Cedric, 1925 - 2012

I first met Cedric when I started work at Stanton Ironworks as a shy 16-year-old. I was in the Spun Inspection department and Cedric was one of the first people outside our office that I was introduced to. Cedric worked in the 18-foot Spun Office which liaised with ours. In those days many of the senior staff at Stanton lorded it over the younger ones, but Cedric was not like that. He was always very approachable, helpful and kind. You could ask him the same question over and over again he would answer with gentleness.
When I was made redundant years later, I got a job at a printing and publishing company as a proof reader and paste-up artist. As a result I was to work with Cedric again. He was retired by now and the editor of the Stanley church magazine. He came to bring his copy in each month. So I have known Cedric for many years, as a work colleague and a friend. We often met in by chance in town, on the bus and at church events. You could not know Cedric without knowing he was a committed Christian. He was enthusiastic about his faith and encouraged others who were believers, especially if they were going through difficulties.
I used to think of Cedric as ‘God’s man in Stanley’. He loved his church, St Andrews, and was involved in most things that were going on there. He was always appreciative of his fellow labourers and was willing to help anyone in need. Cedric’s love of God and personal faith were evident in the songs he chose for his funeral. In his death notice in the local paper it said: ‘A friend to many’. How true that was.
It was strange really, although we were never that close and I didn't see him that often, his death hit me quite hard. I found him in my thoughts a lot after hearing of his passing. I guess you could say he made his mark in my life. I couldn't get to his funeral but I wrote a tribute to him in his magazine. Goodbye Cedric. I hope to see you again later.