We will all miss Roy’s hope and inspiriation

7:10pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular member of Worcester Salvation Army who has died aged 68.

Roy Runicles was a talented player of the cornet and was well-known for playing the Last Post at Worcester Cathedral on Remembrance Sunday.

He died at St Richard’s Hospice Worcester on Saturday, June 28.

Family friend Dr John Breakwell, said Mr Runicles had been a “really good friend” to a large number of people from all walks of life.

He said: “His last illness was protracted and often very distressing, but Roy remained uncomplaining, with no hint of bitterness.

“His strong faith and commitment to God and helping others aided Roy to cope with it all.

“In all this he had the great support of his loving wife Margaret and his famly, and a very caring attitude from the nurses and from his doctors, hospital and hospice staff and, of course, his fellow Salvationists.

“All of us who knew Roy and were proud to be his friends will miss him very much – the friendly smile, the firm handshake, the uniform elegantly worn with the cap at a slight angle.

“We – and also complete strangers – will now miss his lovely way with words of encouragement, hope and inspiration, but, most of all, his family will miss him.”

Mr Runicles, of Ambleside Drive, Warndon, Worcester, could be seen in his Salvation Army uniform outside Debenhams in Worcester’s High Street every Friday between 10am and 1pm.

A talented musician, Mr Runicles rose to become deputy bandmaster of the Worcester Corps of the Salvation Army.

He initially played the Last Post on Remembrance Sunday at Claines Church, Worcester, but for many years he performed the honour at Worcester Cathedral – even playing in November, in spite of his advanced illness.

As well as his wife, Mr Runicles – who had worked at British Gas for 40 years and earned a long-service award – leaves two daughers Amanda and Nicola, their husbands Paul and Richard and five grandchildren – Gregory, Kirstie, James, Sabrina and Lewis.