3:22pm Thursday 14th January 2010
By Nigel Kerton
The bitter irony of Rupert Rosedale’s funeral yesterday was that he died in an avalanche two weeks previously and snow had only just stopped falling in Marlborough as his coffin was taken to his funeral.
The coffin was transported to St Mary’s Church on a four wheel drive pick up truck, lent and driven by friend John Hounslow, because it was feared a hearse would not be able to cope with the road conditions.
Family and friends packed the church for the service, conducted by former Rector of Marlborough, Canon Henry Pearson – whose daughter Lucy is married to Rupert’s brother Lawrence.
Mr Rosedale’s Swedish-born wife Ulrika walked into church with his parents, brothers and sister.
Mr Rosedale, the son of retired Marlborough GP Dr Barney Rosedale and his wife Rachel, who live in Kingsbury Street, lived in George Lane with his wife and two young children, and was head of outdoor activities at Marlborough College.
The 37-year-old was one of two climbers who died when a party of five was caught by an avalanche as they climbed on Ben Nevis on December 30. His funeral had to be put back by a day because of the difficulty in returning the body from Scotland.
Among the mourners at the packed funeral were the Mayor and Mayoress, Coun Nick Fogg and Coun Edwina Fogg, the Master of Marlborough College, Nick Sampson, and members of the public school’s staff.
Canon Pearson said Mr Rosedale’s family gave their heartfelt thanks for all the messages of support and condolence they had received.
Tributes were given by Mr Rosedale’s brothers Lawrence and Ben and his sister Kath and also by his close friend and climbing companion Mark Walker who was climbing with him two weeks ago and survived the avalanche.
Mr Walker said: “Rupert was selfless to the core and I loved him so much for that.
“Everyone who came into contact with him came away richer and empowered.”
Ben Rosedale spoke of his brother’s ambition and determination “and the love of life he inspired in us and in others”.
Younger brother Lawrence said: “You were always an amazing big brother and were there when I needed somebody sensible to listen to me.
“You would always support me and pick me up.”
The coffin was returned to the chapel of rest at Thomas Free and Sons until a private cremation on Friday.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk