It is with sadness that we announce the news that Graham Sparrowhawk died quite suddenly on the evening of Monday 7th November 2011.
Graham was the pastor of Cote Baptist Church, Oxfordshire. He had been making a very good recovery from an operation on his back a few weeks ago. However, at about 5pm on Monday, while making one or two telephone calls, he collapsed. Paramedics worked on him for quite some time and he was rushed into hospital. It was clear fairly soon after he arrived there that he could not be revived. Shirley, and their three sons, Paul, Ian and Andrew were all able to gather quickly on the same evening.
Steve Thomas writes, “Graham was always very positive about the years that God gave him. Because of a kidney condition, he could have expected a much shorter life; but he had a very good life, much extended by a kidney graft almost 40 years ago. Shirley is also now being very positive, and expressing lots of gratitude for the years that they had together. To stand with them in their thanksgiving and their grief has been a privilege.
“Graham was a deacon at Cote Baptist Church when I first went there to take on the ministry! He was faithful to the end, as a pastor and friend to many, and lots of people in the village appreciated his service and care. He had an excellent testimony with many, many people.
“Please do pray for the family that they continue to be aware of the presence of God and His grace.”
Funeral Details
The funeral and thanksgiving services will take place on Friday 18th November.
- The funeral service will be at 09.00 at Swindon Crematorium. The service at the crematorium will be for family and closer friends (there is no ban on anyone – people are welcome but large numbers are not expected).
- The thanksgiving service will be at 18.00 at St James Church, Aston to accommodate the larger number of people who will want to be there. This will be followed by refreshments at Cote Fellowship Centre from 19.30
