Yesterday as I landed in Canada, I learned the sad news that Charles Posnett died peacefully yesterday. His wife Gilly and his sons will mourn him deeply, as will I, as a faithful friend over many years.Indeed, all our community will feel his loss. He has served the WCCM in many ways – as an oblate, group leader, member of the Guiding Board, Trustee, and in his great love of bringing meditation to children. Above all, we felt his deep roots in his daily practice and his unfailing kindness, generosity and good humour. He loved and served the mission of Bonnevaux and on his last visit with Gillie I would see them from my window walking in the grounds together and felt how deeply they both were part of the whole community and how much they cared for it as their spiritual home. On the pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2019 Charles had some health issues that prevented him from participating in all the schedule as he would have liked. But his positive spirit and good humour were a gift to the other pilgrims when we returned each day. I never heard him complain negatively or speak uncharitably of anyone.He was a man of service to others who genuinely cared and wanted to serve. I will miss his advice and selfless concern. His faith was strong and I think he is breathing deeply of God’s love and that he was greeted by Fr John and all he loved and that we will feel his presence still in that communion of saints.
Laurence–
Laurence Freeman OSB
Abbaye de Bonnevaux
86370 Marcay
France
Dear all,It is with great sadness that I tell you that our beloved Dad, Charles Posnett, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon in the Royal Berkshire hospital.
Gilly and Charles had just returned from a month’s trip to South Africa during which time Dad had fallen ill on a couple of occasions but soldiered on and enjoyed a wonderful first two weeks in Cape Town. Dad was well enough to fly back home, but was then admitted to the Royal Berkshire hospital shortly afterwards.
He had been there for a couple of weeks fighting an infection on his heart valve, but the antibiotics weren’t working as expected and his light had been fading. We had heard on Monday that options were limited and that the consultants were recommending him for very risky open-heart surgery. He never complained and even the hospital nurses looking after him for the last few weeks commented on how he always had a ready smile and joke. He will be sorely missed.
We will be in touch in the coming days regarding funeral arrangements.
Tony, Tim, Mark & John Posnett