Memorial Service

Last night (Thursday, 8th January), friends and family of Sam Griffiths gathered in a packed Chapel at Hurstpierpoint College, not just to mourn his untimely loss but also to remember him with a smile and to give thanks for his life.

The College Chaplain began the service by reflecting upon the impact that Sam had made in his short time at Hurst, and of how eloquently the crowded Chapel spoke of the depth of love and friendship felt for Sam.

After the congregation had joined together to sing ‘Abide with me’, Sam’s Housemaster, Rob Shearman, told of how quickly Sam had made Star House his home, of his contagious ‘half full rather than half empty’ approach to everything in life and of the enthusiasm with which he threw himself into every activity the school had to offer.

One by one, many of Sam’s closest friends then spoke of the Sam they knew. Each one struggled to fight back the tears and inevitably some were more successful than others, yet each talked with extraordinary dignity, determined to share a glimpse of ‘their Sam’ with his friends and family.

Their words conveyed their shock, grief and sense of loss yet this was overlain by an overwhelming feeling of joy, a recognition of how much Sam had packed into his 16 years and how much fun and love and pleasure he had given all his friends. Some recounted an incident, a joke or an event to illustrate what Sam meant to them and others and a picture quickly emerged of a relaxed, confident young man at ease with himself, possessed of an infectious giggle and the ‘ability to light up a room whenever he appeared’. Examples of Sam’s presence and great sense of fun - attending a Halloween party dressed as a Smurf in blue tights and red shorts for example, creating a stir with his dancing (to KC & the Sunshine Band – Get Down Tonight, played before service began), his entertaining running commentaries on rugby matches, and being singled out by Al Murray from an audience of hundreds as “the one with the ears” - were all recalled with great affection.  Just a few of the other memories that his friends mentioned would always stay with them included his ‘ridiculously funny’ performance as a both Pirate Captain and Sea Monster in the school’s fiercely competitive House play competition, his skill at, and love of, rugby and the ways in which he brightened up Sunday evenings for so many of his fellow weekly boarders as they returned to school to prepare for the week ahead.

To conclude the tributes, Isabelle Harris accompanied herself on the piano as she sang a powerful and deeply moving rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and the College’s Chamber Choir then sang Malcolm Archer’s ‘And I Saw a New Heaven’. Prayers, the hymn ‘Jerusalem’ and the blessing followed with the choir closing the service by a beautifully sung  “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” by John Rutter.

Afterwards friends and family gathered in the school’s Dining Hall to share hot chocolate and cake and their memories of Sam. “The service was”, said Headmaster Tim Manly, “a powerful and emotional tribute to a life full of joy and promise and laughter. As the Chaplain concluded in his introduction ‘Sam’s spirit will shine on; the pain will diminish but never the light’.”

The final words should perhaps, however, be left to one of his friends who said “Sam was one of the most genuine and loving friends I have ever had; he had the amazing gift of bringing happiness to all those he was with.”

Sam’s funeral, a private family affair at which a few of Sam’s closest school friends and the College’s Headmaster, Tim Manly attended, took place this morning (Friday, 9th January)  at St Michael & All Angels, Bath Road, Bedford Park, London W4.

 

Hurst Headmaster, Tim Manly, pays tribute to Hurst student, Sam Griffiths

The accidental death of Sam Griffiths, a delightful young man who joined us in the Lower Sixth some four months ago from Brighton College has touched the entire Hurst community.

Sam tragically died in the early hours of New Year’s Day after accidentally falling on the electrified railway line at Burgess Hill Station.

He was a lovely young man, full of life and possessed of a wonderfully gentle, friendly manner. Characteristically, Sam entered into life at Hurst with enormous energy and enthusiasm. As a result, he settled in here very quickly indeed and his outgoing nature ensured he soon established himself as a very popular, much loved and greatly valued member of the school community.

Sam was a gifted rugby player, and joined our Hurst rugby squad in their pre-season training tour to Ireland in August. Subsequently, playing Centre, he represented the school in both the 1st and 2nd XV teams during the autumn term. It was not just in sport, however, that Sam distinguished himself. For example, he revealed a hitherto unknown talent as an exceptional actor during the recent annual House Drama when his performance was given special mention by the independent external adjudicator who came to judge the competition.

Above all, however, he will be remembered for the way in which he communicated his infectious enthusiasm and love of life to all those he met.

Sam’s parents, amidst their shock and grief, have nevertheless spoken very positively about Sam’s life, of the many friends he made at Hurst and how happy he had been as a member of our community.

They have, too, expressed the wish that Sam’s funeral should be a quiet, private, affair but they. and I. hope that there may be an opportunity at some time in the future to celebrate Sam’s life more publicly here at the school.

Sam’s mother and father, as well as other family members and all his friends at Hurst and Brighton College and beyond, are the focus of our thoughts and prayers now, and in the coming days.