In the years since Ned left West Buckland he packed a lot into his life. He studied Natural Sciences at Bath University and ultimately made Bath his home; he travelled widely and had many amazing experiences. He had a successful career in the water industry and latterly transferred to train as a company accountant. Outside of work, he was always active and loved running and surfing. Ned was an inquisitive and spiritual individual who had a kind heart, enthusiastically raising money for various charities. He was a popular man with a large circle of wonderful friends, but he also enjoyed making new ones wherever he went.
 
As his family and friends, we are still struggling to accept that Ned is no longer with us. In the end, he faced his illness with the same courage and determination that he brought to everything he did. What brings us peace is to know that he lived a full life, even though he has gone far too soon.
 
At the end of February, we came together to celebrate Ned’s life with a humanist ceremony. The reading finished with a quote that we feel really sums up Ned’s life. In response to the question ‘What is Success?’ Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote:
 
To laugh often and love much, to win the respect and the affection of children; to find the best in others; to give one’s self; to leave the world a bit better; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
 
 
Kate Fenton (nee How) (90-95F)