Howard Page-Clark

We first met Howard and his wife Jodi, when we attended our first Post Green Camp in 1981. We came with a church group, from Christchurch Epsom Common. Then our daughter's were aged, four, six and fourteen, it was quite an adventure as we had never been camping before. From the moment we arrived at East Holton, ( later too be known as Holton Lee ) we were totally captivated by the place, and the warm welcome from the Post Green Community. We kept returning each year too the Annual Camps, attending the very last one in the late 90s, even bringing our grandchildren. Over the years we got to know, both Howard and Jodi, very well. At one time we aspired too join Post Green Community, but by then they already had the dream/vision to build at East Holton and form the charity. At that time, they were looking for various people to help on a voluntary basis. Then we were living just over two hours away in Epsom, and I wondered how I could help. That was soon solved as they were looking for Voluntary Area Co-ordinators , to fundraise and raise the charities profile. This I did for around nine years, before we moved down to Dorset. I was then privileged to change career's and work as a Care Support Assistant The Barn for five years. At that time my wife and I also volunteered our services, which continue even today. Our friendship with Howard and Jodi developed over the years, and will always be treasured. It is difficult to sum up what Howard meant to us, I think sometimes in life, words do not adequately portray what is in your heart or mind. Howard you will always be remembered for being a wise and gentle man, who listened more than he spoke, was an amazing friend a true man of God, whose light shone through. You will be missed more than you will ever know, by the many lives you touched, even briefly. Rest in Peace Dear Friend. Our deepest condolences, prayers, love and support to Jodi, Richard ,Gareth ,Vicki , Natalie and Vivenne. Les & Pam

I can’t say that I knew Howard particularly well. I can’t even be sure that he would have remembered me, and if he did, I can’t be sure it would be in a positive light! I was close friends with his eldest son, Richard throughout our time in secondary school and sixth form college.

Hearing of Howard’s passing moved me and I wanted to write a few words. I wanted to demonstrate that even people (like me) who only knew Howard briefly and superficially when considered over the span of his life and relationships, could be touched by his generosity and gentleness.

Between the ages of 11 and 19 I spent a tremendous amount of time at Howard’s farmhouse at Holton Heath. Richard and I were close friends, and along with Tim we would regularly cause trouble for Howard and Jodi! The farmhouse at Holton Heath was a tremendous playground for us growing up and looking back on it now from the once unimagined age of forty-something, I can truly appreciative what a formative and wonderful time it was.

Howard was part of that formative landscape of my youth. He was quiet and quietly spoken. He had authority, but there was a gentleness about the man that meant it was lightly wielded. His faith was very important to him, and even though it was not a faith that I shared, he was generous in including me in its rituals. He even took me to church one time with the family and was good natured and patient with my unfamiliarity with that world.

It is one of the tragedies of life that as we get older it gives us less and less, and starts to take more and more. I am deeply sorry that life has taken Howard from his family far too soon. I sincerely hope his faith has been rewarded, and I hope that there is a hereafter where he will again be with those he loved.

I look back with tremendous fondness on one of the most carefree times of my life, a time that could not have been possible without Howard’s forbearance and generous spirit. I am a father myself now, and I have a new appreciation for all that Howard gave to his family and the responsibility that he bore.

I will remember a kind and well-meaning man, who in a small but vital way enriched the life of this young man who has now grown up.
Rest in peace Howard and love to you and all your family.

Yours
Paul