Frank Garman

Frank Garman died on the 17th January 2003 at the age of 94. He was one of the oldest residents in the village and his tall lanky figure was well known and loved as he went about his daily tasks. I consider it was a great grace to be with him when he breathed his last. He just slipped away quietly with his son Peter holding his hand while I, with another parishioner, offered a prayer as he entered into a new life and joined his beloved Vi who had died in 1996.

In some ways this is an easy obituary to write since Frank virtually left an account of his life some months ago when he addressed the Catenian Association: he was a long time member of its Redcar & Cleveland Circle. He was the only surviving the member of the original Trustees and on the 50th anniversary of the foundation of this section he, needless to say, was the guest speaker. I have been lent a copy of that talk. A truly remarkable achievement for a man of his years, sadly too long to be quoted, but full of reminiscences of times long since past, of war time service and, following his discharge from the army, his coming North, originally to Redcar, and in 1966 moving to Easby Lane in Great Ayton, to the house he occupied until his death.

Frank was a devoted Roman Catholic all his life. He had been appointed a Minister of the Eucharist, an honour which he valued, and was able to assist until a few months ago. He was active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which helps the poor and needy by visiting people and distributing food and clothing. He was also a committee member of Ayton Churches Together.

By many he will be remembered for his involvement with the Great Ayton Tennis Club. Indeed, he not only played until he was in his 85th year, but as a committee member he spent many hours negotiating the best possible terms for the club, arranging league matches and tournaments; he considered the social activities to have a community value, too.

He played bowls also, a game he shared with his late wife during 52 years of married life. The final word is a personal reflection. I like to think of Frank not only as a devoted Parishioner, but also as a close friend “faithful and true” to me. Cardinal Newman once defined a gentleman as: “One who never inflicts unnecessary pain” and continued: “He is never mean or little in his disputes, never takes unfair advantage, he is tender towards the bashful, gentle towards the distant and merciful towards the absurd. He submits to pain, because it is inevitable, to bereavement because it is irreparable, and to death because it is his destiny.”

I feel that this is a fitting epitaph for Frank. May his great soul rest in peace.

Mgr Ray Charlton.