Gareth Proctor
Today I heard that a remarkable young man called Gareth Proctor lost his battle with cancer, and died at 6am. Gareth had been diagnosed I think it was in 2003 with a brain tumour and had battled with it since. He was the most amazing guy. For the more difficult his circumstances got, the more challenging his symptoms, the more his faith in God seemed to grow.
Since his diagnosis, and his treatment started he completed his studies to train as a Doctor, and he got married to Gayle, and had a little son called Joseph.
I first met Gareth when he was 16 years old, and he was involved with a number of us as we planted a youth worship event in Lurgan called ONEder? He was on the worship team, and I was so excited to see this rather shy nervous guy move from just being a backing guitar player, to being a worship leader for a large congregation. The wonderful thing about Gareth was he was driven by the most amazing strong faith, which as it turned out later nourished and sustained him through the darkest days any human being would have to face.
Since moving to England I didn't get to see Gareth often, but he always remained in my thoughts and prayers, and so today I am so gutted by this news, and encourage you to pause, and pray for his wife Gayle and his little boy, as well as his family and friends who must be reeling by this news.
John Donne, the poet and former Dean of St Pauls Cathedral, once said, "All mankind is of one author, and is one volume; when one man dies, one chapter is not torn out of the book, but translated into a better language; and every chapter must be so translated.......No man is an island, entire of itself...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind."
I give thanks to God for a remarkable young man, Gareth Proctor, who died today, on his 28th birthday.
Heaven's streets are the richer, and our's the poorer for his passing.
6 comments:
He truly was a brilliant guy. my prayers are with gayle, joseph and the rest of his family
Mark,
Haven't visited your blog for a while, but was saddened and uplifted at the same time by reading your entry about Gareth.
His name seems very familiar to me, I'm sure I met him when he was a Junior or Senior House Officer....
It sounds like he was an amazing guy with an amazing faith. Working in Palliative Care, I witness first hand the ravages of cancer and sometimes the challenges of symptom control. Yet, it is an overwhelming emotional experience to witness profound faith and lack of fear surrounding the inevitability of physical death and those "darkest days".
Such strong faith like that is a real encouragement to any Chrisitans who come into contact with them. I really hope that Gareth's passing was peaceful and painfree and that his wife and son will find comfort and healing through the grieving process.
Blessings,
Kathryn Mc
Mark,
what a beautiful entry. I was deeply moved by the story of this young man of God (perhaps b/c we're both 28). my prayers are with his family this week and with you.
grateful for the time we have been given, norm
Hi Mark,
I was so moved by Gareth's story and so encouraged that His faith was strong and I pray for his wife and child and all the family. I see lots of people who are on a journey and I pray that people like Gareth will live on through their testimony to God. Bless you Mark and I am praying for you and look forward to seeing you at Conference.
Love Jade
http://www.a-free-guestbook.com/gb/GarethHenryProctor/
Hi Mark, this is Tim, Gareth's brother here just thanking you for leaving the comment on the website, unfortunately there was a problem with the post and I would be grateful if you could re-submit your entry.
As a family we would like to thank you and all those in Chorleywood who prayed so faithfully for Gareth. We have been greatly encouraged by your love and support.
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