Ron Symonds

The funeral of Ron Symonds took place on Wednesday of this week.

Ron Symonds

A service of thanksgiving was held in The Salvation Army Hall and the Committal was at the Medway Crematorium, Robin Hood Lane. Both were led by Major Malcolm Westwood, a former Commanding Officer of this Corps.

The Hall and Crematorium

The music used included songs 10, 152, 237 and 579 from The Salvation Army Song Book and scripture chosen was Psalm 150 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 at the hall and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 at the Crematorium. Family tributes were brought by Major Margaret Dockerill, Dr Richard Symonds and Judith Tann (Australia). Other tributes were received from Bandmaster Ray Maycock (R), Major Ray Evans and Brigadier Lionel Woodger.

Ron had been a member of The International Staff Band of The Salvation Army for many years and was passionate about his music. Available members of Chatham Band, augmented by others for the occasion, provided music at the Thanksgiving Service and headed the cortege as it approached the Crematorium Chapel. The music of Gustav Mahler, a lifelong favourite of Ron, was also featured in both services.

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5 Comments in “Ron Symonds”

  1. A true Gentleman in every sense. Ron always had a friendly word to say, a great privilege to have known him.

    Jonathan Cooke said this on June 9th, 2008 at 6:20 pm

  2. As a current member of the ISB percussion section I was honoured to have met Ron when the band made a fairly recent visit to Chatham. My Father speaks of Ron and his colleague Bert as iconic figures – stood proud at the back of the ISB with side drum, bass drum, cymbal and triangle. Recently the band have featured The Call of the Righteous of which Ron premiered the famous side drum solo. Today this solo still presents technical challenges. Through my time with the band I will always remember Ron dressed smartly in his ISB travel blazer for the annual Royal Albert Hall event. I missed him this year. RIP Ron, Nathan.

    Nathan Cole said this on June 2nd, 2008 at 3:58 pm

  3. Again, RIP Ron. You may not have remembered me, but I have fond memories of you. You are now at peace

    Jane Grant (nee Wenham) said this on May 19th, 2008 at 8:57 am

  4. Ron will be sorely missed at Chatham Corps. His lifetime of service to the Salvation Army is greatly appreciated. It was a privilege to be one of the 15 Chatham Bandsman who were able to give him a “good send off” as a stalwart of our Corps.

    Greg Davis said this on May 18th, 2008 at 2:56 pm

  5. I was saddened to hear of Ron’s sudden passing. He was a great and faithful man of God and loved nothing better than to serve his Lord in the ranks of The Salvation Army. Over 30 years in the International Staff Band gave him an opportunity to witness in many lands (including New Zealand) and his influence on many young bandsmen who, like me, came within his sphere in the Chatham Corps will probably never be fully realised. It will be a bit strange to think of your Corps without Ron, but I’m sure he’ll be looking down from Heaven and encouraging his successors to continue their faithful witness.

    Andrew Smith said this on May 18th, 2008 at 10:00 am