Philip John Riggall (30 Aug 1953 - 22 Sep 2020)

In loving memory of Philip John Riggall who sadly passed away on 22nd September 2020, aged 67 years.

Phil’s Eulogy -service held at Walderslade Baptist Church on 23/10/20
Read by friend Chris Jenkins
The following eulogy has been compiled from family and friends, so thanks to everyone for their contributions:
His sisters Rosie and Hazel recall that Phil had a precarious start in life and was christened within the first few days, as it was thought he may not survive. He was diagnosed with pyloric stenosis - so it seems a cruel irony that it was oesophageal cancer (another medical condition in the upper part of the gut) that was to take his life away .
Phil and his cousin Margot were born 10 minutes apart on the same day and they always considered each other as a sort of twin. Margot has a memory from a family visit we made when they would have been about 12 years old. Phil disappeared and was found to everyone’s horror surrounded on the floor by the inner workings of their brand-new TV. He did however manage to put it all back together and it worked perfectly!
His early interest in electronics led him to build a colour TV from scratch -it worked well, but just looked a bit untidy without a nice cabinet to surround it! His bedroom was full of bits and pieces and wires and he would spend hours working on projects. Rosie remembers sitting with him, fascinated whilst watching him work.
Much later on, he confided in Rosie, that during the night, he would work on various electronics projects until it was finished. He would never be beaten by anything, so would continue until whatever it was worked to his satisfaction. He took pride in the things he made, including an electronic calculator and his hope was that his electronics collection could go to someone or somewhere it could be appreciated -a challenge for us to sort out!
His University years were spent in Leeds in the early seventies, studying Electronics and Electrical Engineering which led to his move down to Kent and a career with Marconi Elliott Avionics, later to become GEC.
One of those good friends and colleagues from the mid-eighties at Marconi was Bob – some 35 years his senior – who took him under his wing. They had a shared passion for all things ‘radio’. And Norma, his wife, who is still alive, used to sometimes cook for him. Phil always enjoyed a home cooked meal – a theme which will crop up a few times!
And in his driving days, he would frequently pitch up at Dads with virtually no notice, to make a spontaneous visit- but always made very welcome.
It is heart-warming to know he had some good friends down here especially as the family were so far away in Birmingham.
He was always pleased to hear from sisters by phone and the daily calls with Rosie, were particularly important during his last months.
Before the cancer took such a strong hold over him, he shared childhood memories and funny stories, many of which Rosie had not heard before. There was sadness and humour as he related these stories.
He was always so grateful for any practical help Rosie and Hazel were able to provide, whether it was a little note or card in the post or a parcel of things he needed.
Cousin Margot kept in regular contact, with thoughtful cards which Phil was thrilled to receive and replied when he felt well enough – their special bond certainly grew.
He loved Radio 4 and this was a really important link with the wider world for many years. Once he phoned Hazel shortly after ‘Any Answers’, to say he had heard her on the ‘phone in’ discuss an issue on childhood obesity (a link with her career) and sounded so proud as well as truly surprised.
It is fair to say Phil lived a quiet, frugal and modest life by modern standards but was kind and generous to others and supported many charities. * Linda, from Co-Op staff – cash back to Help the Heroes ‘It’s the least I can do’
He had struggled with his mental health since his early twenties, but never complained or outwardly showed anger with his lot. Having a bi-polar diagnosis and very likely, other undiagnosed issues as well, he took some working out - a complex man, who found dealing with everyday life a struggle.
He could be both stubborn but at the same time un-assertive, making it difficult to help him access the services and help available. He very much did things in his own way!
His Christian faith and sense of belonging in the Baptist church was particularly important to him and did give comfort in those dark days last month. He had just reached his 67th birthday, a milestone he thought he would not see. One birthday card with an image by the Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones (on the back of the order of service) brought tears to his eyes as he understood its meaning so well. He loved flowers and some of the last he saw included sunflowers, a symbol of God’s love and unwavering faith in him.

Colin, a friend who knew Phil for 40 years, has said:
‘Phil was a brilliant mate who would do anything for you. There wasn’t a wicked bone in his body’
‘A great walker who would think nothing of walking to and from Chatham as he ‘didn’t do public transport!’
Carol and Jim Reid would like to add ……….
‘We were so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing - such a gentle, humble, lovely man. When he read the scriptures in church, he read with such feeling and we enjoyed talking with Phil after church on many occasions.
The following is a tribute from Roy, Christopher, Linda & Ian Howard …. who have also known Phil for almost 40 years.
Our parents, Ted and June Howard always looked out for Phil - as he did for them in their later years. No matter what Phil would go through, from lows to highs in life - June, particularly, never gave up and was always willing to spend time with him.

He was always welcome for Sunday Lunch –whether it was with our family of 6, or if others made it 10 or more, our parents ALWAYS found room. If he didn't turn up, one of us would say to Mum, "Is Phil coming?" and she would send someone to phone him. And Phil always cleaned the kitchen & washed up after. Phil appreciated all the care he received.

As our parents grew older they could always rely on Phil to help them - from getting a medical need - some shopping - or even posting a letter.
Mum passed away in 2004 and Dad (Ted) continued the friendship with Phil. Over the years it grew as they grew together in their Christian faith.

Phil had love, care and commitment for us all, with no strings attached and a respect for our parents, knowing he could trust them with confidential issues.
When Ted died, Linda encouraged Phil to come to the funeral - as he didn't want to get in the way. She said, “you are my brother; you would never be in the way”.
We remember Phil with great fondness - he was part of the family, and we will miss him. And when he was ill - wider family and friends would always ask how he was. We know that Phil loved the Lord and is safe in His hands now.

Christine and Reg Hughes write..
We first met Phil many years ago when he was a member of the Zion Baptist Church, Chatham.
In 1989, when Walderslade Baptist Fellowship was formed, Phil became a founding member and there were very few services he did not attend. The first Christmas Morning Service was held in the unfinished Church with no heat or light. Phil was there, as loyal as he was to be, from that point on.
Phil was a faithful church member. He attended the weekly Bible Study Group and contributed from his considerable knowledge of Biblical truth. He read Scripture during services in a steady, resonate voice. Reg said one of his last memories of Phil was singing 'The Lord is my shepherd' together, a few days before Phil died.
Always helpful. He gardened for others and often cut the church lawns, pushing a heavy electric mower until the grass looked good. He was a loyal friend to many, especially to Ted Howard whose death was a blow to him.
Phil lived on a different time scale to most of us. He often said, "Well I didn't go to bed until three in the morning (usually working on those electronics). He had a great sense of humour - yet conscious of the wider world and its needs.
As his health failed, Phil was grateful to Revd Stephen Roe for providing support and transport to the hospital for treatment. On the last morning that he was at home, Reg visited. Though in a distressing condition, Phil’s request was for Jesus to ‘come and take him home’.
Sue and Mike Norman add -
Mike and I have known Phil for over 40 years. He was a dear friend to us and we shall miss him deeply. He was always interested in us and the lives of our children who grew up knowing Phil as a dear friend.
Mike & Phil lived in rooms in the same house in Rainham before we were married and Phil has always been part of our lives and family.
We worshipped together at Bluebell Hill/Walderslade Baptist Church for many years, and lived not very far from each other. Phil would regularly call in for a coffee and a chat on his way to the Village.

And to finish – I have written a few words
I got to know Phil around 2003. He had attended churches my Father led and helped him do up an old house close to here, which was the original building where this church started. Phil often reminded me how my parents took him in when he needed somewhere to stay after coming out of hospital many years ago. Because he never forgot what people did for him.
From then he helped with the mowing. And every mow was meticulously recorded in his diary. I received more than one Christmas card which said, 'Thank you for letting me help with the mowing' So typical of Phil’s kindness.
He regularly popped in, and for 16 years shared a Christmas meal with us
Phil fed my cat Sandy if I worked a long day. And when he kindly offered to feed him if I couldn't make it home in the snow, he was then made an honoury Godfather to the cat. A role he took very seriously. Sandy had been known to give him the run around at times - something Phil did not let me forget. With my new cat Tommy, he graduated to the role of Grandfather - and continued through his illness to ask after him
Phil was knowledgeable, kind and helpful. And even though life was not easy, was bright and cheerful. If I needed a flat pack assembled, we would work out how to do it together. Not exactly 50/50 perhaps more 80/20, using his knowledge! He usually had a tool for whatever the job required. And if something was needed, he would make a trip to his favourite shop - Maplins. Whenever I rang, he would always say 'Do I need the diary’ And once an arrangement was made, he never failed to show up.
Phil's Christian faith was very strong - it guided his life. If I happened to ring when the daily service was on, I would have to ring back. And he told hospital staff when first diagnosed that he was not afraid to die because he was a Christian
I will miss not having him on the end of the phone now and there will be an empty place in my house on Boxing Day, this Christmas.
AND SO - this morning - we are saying farewell to a loyal, gentle and considerate, brother, cousin and faithful friend - who will be missed by far more people than he realised – but is now safely at home with the Lord he loved and served

Floral Tributes by 11.00 am on Friday 23rd October 2020 to John Weir, Rainham please or if desired, donations in Philip's memory for The Friends of The Wisdom Hospice may be made by cheque made payable to the charity and may be sent c/o John Weir Funeral Directors, 130 - 132 High Street, Rainham, Kent. ME8 8AR Telephone No. 01634 373111, or made online via this page. Thank you.