On a damp day in late August a disparate group of people met to mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Martin. Among them his brother Roland and wife, his mother Margaret, and relations; roleplayers Dave, Tim and Howard, his ladyfriend Haiyan, and physically representing fandom John Harvey, Eve Harvey, Rob Hansen, Avedon Carol, Owen Whiteoak, Cedric Knight, and myself.
The crematorium is in a beautiful cemetery located in the peaceful residential outskirts of Worcester.
The Christian service started with a reading of Psalm 139 by the priest. A excellent eulogy was read very well by Roland consisting of his own experiences and love, memories from fans that had been forwarded to Margaret, plus comments from a cousin. The priest spoke again, followed by a time of quiet reflection during which I personally felt the presence of many who could not be there in person. A recitation of the Lord's Prayer, and the coffin disappeared behind its curtain to the sound of one of Martin's favourite pieces of music Charlie Brown's Christmas.
We walked into the Garden Of Remembrance where people were given the chance to deposit their flowers.
Next a reception at a hotel in the centre of the town, where we were offered food and a chance to exchange anecdotes and recollections of Martin in a group who all knew him well. All in all a moving and satisfying day.
On our return to London Cedric and I got entangled in the chaos caused by the power failure. Somehow it all seemed very apt.
Alun Harries
30th August 2003