THE BOARD OF Caversham Bridge News were surprised to be told of a legacy left to the paper following the passing of long term subscriber Christopher Suddaby of Emmer Green. We asked members of St Barnabas’ Church if they could provide a tribute to him. He had been a regular worshipper there at the 08:00 Book of Common Prayer Service every Sunday. He had served as a Sidesman at the service while he was still able to attend Church.
There are few details of his early life. We know he had a temporary job at an ice cream factory when he was young. He remembered an ‘eating choc ice’ competition between the workers, which he won – he said he had the record for eating the most choc ices in one day.
Later he did his National Service and served in North Africa, after which he had various jobs in Africa. He treated people of all races with respect and dignity in a time of prejudice.
When he was younger, Chris was an athlete and a proficient runner, but he was in a serious car accident which left him with one leg shorter than the other. This restricted his mobility, which became a problem later in life. He was very determined, however, and continued working and enjoying his well-kept garden.
Chris and his wife Kathleen were members of the Study and Discussion Group that was formed by the late Jean Rae. His strong, sometimes unorthodox, views made for interesting discussions!
He had a strong sense of duty and looked after Kathleen at home for two years when she was diagnosed with dementia. Each night he prayed for the strength to get through the next day – and God consistently answered his prayers and gave him the strength he needed.
Although he enjoyed company, not many people knew him, as he didn’t attend large groups. Being hard of hearing in later life, he found these difficult – a common problem for those with hearing aids, because when several people are speaking they amplify all the voices. He did not have a computer, so he did not use email and you had to talk to him on the phone, which was often difficult as he could not hear a lot of what you said.
Chris persevered in his faith, and towards the end of his life he was ready to die. And he did so after a life lived well on 28 June 2025. A Thanksgiving Service was held at St Barnabas on 19 July 2025.
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