A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE OF
JOHN CECIL RHODES
1922 - 2004
Dad was born on 26th April 1922 at Moxley View, Wednesbury to George and Florence Rhodes. He was one of 11 children. The family moved to Kilvert Road, Wednesbury in 1928 where dad spent his childhood years. He attended Hollyhead Road School in Wednesbury leaving at age 14. In 1938 the family moved to Stanley Road, Wednesbury where they settled.
In 1940 dad joined the Staffordshire Regiment Royal Artillery as Private Gunner Rhodes. He was stationed at Plymouth but spent time in Bournemouth too. Over the years all of his children and grandchildren have listened intently to the many interesting and funny stories dad had to tell about his army days. He was affectionately known as "Old Enoch" by some of his army pals but we never discovered why.
Dad met the love of his life, our Mom, in 1941 when he was on a 24 hour leave from the army. They married on 21st November 1942 and enjoyed 61 years of happy marriage. Dad always insisted that Mom was the only girlfriend he’d ever had and he knew when they met that she was the one for him.
He was a devoted husband and father and never lost a single days work in his life through sickness. When we were all youngsters I have known him to hold down three jobs, day, evening and even through the night at a local bakery so that he could provide extra money for toys at Christmas.
Dad was respected and well liked by neighbours and workmates being a "salt of the earth" Black Country chap. He had no tolerance at all for idlers, lying, cruelty to children or animals. A wicked sense of humour was one of his greatest gifts. There are many happy memories of fun times and pranks. As we grew older we realised that Dad was stubborn in his views. Mountains wouldn’t move him if he thought he was right about something. Any one of us should be proud to have inherited his strength of character and dogged determination. Most of all I will always remember Dad’s love for his family. The security he wrapped around us made us sure that we were loved. We know now that his love will always be with us.
As my youngest brother Alan puts it, "What an absolutely brilliant man".
RE-UNITED WITH MOM
MISSING YOU SO VERY MUCH
Jake is now in the safe care of our brother John and sister-in-law Jakki
and in good company with new friend Bracken
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When I must leave you
When I must leave you for a little while Please go on bravely with a gallant smile And for my sake and in my name live on and do all things the same- Spend not your life in empty days but fill each waking hour In useful ways – Reach out your hand and in comfort and in cheer And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near.
Helen Steiner Rice Words chosen by daughter Kathy
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I'm Free
Don't Grieve for me for now I'm free, I'm following the path God has laid you see. I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joys. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Oh, yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and peace to thee, God wanted me now, He set me free.
Anonymous Word chosen by daughter Lyn
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Designed and Maintained by John Tambe & Lyn Tambe (nee Rhodes) |
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This Page Updated 19th July 2004
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