Funeral in Bristol for Nick Abraham
He was a young Bristol man, strong, full of life, a great climber and all-round sportsman. He was not a public personality.
But Bristol's great and good were among the 200 mourners at Nick Abraham's funeral – political leaders, like his father, former Lord Mayor Peter, and well-known movers and shakers, such as Bob Woodward, the founder of cancer charity Clic.
They were at Westbury-on-Trym's parish church on Tuesday alongside grieving relatives and friends and many young men and women who knew Nick simply as a brave and highly able rock-climbing companion.
One of them, Barry Dunston, of Wrington, said afterwards: "I climbed with him in Pembrokeshire and Spain.
"He was full of heart, a really passionate guy. I think he always wanted to be loved – and he was loved."
Nick, 29, the younger son of Peter and Pearl Abraham, died following a road accident on the Portway just before 6pm on January 6.
Councillor Abraham told mourners that the family did not know what Nick's intentions had been when he went out on his bicycle that evening.
He and Nick's brother, Christopher, paid moving tributes, Councillor Abraham remembering the tiny son born several weeks prematurely on Father's Day 1979.
Before the family's move to Avonmouth, Nick had grown up in Westbury and loved to play tennis in Canford Park, very close to where he was laid to rest yesterday beside relatives at Canford Crematorium.
Councillor Abraham said: "His mother cherished and cared for our son. Our loss is immense."
He said the couple – who were Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Bristol three times – had received "hundreds and hundreds" of letters, messages and bouquets of flowers from well-wishers.
"We thank you for all of these," he told the congregation, who included his own, Conservative group leader, Councillor Richard Eddy, the leader of the council, Labour councillor Helen Holland and Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Barbara Janke.
The present Lord Mayor, Councillor Chris Davies, was present with his wife Susan.
Nick's uncle, Graham Danvers, gave one of the readings, the anonymous "Not How Did He Die But How Did He Live?".
His godfather, Alderman Michael Withers, read "If I Could Tell You", by WH Auden.
The service was conducted by vicar of Westbury the Rev Andre Hart and Lord Mayor's Chaplain, the Rev Prebendary Harold Clarke.
Tributes can be paid to Nick at Lasting Tribute.
Comments
by Melanie, Horfield
Wednesday, January 21 2009, 6:21PM
“Mum and Dad would like to thank all those who have sent messages of condolence over our tragic loss of Nick. The family would also like to express their appreciation to everyone who attended his funeral yesterday.
Mum and Dad have received such a huge number of cards, letters and emails that we hope you can understand that it would be impossible to reply to them individually. We have gained great strength and comfort from all the support that has been given by so many.
The collection at Westbury on Trym Parish Church was in aid of the Avon and Somerset Cliff Rescue. Anyone wishing to make a donation to this cause should send it to c/o R Davies & Son, Funeral Directors, 63 Westbury Hill, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3AD.
Rest in Peace Nick, we will always love you.”