorleston Crematorium on January 21 for Ralph Butcher of Lowestoft who died on January 1 aged 84.

Canon Brian Wisken officiated.

Mourners were, Joyce Butcher (widow), Mrs and Mrs W Ware (niece), Miss L Ware and Mr D Hurren, Mr D Ware, Mr and Mrs A Marshall (niece), Mr and Mrs G Armstrong, Mr C Armstrong and Kelly, Mr and Mrs A Jenner, Mr and Mrs J Jenner, Mrs V Bodmer, Mr and Mrs A Reed, Mrs M Miller, Mrs D Thacker, Mr D Cole, Mr M Cole, Afternoon WI, Mrs P Copley, Mrs H Patterson, Waveney Ladies Probus Mrs M Goult, Mrs B Bowler, Mrs V Reynolds, Waveney Men's Probus Mr B Pinsent, Mr and Mrs L Butcher, Mr and Mrs B Poppy, Mr and Mrs D Barker, Mrs S Brabben, Mr and Mrs C Hall, Mrs G Fuller and Andrew, Mr and Mrs P Cullum and Lisa, Mr and Mrs A Paul, Mr and Mrs R Stone, Mrs M Michalski, Mrs A Lounds, Mrs D Gosling, Mrs Y Hurren, Mrs D Durrant, Mr and Mrs J Syme, Mr and Mrs P Bryant, Mr and Mrs J Jarvis, Mr D Cole, Mr and Mrs C Hutchinson, Mr J Goodman, Mr W Snowling.

Floral tributes were: In loving memory of a dear husband, dearest Ralph may God bless you where e'er you are in his great universe today, after all those years - Quis Separabit, eternal love Joyce. In loving memory of a dear uncle, you will always be in our thoughts and forever in our hearts, we will treasure all of our memories of you, sleep peacefully, love Sue, Billy, Darren, Lucy and Dean. In loving memory of a dear uncle, kind, gentle, funny and always watching out for everyone, you will be sadly missed, much love from niece Margaret, husband Alan, our sons Gary and Chris and their families. In loving memory, fondest memories of a kind and caring brother-in-law, from Barbara with love. In loving memory, to dear Ralph, may you always rest in peace, you will always be loved and remembered for your kind and thoughtful ways, 'one of the best' sadly missed, love Marilyn and Tony, John, Tanya and boys, Victoria, Jason and girls. In loving memory, you will always be remembered Ralph, your kindness and your wonderful sense of humour, so many happy memories, with love Sue and Alan, Rachel, Nick and Benjamin, Adam, Julia and Jimmy.

Joyce would like to thank all relatives and friends for their kind expressions of sympathy and donations received. Donations for St Dunstans or the British Heart Foundation are still being accepted c/o R Rivett Ltd, 15 Carlton Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0RU. Special thanks to James Pages Hospital, Ward One, for the kind attention Ralph received during his short stay there. Many thanks to Canon Brian Wisken for the lovely service and for his kindness. Thank you to Messrs R Rivett Ltd for their efficient service and for the help and compassion shown by their staff especially Peter and Linda.

Please accept this as the only but most grateful acknowledgment.