Fr. Cecil Champneys Burnham 1914 - 2002 Fr. Cecil Home Page

 

Eulogy from Fr. Bill Bulloch

It was a great honour and privilege for me to be able to conduct the funeral Mass of Fr Cecil. The number of people who attended  spoke volumes about just how effective his ministry had been and how deep an affection all that knew him held him in.

Fr Cecil had a great love of the parish of St Wilfrid and made it his home for many years. He always said it was one of the most  friendly churches he had ever had the privilege of knowing. You realise what a compliment that is when you think of the fact that he  must have known quite a few parishes during his sixty-two years of priesthood. His death, whilst not unexpected, still came as a blow  to those of us who knew him. His final illness had not been an easy time but he bore it bravely with the love and support of Sheila and  the rest of his family.

His presence in our parish family will be deeply missed, but the legacy of his witness to Jesus Christ in his ministry and in his time with  us will be around for many years to come.

“So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, “Lord you delivered to me five talents; look I have  gained you five more talents besides them.” “His Lord said to him, “well done good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few  things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25: 20-21)

Fr. Bill Bulloch

(as entered in the August 2002 edition of the St. Wilfrid's Magazine following the funeral of Fr. Cecil at St. Wilfrid's Church on 16 July, 2002. Fr. Bill conducted the service.)
 

A Poem by Don Durrant