In Loving Memory & Celebration for the life of Cameron Hill

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, would you please be seated, my name is Jonathan Seabrook and I would like to offer you a warm welcome as we unite in both love and friendship to say not just goodbye, but more importantly to pay tribute, to give thanks and to celebrate the life of Cameron.

In the world in which we live today there are many beliefs and ideas about what happens at death. All of us here today probably vary in our own interpretations. 

But one thing is certain---today is not the end for Cameron because he will always live on in your hearts and minds. 

Natalie, Ray, Lou and Zachery want today to be a celebration of Cameron’s life and this service has been written according to the beliefs and wishes of Cameron and his family. 

How can you sum Cameron up? I’m sure there are many different words, various adjectives that spring to mind. Behind that wonderful smile, those striking eyes, that charismatic personality. 

Lou, Cameron’s brother sat down a few weeks back and summed his emotions of his brother in the form of a poem. You all have copy of these compelling words in your order of service. Lou has recorded a reading of this poem. Please either follow along or just focus on one of the pictures of Cameron as we listen to it together 

If you were trying to find a single word to sum up Cam it would probably be ‘intense’.

Whatever he was doing, feeling or discussing, he did it with incredible intensity.

Probably schoolwork was the only thing Cam couldn’t care less about although he wanted to win with regards to scores and grades.

He winged his way through the final 2-3 years of Chancellors School but still managed to get an impressive set of GCSE results.

He loved representing the school at all sports and was desperate to succeed, this made it more difficult for him to accept his own and others failings.

Outside of school from the age of 11-17 Cam became a very accomplished rugby player, representing clubs such as Hertford, Finchley and Hitchin where approximately 30% of his peers rose to professional levels, which no doubt Cam could have achieved had he been more open to instruction and had a little more commitment. He also had a spell as a senior player whilst still only 16 at ‘The Black Horse RFC’ where Ray was very proud to play alongside him.

An ever evolving social life and the pull of young ladies began to be uppermost in a 17 year old Cameron’s mind and he started to venture on holidays to such places as Ibiza, Antibes, Italy, Amsterdam, Dublin and numerous other destinations and festivals. We would often receive calls in the wee hours from an over excited Cam exclaiming ‘Mumsy, Pops, I’m having the f***ing time of my life bruv, love, bye’ Then he was gone back to his night of exhilaration.

He really knew how to party and all-comers were welcome on the ‘Good Ship Cam’, but he also didn’t care if you didn’t want to board, he had many a solo voyage.

Cam was blessed with loads of friends and he needed them, he was an exhausting experience and we all needed a rest fairly regularly.

Probably his best male friend was Jack, who was always there for him, even though at times Cam didn’t deserve it. We will always be grateful to Jack.

With regards to the ladies, there were a few but Emma, Mollie and Jade were crucial to his happiness and stability at different times. You all have our love and thanks.

Everyone in this room will have a special, funny or both tale involving themselves and Cam.

He came bulldozing in to people’s lives, trampling over emotions and perceived etiquette an absolute whirling dervish, he was in irresistible force of nature who had an impact on every single person he met, young, old, male or female even our dog Buster.

His charisma and intelligence were among many attributes that could have seen him thrive in any walk of life but sometimes life sees us down paths that although hazardous seem impossible to divert from. Cam found himself moving in a world that was ruthless and unforgiving, which he could also be. Even then he succeeded in preserving his true self, big hearted, charismatic, loving and sensitive.

This is the beautiful Son, Grandson, Brother, Cousin, Uncle, Lover or Friend we shall all remember.

Four years ago Lou wrote a song called Temper Gold and recorded it with his band Wild Palms. It was written about Cameron; how he was, but importantly it was for Cameron to know that he was loved and he was cared for. It signified to Cameron that his family and loved ones understood he struggled sometimes and that they believed that he could one day get those struggles under control. 

Lou told me that he wanted the song to signify that whatever happened Cameron had that song and so he knew how Lou and the family felt about him.

Plus, I understand, that many family and friends have sent in pictures that provoke strong memories of your relationships together with Cameron. These have now all been placed together with Temper Gold, to go along with the other moving stories, snap shots and memories of Cameron’s life that we have already heard today.

And I would like you all to hold onto those memories now; and there also be those memories that have not been shared openly, ones that are unique, individual and special to you, memories which are locked away in your hearts and minds. Now, in a moment of reflection let us all remember Cameron in our own special way  

Now as we prepare to say goodbye to Cameron it is a good time to remember that every life is unique, every person is individual and special; and Cameron is no exception. 

Cameron lived in the best way he knew how, which was loving and caring for all his family and friends.

Cameron, we remember you with gratitude, your unique character, your generosity, your wry sense of humour and especially your beautiful smile. 

We gently hold onto to you in our hearts and together celebrate your life. Together we mourn your passing surrounded by your family and friends: we do this with sadness; with love and with great appreciation of the gift of your life as we release your body to its natural end.

We release your body into the freedom of the warm sunshine and soft rain; we release you into the wind’s gentle breath and the beauty of the bird song, may you rest at peace, surrounded by the deep love and affection of your family and friends. 

Now, as we close this funeral service for Cameron, we will play one more special piece of music. 

The family have asked me to mention that donations can made in Cameron’s name to the Ben Kinsella Trust, details can be found at the end of the order of service.

As this music plays the family would like to invite you all to come forward, if you wish, and pay your last respects to Cameron and then through the doors to my right and make your way to the reception area alongside Cameron’s flowers where they will join you. There will also be a reception at the Jolly Butchers in Baker Street where there will be a book of remembrance. The family would love you to sign it and add a memory of yourself and Cameron.

Please remember, Cameron will live on in all of you. 

Please, talk about him often and remember him fondly from your hearts from those lovely times you shared with him. 

My hope is that at this time of sadness you will comforted by one another and please don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.