Reverend Deacon Alan Richard Boxall (11 Oct 1939 - 12 Nov 2020)

Born in London in 1939, Alan went school in North London. During the war the family moved to Bristol and later back to London, then Wadhurst in Sussex and he finished school at St George’s in Tunbridge Wells where he spent some years serving in the Church of England as a choir boy and altar server in the Parish of Wadhurst. A keen swimmer and athlete at school, Alan joined the Royal Navy in 1956 where he served for thirty years and travelled the world on numerous of Her Majesty´s vessels with his final commission at Chatham Dockyard in Kent. He was awarded various medals for his long standing service to the British Royal Navy including his service overseas.
In 1962 Alan married Josie in St Augustine's Church, Tunbridge Wells. Josie followed Alan to Singapore when he was posted there during the Malay troubles and in 1963 their son Peter William was born. In 1967 the family settled into the Church in Rainham and had moved to Hempstead which became the family home. In January of 1969 whilst Alan was serving on HMS Hermes in the Far East, their daughter Isobel Maria was born.
Alan joined the Knights of St Columba in Portland, Dorset in 1962. Having moved to Rainham in Kent, as an active church worker he was one day visited by the Parish Priest Fr Michael Curtain who asked Alan if he would like to become an Extraordinary Minister. A combination of these two actions led Alan to take a more serious look at his faith and the way he should work for the church. He involved himself with the Parish and the Knights and became Secretary, Deputy Grand Knight and Grand Knight. Undoubtedly this contributed to putting himself forward for Ordination to the permanent Diaconate.
In 1987 Alan started the three year formation programme at St John's Seminary, Wonersh, with the subjects of Theology, Moral theology, Scripture, Liturgy, and Canon Law. During this time, he was instituted as Reader, Acolyte and a Candidate for Ordination. Josie accompanied Alan throughout, attending all the lectures
In 1990 on the Feast of Corpus Christi Alan was Ordained Deacon at St Thomas of Canterbury Church by Bishop John Jukes. It was a commemorative day surrounded by all his friends and family.
In 1990 Alan became the Assistant to the RC Chaplain in the Medway Hospital and formed a group of twenty Catholic volunteers who were commissioned by Bishop John Jukes. The volunteers have increased over the years to forty, all of different faiths, working in an Ecumenical team. Alan's Parish work came above all else in his ministry which included visiting the sick and those who needed him. Baptisms, weddings, funerals and some catechises formed part of his work in addition to coordinator to the Readers and Extraordinary Ministers. He regularly took Holy Communion to the housebound on Sundays as well as during the week, assisted ably by his dear wife Josie. Apart from the Hospital, Alan's Chaplaincy also included the Knights of St Columba, the Royal Naval Association (RNA) Chatham, RNA Sittingbourne, The Submariners Association Chatham and the Merchant Navy Association.
Alan served his country and his church to the best of his ability for as long as he could. He took great pleasure in helping people wherever possible fully supported by his wife Josie.
Alan loved to sail and was always happy to be on the sea whether he was sailing, surfing or even just swimming. He loved to walk and enjoy the countryside taking in the sights of the great heritage of England. His favourite was Leeds Castle. He enjoyed travelling whenever he had the opportunity. He cherished time with his family and friends. Alan always had a good story to tell, recalling his Navy days and his time at sea. He was always game for a good laugh and having fun. He forever saw the good in everyone. He leaves behind him seven grandchildren who he was always very fond of and who will miss him greatly.
Alan’s failing health meant he had to step back from his Parish work and since then he has been lovingly cared for at home by Josie, who´s experience as an Intensive care nurse gave him the best care he could have asked for. He died peacefully at home on the morning of the 12th November 2020.

Donations in his memory are welcomed for the RNLI and can be made by cheque made payable to the charity rather than floral tributes sent c/o John Weir Funeral Directors, 130-132 High Street, Rainham, Kent, ME8 8AR. Alternatively, donations can also be made online via this website.