Henry ALAN Edwards (22 Apr 1930 - 9 Dec 2015)

You will always be remembered fondly Alan! May your soul rest in peace! Amen!

Remembering my dear friend, Henry ALAN Edwards...,

Its always difficult to write something about someone that you really enjoyed without it being soppy...especially being back in the USA with only the best memories...

Whilst living down south, I was taking classes and researching all of the English families that made me ME...I was an only child on both sides of my family. I had been left a box of papers, and, therefore, felt it was my duty to research and give all of my findings to my family. I was working on the Batt family when I read about Oakwell Hall. I was so delighted that the Friends had formed and were working to preserve the grand old Batt home. I called Oakwell to find out if there was really someone named Joan Edwards. We all know the answer was yes! Of course, Joan and Alan were on one of their many trips abroad so I waited anxiously for her call. Words can never express my excitement when Joan phoned which proved she, indeed, shared such a keen interest in my family that I could hardly believe she was not really a Batt! I could hardly wait to meet her... Not only did we share the family Batt interest but twin birthdays...

As we all know, Joan and Alan came as a pair! I soon learned all that Joan had researched, and, together, the two had devoted time and trips to various places all in search of Batt. Together they introduced me to Oakwell Hall and many of the Friends. It was like really being home every time I visited them and especially Oakwell Hall. I am so grateful!

Joan and Alan opened their homes to ME which meant I was privy to meeting their children, grandchildren, greats, neighbours, friends and even their cousins, Marjorie and Stanley. I truly o loved watching the children grow... studious Edward set the mark; smiling James following his brother's lead whether on a bike too small for him or computer games; and the lovely Beth who was always graceful and eager to please with what ever made life easier! I know they will all miss Alan, like all those he knew, but Henry Alan will remain in a good place forever in our lives...

Who was the best English driver? I will place the name of Henry Alan Edwards at the top of the list! Whether looking across the moors, amongst traffic on streets that I could never have navigated or the church of the first American President, George Washington...my heart always went out to Alan with his calm manner. We had such lovely trips but I will always think of our day on the Lizzie Jean (which I thought was certainly named for Elizabeth and Joan). Alan never seemed to mind dropping us off and coming back when needed!

I always felt like royalty with Joan and Alan...I mean with grans named Edward, James and Elizabeth and, today, as I write these words, I am positive with Henry Alan that I was. I certainly have always cherished my visits along with the perfect English panacea...lovely tea which Alan brewed to go with my favorite Joan's sweets! I wish Alan well in his next mission. Perhaps he will have a cuppa with another Friend, Norma Knight, and reminisce their tea at Oakwell Hall! Please save ME a place at the big table!

Thank you for allowing ME a brief part in your lives! I wish I could be with you on this awesome celebration of Alan's life but I will be with you all in spirit on this side of the Chocolate Pond....
God Bless!

Elizabeth Ashley Ruffin