'Geoff' (Gerald Francis William) Clapp (21 Nov 1924 - 24 Dec 2017)

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Location
St John's Church Wimborne Leigh Road Wimborne BH21 1AE
Date
4th Jan 2018
Time
10.30am
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In loving memory and deep gratitude for the life of Gerald Francis William, known by most as, Geoff Clapp, who died peacefully at home, in his own bed just as he had always hoped, on 24th December 2017, aged 93, just 5 months after the death of his dear wife, Penny.

Born in Mannings Heath on 21st November, 1924, he lived a full and active life on many continents. His curiosity and passion with the weather led to work as a Civil Servant as a meteorologist with the military both in war and peacetime.

Marrying Penelope Whitemore on 26th September 1956 they enjoyed 61 years of life together. Their children Brenda and Graham produced 7 grandchildren who he delighted in and loved to spend time with participating in various activities whilst also sharing his wisdom of life and living.

Geoff was a man of committed Christian faith who knew, loved and sought to serve his God in all areas of his life. He loved to read the Bible, walk with others as they investigated their own faith journey, taught and preached as required and continued to have a heart to pray for injustice in the world and others in distress till he died.

After his retirement, aged 60, he gave his time to many voluntary roles including: church administration, Diabetes UK, supporting WRVS etc, as well as fully enjoying his ‘second religion’ in the garden. He will be well remembered for his meticulous nature, love of creation and growing innumerable varieties of tomatoes. But most remember him as a true gentleman and gentle man.

Praise be to God for a full life well lived.

Well done good and faithful servant.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

NB. All are welcome to share in refreshments in the church conservatory after Geoff’’s funeral service.

Brenda Williams donated £123 in memory of 'Geoff'
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John & Jane Cribb donated £20 in memory of 'Geoff'

Glad to have known Geoff and Penny through the church - they are missed.

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Ted & Rosemary Rees wrote

We paused a while this morning at the time of your service to give thanks for having known you (and Penny) and I recalled happy times in our homes and gardens where we shared conversation, prayer, spiritual thoughts and Bible study. In God's nearer presence now Geoff! See you again dear brother.

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Julie Andrews donated £30 in memory of 'Geoff'
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Helen and Bob Russell donated in memory of 'Geoff'

We will always remember your smiling face and cheerful encouragement.

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Helen and Bob Russell is attending the funeral and the reception
Philip Chetwood wrote

Sylvia and I consider it both a privilege and an honour to have known Geoff and Penny for the last 30 odd years, since they moved to High Wycombe. They were a lovely couple, always there with advice, a helping hand, whatever was required. We were frequent visitors to The Laurels, and in fact looked after the house on some of their extended trips to Australia to see Brenda and her family. We were so pleased to able to visit them around the time of Geoff’s 90th birthday, and to share a meal with them, and with Brenda who was staying at that time.

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Pippa & Tony Worth is attending the funeral
Deborah Burton donated in memory of 'Geoff'

I remember Geoff with much affection. We worked together in St Andrew’s Church Office, High Wycombe in the 1980s and he was a great pleasure to work with. We identified hugely in our desire for correctness in the preparation of anything that went out from the Church Office, with particular emphasis on the apostrophe and the semi-colon!! I call myself the Chief Superintendent of the Grammar Police but, in fact, he was a league ahead of me as Chief Constable! He was a gentle, kindly man, forever the gentleman, and reminded me of the delightful, if what some would now call the old fashioned, courtesy that my father showed me. At the time, I was bringing up my small boys alone and he was a fatherly presence in my life, my own father having died a few years beforehand. He and Penny became my friends and I valued them both enormously. He was so very proud of Graham and Brenda and I came to know them well by hearsay and, later on, I came to know of his delight in his grandchildren too. He will be greatly missed but Heaven must be rejoicing to have him and Penny there.

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Rachel Angrave is attending the funeral
Margaret Simmons-Hodge is attending the funeral and the reception
Margaret Simmons-Hodge wrote

I met Penny and Geoff when their daughter Brenda came to help me with Guides in Hurst. Brenda was still at school then!! I shall never forget just how helpful and supportive they both were when my husband died suddenly 36 years ago. So my thoughts and prayers are very much with you Brenda and the rest of the family at this time.

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Kathryn Bessant wrote

It has been a great privilege to know Geoff through the Friday morning prayer group. His commitment to praying for the church and the wider community has been inspiring especially during the times he has battled through with his own health issues. How gracious the Lord is, in taking Geoff home, so soon after Penny’s sudden call. May all His family come to a knowledge of how great and merciful the Lord Jesus Christ is to those who walk according to His will. Kathryn Bessant

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Julie Andrews wrote

Have tried twice to donate it fails right at the end

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Julie Andrews wrote

Have tried twice to donate it fails right at the end

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Julie Andrews wrote

In loving memory of dear Geoff. A dear friend of myself and my husband who we knew at church in High Wycombe and our friendship continued when they moved to Wimborne. Geoff was a wonderful Christian gentleman who is now with His Lord and Saviour in heaven, alive for evermore.

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Julie Andrews wrote

In loving memory of our dear friend Geoff. Myself and my husband remember many happy times spent with dear Geoff and Penny both in High Wycombe and since their retirement to Wimborne. Rejoicing that Geoff is now with Penny in our heavenly home won for us by Jesus- alive for ever.

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brian & fay fozard donated £50 in memory of 'Geoff'

Brenda just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.Tear Fund seems so appropriate reminds us of lovely memories at Sindlesham

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Stuart Mantell wrote

Geoff was very pleasant company, a kind and gentle man.

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Janet Blackburn wrote

I met Mr and Mrs Clapp only once, in Nigeria, when I returned from leave they were visiting Maiduguri and had very kindly painted my kitchen, for which I was very grateful. It reminded me of them both caring and practical.

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Elizabeth Walker lit a candle
Darren Koch wrote

I only met Mr. Clapp once, when he came out to Australia to read at Tim's wedding but he made a powerful impression on me. He was a man of great presence with a wise and compassionate manner. My prayers and sympathies are with you all at this time.

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Mary Morris is attending the funeral and the reception
Roger & Beryl Taylor wrote

We count it a great privilege to have known such a wonderful Christian gentleman as Geoff. He was a much loved member of the Home Group with Penny and we shall greatly miss him . We treasure our memories of them both.

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Roger & Beryl Taylor is attending the funeral and the reception
Valerie and Trevor Clapp donated £50 in memory of 'Geoff'

Already sent a few minutes ago.

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Valerie and Trevor Clapp wrote

Gerald, a wonderful Uncle with many, many fine qualities - great interest in both Clapp families, generosity, kindness, subtlety of wit and many others.

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Valerie & Trevor Clapp is attending the funeral and the reception