Royal Fire (700th Post)

This 700th post on my blog is dedicated to the memory of my former boss, mentor, and good friend Mr. Geoffrey P. Hattersley (1940-2019).

Like a lot of Chitralada teachers, Geoffrey was the first person I met on the night when I arrived in Bangkok.

Geoffrey was the type of guy who knew never to take life too seriously. He made sure that our English Department office was never boring. Not a single day went by that he didn't have a joke to tell, a prank to pull, or a ridiculous song to sing. His mission in life seemed to be to make those around him laugh.

He also could be serious when he needed to be. He was a great mentor, not only with work but in life.

I'll never forget our road trips to the north, our 2am meetings at the airport to pick up new English teachers arriving in Thailand, or the bananas that we would take turns hiding in each other's desks (a tradition that went on for years).

Thanks for the laughs, boss. You'll be missed by all!

***

the funeral was held at Christ Church, the Anglican church in Bangkok

I'm sad to say that I had to attend a funeral last week. My old boss Mr. Geoffrey has passed away.

Today, I dedicate this 700th post to him. He was a cheerful and jolly man, and he never wanted anyone to be sad. Instead of mourning, the funeral was full of funny stories of the silly jokes and pranks that Geoffrey loved so much. Today, I'm going to talk a little bit about Thai funerals, while also paying tribute to a great man and a good friend.

Mr. Geoffrey in his younger years

The funeral was held in two parts: first, a service at Christ Church, the historic Anglican church in Bangkok that Geoffrey and I attended together many times. Due to his many years of service as a teacher at the royal school, Geoffrey was awarded lots of ceremonial honors. He retired to Thailand and became a high school English teacher in 1991 after working for many years as a speechwriter for Margaret Thatcher's government. "I didn't always agree with her, but I respected her. You always knew where you stood with Maggie." Geoffrey would often tell me.

He always gave nicknames to important people. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were always "Betty" and "Pip". In the years I knew Geoffrey, I don't think I ever heard him call them anything else!

flowers from the Royal Family

The morning funeral was quite like you would imagine. Father Norman, the vicar of Christ Church gave an excellent sermon that highlighted Geoffrey's quick wit, sense of humor, and heart of service.

Geoffrey could be goofy, but he cared very deeply for others. He was especially involved with the Burmese refugees living in the town of Mae Sot in Thailand's far northwest. I visited Mae Sot with Geoffrey about five times over the years. Each time I was there was an eye-opening and heartbreaking experience. He always did what he could to bring a little bit of joy and hope to the families in the village.

after the service

He lived quite a life! Besides working for the British government, he also worked for many years in the oil industry. His job took him to Norway, Brazil, Vancouver, and he even worked for a few years on a ship based in the Gulf of Mexico outside of Houston. "I've always been amazed at how friendly Texans are!"

He even appears for a moment in the background of the film Forrest Gump, a fact that he was always more than happy to share.

Wat Makut

The second portion of the funeral was in the evening at Wat Makut, a royal temple of the second grade. "If you ever get the chance to attend a Thai funeral, never pass it up", Geoffrey always told me. "A Thai funeral is more a social event than anything... and there's always very good food!" He wasn't wrong!

a cremation with ceremonial honors

It was actually very nice to see all of my former colleagues and many of my former students again. Before the cremation ceremony began, the music department played traditional Thai music and there was a reception that was really something of a reunion.

a blessing

Then, everyone was given a white paper flower bundled together with a stick of incense and a yellow candle. In a procession, we all got to pay our respects by giving the coffin a wai and placing the flower beneath it.

a final farewell

As a very high honor, Geoffrey was awarded the Royal Fire. An eternal flame burns at the Grand Palace, which is used at the cremation ceremonies of very important people. The school's very first principal, the highest-ranking non-royal in the entire kingdom, lit a candle from the royal flame and then lit the funeral pyre in a beautiful ceremony.

lighting the fire

Then, there was chanting.

Geoffrey was a Christian himself, but he always had a lot of respect for Buddhism. He was always very open-minded and respectful to people of all beliefs.

offerings to monks

The next day, Geoffrey's family was taken out on a boat by the Royal Navy to scatter his ashes in the sea. Geoffrey loved this country, even if his catchphrase was "British is best".

scattering of the ashes

He will be missed.

He never wanted anyone to be sad, so I don't want to spend any time on this post mourning. I know he wants to be remembered for the jokes, pranks, and songs that he always used to brighten up everyone's day.

Cheers, boss, and thanks for all the bananas.