Tribute to Joseph Burgess, 1989

Remembering and Celebrating the life of

Joseph Andrew Burgess (Joe) Aged 31 years

13th December 1989 - 25th December 2020

Service - Wednesday 27th January 2021

Welcome

There are days in our lives that we never want to see, and this is one of those days. But we are here to share, to remember and to celebrate the life of a young man whose very existence is precious to so many and who, although called away from us all too soon, has left a great legacy of love and caring, So today, now, let us think and speak of Joe and take comfort from sharing and celebrating the story of his life.

Joe - His Life

I would like to thank Charly, Gloria, Natalie and Derek for sharing the following with me, and during the service I shall invite others who have expressed a desire to speak and tell us their personal accounts about the times that they have shared with Joe..

Joe was born on 13 December 1989 in Gravesend and he had three brothers and three sisters. When he was five years old, the family moved to Lowestoft and Joe started his education at Dell Primary, Elm Tree Middle and Kirkley High School, where he was a popular student and a fan of Crystal Palace football club.

After leaving school he trained at Easton College in game keeping, but with little job opportunity, he took up various positions in the hospitality industry, including Gunton Hall, The Foxborough and The Fritton Hotel. He found his career as a roofer with Vinnie, owner of A & V Roofing, but more importantly, very close friend. Vinnie's daughter, Kelsey and Joe were the very best of friends over the years. A & V Roofing were taken over by Waveney District Council, and then in 2018, his hard work was recognised when he became Local Apprentice of the Year, and subsequently second in the National Scheme.

The Committal

In our mass-media driven world of 'instant fame' it is all too easy to overlook the quiet modest heroism of ordinary people, who deal with all that life throws at them without making a huge drama. Those people strive to make their corner of the world a better place for others and Joe can count himself amongst those who have done just that. His was a shorter than expected life - but it was so well lived. He shared his knowledge, sense of fun and good intentions with everyone he knew.

We have come to the part of the ceremony where we say a final goodbye to Joe.

"To everything there is a season
And a time for every purpose on earth
A time to be born and a time to die
Here in this last act in sorrow, but not, in fear
In love and appreciation, we say our final goodbye."

Joe

The peace of the flowing air to you
The peace of the quiet earth to you
The peace of the shining stars to you
And the love and care of us all to you.

Rest now in the hearts and minds of those you loved
And those who love you.
We release you
Into the warmth of our memories,
We commit you
Into the eternal circle of life,
We free you
Into the embrace of nature.

Concluding Words

What through the life which was once so bright
Be now forever taken from our sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
of splendour by the lake, or glory in the catch;
We will grieve not, but rather we will find
Strength in what remains behind.