George Edwin Rudkin Gardner was born in 1923 and spent his childhood and adolescent years in the Forest of Dean and Berkshire. During the war he served with distinction in the Parachute Regiment, was wounded several times (including at Arnhem) and gained the King’s Gallantry Award for Bravery. He also worked on top secret matters at Bletchley Park as a German linguist.
In 1963 George opened a tea shop in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, which rapidly expanded into a considerable business empire, now run and developed by his sons, Clive and Keith, a third son having predeceased him. After the death of his first wife, Dorothy, he married Pauline who has nursed and cared for him devotedly in recent years as his health began gradually to deteriorate.
George was an active member of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem in the Commandery of the Marches. At his funeral members of this Christian Order, resplendent in their mantles of chivalry, formed a guard of honour for his coffin. George was a Founder Member of the Commandery of the Marches and did tremendous work as its Chancellor until retiring from that office. We all miss him, his uprightness, efficiency and his stylish good humour.
As his son Clive said: ‘...he taught us many values and made us the men we are. He was the greatest man I ever met.'

Confrere Donald William Thomas Watson, CLJ

It is with deep regret that we report that Confrere Donald Watson passed away on 23rd April 2011.

Please click here to read the full obituary, written by H.E. The Chevalier Dr Geoffrey Thompson.

John Douglas Mitchell, 1951 - 2011

We are saddened to report the passing of Chevalier John Douglas Mitchell, KLJ.

Please click here to read a full obituary.

Angus Stevenson, MBE

It is with great sadness that we announce that H.E. The Chevalier Angus Stevenson, MBE, CStJ, GCLJ, GCMLJ, GCrLJ, GMLJ passed away peacefully in hospital on Thursday 15th April 2010 at the age of 93.

Angus was one of the first members to join the Order in the UK in the Hereditary Commandery of Lochore (the first such Commandery to exist in the Order), and was instrumental in setting up the first English Commandery of John of Gaunt. He went on to become one of the most popular and highly decorated members of the Order, and in his role of Grand Custodian of Insignia was a great friend to many members of the Order worldwide. He served for many decades in the Venerable Order of St John from an early age, and was also very honoured to be made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty the Queen.

Angus will be sadly missed by his many friends, and in particular by his daughter Linda and his two grandchildren. If you wish to send a card or letter it should be sent to:  Mrs Linda Dearnley, 34 Hollybank Ave, Upper Cumberworth, Huddersfield, HD8 8NY, telephone 01484 606795.

Angus's funeral took place on Wednesday 28th April at St. James Church, Huddersfield Road, Millbrook, Stalybridge, SK15 3JL, and a Guard of Honour both into and out of the Church was provided by a number of robed members of the Order and also by several uniformed St John Ambulance volunteers..

Only family flowers were requested at the funeral, but donations in lieu of flowers should be made payable to Macmillan Cancer Appeal and sent to Linda.

Requiscat in Pace

We report with sadness the passing on 28th November, 2009, of The Rt Rev'd Dr Eric Kemp, ECLJ, former Bishop of Chichester and one of the most distinguished Anglican divines of our day.

Please click HERE to see his obituary, written by The Rev'd Canon Jeremy Haselock, EGCLJ, Bailiff of the Grand Priory of England & Wales.