The following two items posted by Patrick Camblin, Fred’s brother

Hobby Horse Hero (Last Letter)

In those earliest, awakening memories, you are there enriching my life.

A squatting young boy, pointing to the fishies for his younger brother to see.

Still curious at this new sight, I hear your call again to catch up or be left behind.

Then, when my troubled feet would not, you stoop and lift, and carry me home.

At night you draw a line down the middle of the bed we share; your side and mine.

Then you cuddle me up to keep me warm.

You taught me to spit, and to fight, and to start a fire

(Though mom and dad were not as pleased).

You were there when I first learned to swim and ride,

One day pulling me from a watery pool,

And another, my tangled foot from a bicycle's spokes.

Later still, you'd take me along

To play in the field behind our home.

You'd pick your teams, the others theirs.

I was never last, you saw (and knew, and cared so much).

You were a natural leader, respected by all;

You knew fair play and the balance of the game.

Who saw whether a ball went foul

Or a knee touched the ground?

We'd yield to you and your usual way,

Saying, "It doesn't matter, let them have it",

As we followed you back to the scrimmage line.

You tried the hardest,

Hit the farthest,

Ran the fastest,

Climbed the highest.

You were the best.

You were my hero.

Then, for a while, things got confusing and you were gone,

As if suddenly swept overboard; temporarily lost at sea.

I saw you only occasionally, there on the crest of a wave,

Swimming strongly, steadily,

Driven I'm sure by a conviction that to slow was to sink and fail.

Then somewhere out there you found and followed a star.

And though I'm sure you never fully knew it,

Your strength pulled others to safety,

And still others followed your way.

And now I'm sure you stand safely upon the shore.

You made it all the way, my beloved brother.

You fought the good fight and won in every way.

And whatsoever should become of us, I'm sure,

That in the end you'll be surrounded by those you love,

Watching the sun rise, still upon that shore.

Now in a clear, new vision, I see you there again,

Your cheek pressed contentedly against Christ's loving breast.

Peace and completion are at last written upon your face,

Washed and redeemed,

God's innocent child.

You Are the best.

Heroes Never die.

A PRAYER FOR FRED

Holy Father we praise and glorify you

In your infinite strength and mercy.

We lift up to you our beloved brother,

An innocent work begun in your hand,

Praying faithfully in your living word and lasting promise

That he will not slip from that hand,

And that all works begun by You are completed by You

In accordance with your perfect plan,

That none should perish

But should have everlasting life with You.