KEVIN’S MEMORIES OF DEAR FRIEND ROGER RIDLEY
“G’day mate, beaut day for walking in the clouds isn’t it?”
Can’t remember when we met for our first walk down there in the Basel area yet you probably do – “another yappy bloke,” you probably said to yourself!!
What I do remember, having got to know you a little, was asking what the hell you were doing in the Schopfheim/Basel area. You very diplomatically referred to your mission of reaching out to those beyond the walls of the church. Reflecting on that response I now realise what a huge impact you and your wonderful wife Gaynor had on the greater community in which you lived. You proved a love of all people regardless of their religion, race or sexual orientation and we in turn loved you dearly for that.
“So how’s it going with the men’s modelling group that you instigated? Started one up here yet?” I recall a great deal of mirth, given an image of men strutting down a catwalk yet your modelling is real men’s stuff – boats, planes and trains – yeh!!!
Those Friday coffee mornings at Centrepoint in Basel were such fun, especially when you took charge of the “special” coffee making. There was always a big welcoming smile and hug and of course a very well made cappuccino. Those Anzac cookies of Gaynors were the icing on the cake. On the subject of food weren’t those walks in the Schopfheim area great, culminating in soup and crusty bread at your cosy welcoming home – oh, and those special cakes of Gaynors too. I trust the canteen up here is as good as the home cooks down there.
You did encourage us to attend movie nights at Centrepoint to view and discuss great Aussie TV series like Brides of Christ which really got us going – fun evenings indeed. Do you have digital TV up here? How many channels?
I know your involvement in the Basel Choir meant a chance for you to realise your passion for singing – we watched with pride as you sang your heart out one Christmas performance with “Sleigh Ride ”, my favourite, especially the crack of the whip being non other than your hand slapping your thigh – brilliant. They tell me there’s a pretty good choir up here too.
You know Roger, dinners at your home in Schopfheim were always a casual and welcoming experience with as many guests as possible huddled around the kitchen table devouring the famous Gaynor roast. I still laugh at the memory of the first time you asked us to hold hands in thanking the Lord for the meal and I made mention of the fact I had always wanted to hold your hand – we all cracked up and it took some time to restore the reverence your words required.
Remember that day when we were walking in Basel and you first complained of having no grip in your left hand – we now know it was God calling you on another mission for eternity.
Hey Roger, it’s getting pretty cloudy up here although there’s a gap in the cloud and a ray of sunshine beaming on a group down there in Perth – I reckon it’s your family and friends telling you they too want to come walk the clouds with you someday.
Hey, it’s been great walking and chatting with you mate - till next time. Tschuess. Kevin
We treasure his friendship and care of us)
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