In loving memory of Dr Christopher Anthony Cornish-Lawrence who sadly passed away on 10th May 2018, aged 60 years. Fondly known as 'Chris' His service will take place in the East Chapel. No flowers requested please.
Donations, in lieu of flowers can be made in Chris's memory and will go to benefit the work of two charities:
'Diabetes UK' & 'Beating Bowel Cancer' and can be made by cheque payable to your chosen charity with your name and address written on the back and sent directly to John Weir Funeral Directors, 25 New Road, Chatham, Kent.ME4 4QJ or can be made online.
It is so typical of Chris that he wanted to be prepared and share his story, so that very soon after his diagnosis of advanced cancer, he wrote his own biography and planned for the funeral service that he wanted people to share. No-one could do really do justice in reading the biography that Chris prepared so there will be copies available at the end of the service and at the reception so that you can read it in Chris’s own words.
Chris always excelled academically, from achieving 12 O-levels at age 14, 4 grade A A-levels at age 16, a first class honours degree in Chemistry and a PhD from Cambridge. Never one to rest on his laurels, Chris continued his studies throughout his working life and studied for a Diploma in Management Studies, gained membership of the Institute of Managers and the Managers Certificate in IT Service Management.
His early academic success enabled him to take a gap year before university where he worked in the Chemistry Research Laboratories for Wellcome. This was to be an introduction to the company where he spent the majority of his working life, choosing a career away from the laboratory bench and making a successful career in computing where he would work directly or indirectly for the next 33 years. Chris was always proud of his association with Wellcome and would joke that there were still little blue unicorns in his blood even after the various company mergers which saw Wellome become Glaxo Wellcome and then Glaxo Smith Kline. It was whilst at Wellcome that Chris was approached to become a scientific advisor for Kent County Council which involved planning for civilian safety in the event of a major disaster including a nuclear attack. It was also at Wellcome that Chris met his future wife Tracy.
Chris had an interest in politics from an early age. He was elected President of the Cambridge Graduate Society and after university became involved in local politics. He served as a councillor and never one to shun responsibly, was the chairman of the Finance committee during the stormy introduction of the Poll Tax or Community Charge. He also served as a school governor for a local junior and grammar school. Chris and Tracy had their first evening out together when Councillor Chris Cornish invited Tracy, as a Rochester resident, to the 1990 Mayor Making Ceremony. It is lovely that Chris was remembered in the Mayoral announcements for the incoming Mayor this year.
Chris hadn’t always been confident in social situations and in his teens had joined a youth drama group. He resumed amateur dramatics with both the Wellcome and Valley Players when he first started work. It was also around this time that he became a motorcycle driving instructor, having ridden a motorbike during his university days before he could afford a car.
Chris enjoyed cricket and though he acknowledged that he wasn’t one of the best players, he played a total of 200 matches for the Ravensbourne Vagabonds Cricket club over 16 years and acted as secretary, statistician, club captain and treasurer before the club closed through lack of members. It was a fitting tribute that following his death, friends raised a jar of fine ale in his honour after their cricket match.
Chris married Tracy in 1991. Their honeymoon was spent in a castle in Scotland to which they returned several times, the last occasion to celebrate the year of their Silver Wedding. They enjoyed luxury travel and were pleased to experience travel on the QE2, Concorde and the Orient Express. For Chris’s 50th Birthday they took a half world cruise to New Zealand which enabled Chris to visit Fiji and the base where his father had been posted during his time in the New Zealand air force.
Chris and Tracy bought a house together in Chatham the year after their marriage and have lived there ever since. The garden has two flourishing greenhouses which have helped to provide the plants for the two allotments that were such an important part of Chris’s life.
Never being one to sit back and watch other people struggle to organise themselves, Chris stepped in and sat on the allotment committee for almost 11 years, 4 of them as chairman. However, eventually it was time for “new blood” to take over, and he stepped down from the day-to-day organisation of the allotment committee.
This interest led to him researching the history of Medway allotment sites so he became a frequent visitor to the Medway archives and gave several talks to local groups on the subject.
Chris also spent a significant time researching his family history and extended the line of Cornish ancestors back from 1798 to the late 1680’s; as well as tracing several other family lines of people marrying into his family.
Chris was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in his early twenties and never let it hinder him from living a full life. He took the same approach when first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2000. The second occurrence in 2017 was already advanced when it was diagnosed and he was grateful for the caring and compassionate support of the medical staff at the Genesis Care oncology centre. In January 2018 Chris underwent complex major surgery, but although the cancer was removed, his body just couldn’t recover sufficiently to support him. He died on 10th May following excellent care and attention at Kings College Hospital.
Chris did not consistently have a lot of physical energy, but he thrived in an environment where his mental faculties, planning and anticipation could be applied. He loved solving puzzles, and although hopeless at cryptic crosswords, he thoroughly enjoyed tackling Sudoku – the more extreme, the better.
You, who are reading this, hopefully will have shared in some of the facets of Chris’s fairly full and varied life. There are sure to be anecdotes and stories of your own memories of Chris – I am sure he would wish that you will share them with one another, so that the world may be a better and more enjoyable place for his living.
Another year and another Christmas. Putting up the decorations reminds me of the lovely holidays we had together.
Always in my thoughts
Always in my heart
Miss you Always
Love you Always
Happy Heavenly Christmas Darling
With love at Christmas to the charity you supported in your lifetime.
Merry Christmas Darling. I think of you and all of the lovely memories of the Christmases that we spent together as I prepare for this Christmas.
Worked with Chris at Welcome/GSK for several years so sorry to hear of his untimely death.
Three years since your death and I still miss you every day. We shared some yellow roses and I put two by your memorial stone. I couldn't leave a message in the chapel of remembrance due to Covid restrictions but you will know that I love you Always, Miss you Always and you are Always in my thoughts and Always in my heart. It was nice to meet Frances today too and I think you would appreciate that we keep in touch. You would also have been pleased that I went to the allotment and still ponder what to do with the crooked shed and fruit cage. How much I miss sharing those things with you.
We shared some yellow roses yesterday - one by your memorial stone, two by our picture and a lovely vase on the coffee table with a bunch that Tracey had bought to remember our anniversary. There is still no book for messages in the chapel of remembrance due to Covid restrictions so I will write it here.
Miss you Always, Love you Always, Always in my thoughts, Always in my heart. LHKC Tracy XXXX
I left a rose on your memorial on your 63rd Birthday but couldn't leave a message due to Covid restrictions. I think of you every day - Love you Always, Miss you Always, Always in my Thoughts, Always in my Heart.
Darling Chris, I couldn't leave a message in the chapel of remembrance today as it is closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions - but I hope you know that I Love you Always, Miss you Always and you are Always in my Mind, Always in My Heart
My darling Chris, Remembering you always and especially at Christmas. This was one of your chosen charities so appropriate to remember you by. All my love, Tracy
Early in our relationship Chris introduced me to Linda Ronstadt and some her albums became my favourites. I found myself singing this song on the day of his death. Of course it will never be “ok” but I could say goodbye and still have so many lovely memories of the time we shared.
Goodbye my Friend
Oh we never know where life will take us
I know it's just a ride on the wheel.
And we never know when death will shake us
And we wonder how it will feel.
So goodbye my friend
I know I'll never see you again
But the time together through all the years
Will take away these tears
It's OK now...
Goodbye my friend
I see a lot of things that make me crazy
And I guess I held on to you
I could of run away and left
Well, maybe...
But it wasn't time we both knew
So goodbye my friend
I know I'll never see you again
But the love you gave me through all the years
Will take away these tears
It's OK now...
Goodbye my friend
Life's so fragile and love's so pure
We can't hold on but we try
We watch how quickly it disappears
And we never know why
But I'm OK now
Goodbye my friend.
I can go now
Goodbye my friend.
Songwriters: KARLA BONOFF
© Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
For non-commercial use only.
Message from a former colleague, Steve Burridge
Chris was also a solid mentor and constant source of education on the most varied and random of things… from ITIL, Tieing a Tie (the right way) to Eton Mess cake. No matter what, he always seemed to have my back and never failed to make me laugh.
Dominos by Mike Capay
One by one they topple
But where in the line am I?
It twists and turns so randomly
No-one knows when they’ll die.
We hope that a gap will be too big
And so afford a break
Until, divinely repositioned,
Another life they’ll take.
So patiently we stand in line
And sometimes see them fall
Shed tears of sorrow as they topple
It seems no time at all.
Some stand longer, others less
Rarely understanding
I saw a friend’s fall, from afar
Wish him a comfy landing.
Lovely cards and messages also from
Katharine Brinkworth
Tracy's former colleagues at BAE - Andrew Hopper, George Kizilis, Jill Nunney, Liz Hunt, Debbie Maloney, Paul McGarry, Ian Davis, Glynis Collumbell, Steve Buggs, Anish Dhanecha, Bob Fassum, Ken Wilson, Wendy Finlay, Sue Sheldon, Emma Bishop, Neil Swan.
I apologise to anyone where I mistyped their name as once written it seems difficult to correct the entries made. So many lovely messages, thoughts of condolence and memories of Chris and so many generous contributions in his memory.
Lovely to hear the hum of people sharing stories at the celebration of your life - so many happy memories to remember you by and be grateful for knowing you had enriched our lives
Rest in peace my darling. I will love you always.
Memories from the medical staff
Chris was a brave man who bore his illness with dignity. I will always remember him.
Mark Hill, Consultant Oncologist
It really was such a pleasure to have met him. I found him to be such an interesting man.
Dasha Brandon
Lead Chemotherapy Nurse
GenesisCare Maidstone
Chris was a lovely man, he will be missed by all at Genesis.
Laura Hollick
Medical Secretary,
GenesisCare Maidstone
Kind cards and thoughts from:-
GenesisCare
Bupa Oncology Team
Medway Community Dieticians
Memories from local councillors
Chris was always kind and generous of both spirit and time whenever we spoke, whether it was on the latest political activity at Medway Council or the history of allotments in Chatham. I know he will be missed by many throughout our community including myself. With Peace and Solidarity at this time.
Vince Maple
No words can really express how sorry I am to hear the sad news re Chris, Whilst we didn't share the same politics we did share the same passion for people and I had a great respect for him.
Julie Shaw
Memories from Medway Archives
I miss chatting to Chris and hearing about his research. He was always supportive of our centre and enjoyed a joke and a chat. I often used to chat with him about his early years in Downham as my husband also lived in the Grove Park area before we moved to Chatham. We miss his witty comments and his interest in all things historical to do with his allotment research. I am sure the allotment group will also miss him greatly. Cindy O’Halloran, Senior Archive & Local Studies Assistant
Chris was a great supported and so generous with his knowledge. Norma
Kinds remembrances from Cindy, Helen, Norma, Alison, Cathorina, Nikki
Memories from Work Colleagues:-
I have been reflecting on all the interesting intelligent and thoughtful conversations I have had with him over the many years I knew him, both professionally and personally .With Deepest Sympathy
Rob Porter
Having worked with him for so many years, I had ever growing respect for a man with character, respect, integrity and enthusiasm. He will be surely missed. Our condolences and thoughts are with you at this sad time. I hope your happy memories stay with you and help you to go forward.
Chris & Jackie Venn
I always remember when my husband John and I saw you and Chris at the outdoor Musical Concert in a hotel ground at Lower Beeding in West Sussex.
John and Swi Judge
Chris and I were the same age, we started at Wellcome within a week of each other all those years ago, and of course our paths crossed a lot through those years! Anne Barritte.
Chris was always very supportive when he was my line manager at GSK, and it was good to see him again at some of our garden openings for charity and the occasional reunion organised by Steve. Dave Towler
I had a lot of time for him and have some lovely memories of working with him. Dawn Foulger
Chris was very much part of my working life at GSK and his energy and enthusiasm were a true asset. It was lovely to see you both in Yorkshire a while back - too long back! Gill Adams
Chris and Jackie Venn
Chris and Steve Ernst
Chris was such as cheerful, positive guy with a mischievous sense of humour. It was always a pleasure to chat to him at work. I shall remember him with affection as he was one of those people who lifted your spirits on the crappiest of days. Pat and Peter Morris
Simon and Nicki Upton
Mike Capay
Pat Painting
Lovey cards and thoughts from friends
My memories of Chris: Knowledgeable; Principled; Black and White, so his way is the right way from both logic and experience; Cricket fan; Gardener; Traveller; Researcher; Academic; so always had a story to tell… Clare Taylor
We will remember the happy times with Chris especially in Germany, Love Tessa and Martin
Graham and Deborah Robertson
Alison and Roy
Clare, Mick, Tom and Alice
We’ll raise a jar of fine ale in his honour after the cricket at the weekend, Andy and Jo Bunker
Margaret and Rodney Beaney
Angela Lambert
Roger and Di May
Judith Kingdom
Always remember Chris as a bit of a chatterbox, full of interesting stories, especially the history of
allotments, Paul and Tracey McGarry
I count myself as fortunate enough to have met Chris more than once. I still remember nattering to him on the way back from the Ringlestone Inn whilst you fell asleep in the back of the car because you “trusted my driving”. Neil Swan
Chantal, Graham, Liam and Christopher
Valerie and Stuart Ray
We have happy memories of occasions spent with you both in the past. Chris and Marie Nickless
Chris was such a gentleman in every meaning of the word. In the old-fashioned sense of manners and decency, but in the other sense – gentle and calm whilst possessing a sense of humour.
Leslie and Geoff Noon
Edward and Angela Wilks
Chris and Dolores Ansell
Niall and Anne O'kane
We will always treasure both his friendship and his like minded approach for life particularly on board a Cunard Ship. Chris introduced us to “Fleurie” red wine which continues to remind us of happy cruising day in your company; and the benefits of home grown vegetables! Eric and Tina Jenkins
Sally Challis
Lovely cards and kind thoughts from our neighbours at 14 Park Crescent which Chris called home for 26 years
Such a clever man and still so young. Lis, Jerome Sadler and the boys
Chris was such a lovely person and will be missed. Jason and Sue
Pat and Trish Troy
Gillian Jurd
Lyn and Julian
Peter and Sue Willard
Sandy and Alan Smart
Caroline and family
Tony and Lorna Scuotto
We look back with great appreciation and affection to all we remember of Chris ad the time we spent together as neighbours. Jonathan and Judith Longhurst
Chris was loved by his own family and the family he married in to
Lovely cards and kinds thoughts were sent from
Dad and Joyce
Steve, Ruth and Adam
Justin, Liz, Will, Lottie and Tom
I will always remember the day I spent showing Chris around Mortlake. It was a happy day.
Audrey, Peter, Iain, Paul and Louise
Sandra and Roger
Alan, Mary and family
I have fond memories of Chris as I grew up, sharing in milestones and achievements, which I shall treasure. Helen and Mat
I have only met him a few times but he always impressed me as a gentle kindly man who I am sure will be greatly missed. Auntie Trish
Ellan and Mark
Bron and family
Jeoffery
Zain, Pauline, Jameel and Riaz
I left a rose on your memorial on your 63rd Birthday but couldn't leave a message due to Covid restrictions. I think of you every day - Love you Always, Miss you Always, Always in my Thoughts, Always in my Heart.
Darling Chris, I couldn't leave a message in the chapel of remembrance today as it is closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions - but I hope you know that I Love you Always, Miss you Always and you are Always in my Mind, Always in My Heart
Lovely to hear the hum of people sharing stories at the celebration of your life - so many happy memories to remember you by and be grateful for knowing you had enriched our lives
Rest in peace my darling. I will love you always.
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