Cdr John Mankerty OBE

[jimdavis]

Went to the service today for John. Must have been at least 180 there to say goodbye to him.
Not surprising that such a fine man touched the lives of so many.
Simple but moving service, with familiar beautiful hymns, beautifully sung with choir and organ. Last Post/Reveille perfectly delivered by RM Bandsman.
Emotional readings by his two daughters and son.

Lucky to be close enough to be able to attend. Glad I went.
RIP John.

[Ianmac]

Thanks for attending Jim on behalf of the Association.
Glad John had a fitting send off for a man who loved the RN and was so well respected.
RIP

[loftysmudge]

Went to the service today for John. Must have been at least 180 there to say goodbye to him.
Not surprising that such a fine man touched the lives of so many.
Simple but moving service, with familiar beautiful hymns, beautifully sung with choir and organ. Last Post/Reveille perfectly delivered by RM Bandsman.
Emotional readings by his two daughters and son.

Lucky to be close enough to be able to attend. Glad I went.
RIP John.

Good that someone from the Association went Jim, he was much respected and a lovely man. RIP John.

[Richie]

BZ Jim, he will be much missed

[Ianmac]

Ron Hale also managed to attend the service for John and has kindly sent me the 'Service Sheet' below

[loftysmudge]

A great tribute.

[jimdavis]

While waiting for those taking communion to get weighed off, I looked through the hymn book and was astonished at just how many I knew.
All without anything but the vaguest notion of how I had learnt them. Probably, these had been ingested from the age of five, taught by a teacher on a piano from the corner of a classroom, by rote, line by line.
The result being, that I know, most by heart, perhaps 25 or 30 (at least). All just beautiful.
It has just occurred to me in the context of recent exchanges with Bob, how important an influence this has been on my life.
First, the actual experience, the act of singing - making music together, is marvelously cohesive, cooperative and satisfying, as well as character building experience, for the young.
Secondly it has provided for a love of music (I have very 'catholic' tastes) that has lasted all my life.
And last and perhaps not least, it has been proved that music acts upon the same part of the brain responsible for mathematics and calculus. Improving and building ability.
I feel sorry for generations since, for whom time was no longer found for such things.
For that learning experience alone, faith school education was/is worth every penny.

[Sandy Sanders]

I can only join with you all in sadness at the news, & agree with everything that has been said here. It was great that his life is celebrated, as he has lived life to the full. I must say that John was such a lovely man who I would always look forwards to seeing at the UJC or the reunions, my wife & I both will miss him greatly. I think that JimDavis has captured the essence of the man amazingly well. I wish he had been my Oppo, or D.O. when I served. Sleep well John.
Sandy & Jacquie Sanders.

[Richie]

Thats real nice words Sandy

[Ianmac]

The following message has been received from Julie Mankerty (John's wife).
If you are able to go along please let me know and I will pass your details to Julie.

I am writing now to say that we are burying John's Ashes in the rosebed outside the GI's Clubhouse on Whale Island on Saturday 6th April, around mid-day. We would welcome any friends who would like to come, but could they please let me know for security, also catering requirements.