Richard Hugh Mathews passed away 9:40am on Thursday 25th October 2018 after living with terminal lung cancer. Despite the aggressive nature of the disease, Richard maintained dignity and consideration for others. Always keen to get out and see his friends and family, not forgetting the prison in Oxford where he served as chaplain. He was among the best of the best and had a genuine love for people. He will be sorely missed by many.

John Reginald Harris passed away 9:40pm Saturday 27th October 2018. He served as Patriarch to the Cheltenham Stake for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a hard working, honest and creative soul. He and his wife Maureen, celebrated 60 years of marriage with their large family just before John suffered with advanced Alzheimer‘s disease.

It is a unique situation for Elaine Mathews, who has lost her eternal sweetheart and father within a week. It is noteworthy to mention that for the past 18 months, Elaine has been caring for her parents John and Maureen Harris, and proceeded to care for her husband Richard, who was was diagnosed with terminal cancer this Summer. Despite the trials and heartache that comes with Alzheimer’s and Terminal cancer, Elaine has been positive, determined to do everything possible to keep her father safe and comfortable, and give Richard the best opportunity to beat the cancer.

Richard and John both passed away while staying at the St. Richard’s Hospice in Worcester. The grounds are quiet and rich with beautiful trees and foliage along with a vast lake to provide a quiet, peaceful place for terminally ill patients to go. The nurses, staff and support workers at the hospice are - quite frankly - amazing at what they do. They help patients and their loved ones to make the most of the time they have together, by providing counselling, will-writing services, classes and medical support to ensure the patients are comfortable as can be. It is just around the corner from the Worcester Hospital and an incredible place which is purely funded by donations.

The families of Richard Hugh Mathews and John Reginald Harris wish to hold a joint memorial on Friday 16th November at 2:30pm. The service will be held at:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

(Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7AS)

Family members and those close to John and Richard and feel so moved to attend, are invited to the committal which will be at 1:45pm at:

Cheltenham cemetery, Bouncers Lane GL52 5JT

A note from Elaine on the dress code:

“Please wear whatever you feel inclined - traditional or “happy” with something blue for Ricky so he gets to see his favourite Arizona blue skies midst our November grey ones .. and yes my hair colour may be added to!“

We understand that many friends and loved ones will wish to pay their respects and may wish to show love and support to the family at this painful time. However, in leui of sending flowers, the family have requested that a modest donation be made.

Donations will go towards flowers for the memorial service and contributions will be made to the St Richard’s Hospice and Air Ambulance Service UK.

If you can spare a moment to share this Just Giving Page on your social media profiles, it would be much appreciated.