Chris Cording - the "sound" of SPACE
1 Jan 1947 - 2 Jun 2010
Tribute read by son Paul at Chris's funeral:
Firstly I would like to say that Mum and I
have been overwhelmed by the support of family and friends over the last
few days, which just goes to show where Dad was held in people’s hearts. I
would also like to say a personal thank you to those people who have been
there for Mum in the time before it was possible for me and other family
members to arrive. I am not going to mention any names, but you know who
you are. Thank you.
I would also like to mention Hazel, my Nan and Dad’s mum in Plymouth. She,
as everyone else is devastated by the loss of Dad and although she would
love to be here in person, it is just not possible. I do know however that
she will be thinking of everyone at this difficult time and she, like Mum
has a great network of friends who have given her comfort and support over
the last few days. So Nan, we are all thinking of you as well.
Dad spent his early years in Plymouth and whilst growing up was actually
the Altar boy at the local church. Maybe that is where he got his angelic
face from, you know the (It wasn’t me face) after playing one of his
practical jokes on someone!! I find the fact that he was an altar boy
quite ironic really, as ALTER is not something you could do with Dad, what
you saw is what you got, and if you didn’t like it, Tough!! Judging by the
people here today, it looks like he didn’t do a bad job.
I am not sure how many of you knew this but Dad, quite understandably
living in Plymouth had aspirations to join the Merchant Navy, but in
typical Dad style found out it was costing his Mum and Dad too much to
keep him at Naval college so he jumped ship and joined the Royal Air
Force. I for one am glad, as had he not made that jump, not only would
many of you here not had the pleasure of meeting him but from a purely
selfish point of view he would not have met Mum and I would not be here
and would not have so many great memories of a special person.
I am pleased Dad is being laid to rest here as Cyprus is his spiritual
home. I did enquire about plots within the Woodstock but was told that
this is the closest place!! He did 3 tours with the Air Force here and I
was lucky enough to be with Mum and Dad on two of them. When they came
back out in 1991 I was unable to accompany them due to my age and little
did I know that Dad was going to leave the RAF and retire out here, Dad
however must at that stage have seen my potential to becoming a Police
Officer and feeling guilty about leaving me in UK, decided to find me some
“Digs” to stay in. Little did he know at the time that not only was the
landlady’s husband in prison, but the other lodger was a drug dealer. Now
that is what I call foresight!!!
Prior to joining the Police and with Mum and Dad happily in Cyprus I
decided that there must be something about this Air Force malarkey and
joined up a couple of months after they left. I quickly saw the benefits
of 3 meals a day, a roof over your head and then a load of beer (I mean
pocket) money at the end of the month. Add to this, visits to tropical
countries all over the world and I soon understood what the appeal of the
Air Force life was!!!
I must admit though I am glad that he was never my boss. As someone who
really enjoys their sport, the thought of having to ask him for time off
from work to play in the CO’s cup or represent the station doesn’t even
bear thinking about. However I do think that I must have rubbed off some
of my sporting interest on him, as when I was younger he used to take me
to play football on a Sunday morning and soon became one of the designated
driving Dads ferrying our team about. As most of you know he would love to
watch the football in the Woodstock and used to follow the results of his
local team Plymouth Argyle and latterly Leeds, for which I take all the
blame. I did find it a bit strange when at work, and with no access to the
football being played just 20 miles down the road, having to rely on
mobile phone updates from Cyprus to see how Leeds were getting on!!
I know how much Cyprus has given to Dad and by speaking to many people
recently how much Dad has given to Cyprus. Whether it is on the Radio, by
doing Discos, Pub quizzes, Charity work or by just being Chris
On behalf of my Mum and I would like to pass on our thanks to you all for
joining us to celebrate Dad’s life. I know many of you are proud to have
known him and from the numerous messages we have received, he has had a
profound effect on so many people’s lives. So however you know him, Chris,
Xhristaggis, Christopher, The Hot Rod, The Fluorescent Kockeral or The
Boogie Box, Please, along with me mourn for the loss of a very special
person but also remember all the fond memories that brought a smile to
everyone’s face. I shall certainly miss him and am so proud that I can
call him Dad.
Good bye Dad, sleep well and god bless.
"Cordings Corner" at the Woodstock Pub in Episkopi Village!
Chris was a proud supporter of
"Narcolepsy Association UK" and "RNLI"
Alan
Churcher
25 Oct 1948 - 22 Feb 2009
Alan was a keen actor and appeared in many
productions over recent years at SPACE, Shakespeare at Curium, The Premier
Group, Cyprus Rosebowl Festival (winning director in 2007!) as well as many
other private and/or impromptu performances.
He was a fantastic musician and singer who entertained thousands of people
over just the last few years alone, he was very much into Jazz, most
recently sang as Roy Orbison in Stars in your Eyes and played a mean
harmonica!
Alan's final
performance was as 'Jaberwock' in "Mother
Goose" the Pantomime, Jan-Feb 2009.
Click here to link to Alan's book of condolence page on Facebook
