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Tributes paid to 'amazing saint' Dudley Bourhill
 Well-known Norwich Christian Dudley Bourhill, whose strong backing has helped numerous local Christian charities, passed away on August 18, 2006, after suffering a stroke.
Dudley was a former trustee and board chairman of YMCA Norfolk, he helped to set up the Matthew Project, was chair of the board of Hebron House and was instrumental in setting up Marriage Resource Norfolk and Healing Rooms.
Dudley and his wife Audrey, who died 12 years ago, were heavily involved in St Andrew’s Church in Eaton, setting up the 168 Club which saw many teenagers discover a faith and also helped the church build an extension.
Dudley has been worshipping at Mount Zion church for the last year and a thanksgiving service is due to be arranged.
He leaves daughter Kathi and son Neil. His other son Peter died at the age of 12.
Jill Gower of Call to Prayer said: “Dudley had been attending Living Water with his family the day he suffered the stroke and was in amongst all his friends and loved ones.
“What an amazing example to us all he was. He gave and served the Kingdom right to the end. We shall all miss him dearly, such an amazing saint of God and such a blessing to us all. I just knew and loved him, but he was involved in so many things.”
“One of the things which impacts me is the need to bridge across church and denominational barriers in order to achieve the aim of working together as one church. This inevitably involves big changes. My suggestion is to approach churches which have a broad vision and see whether they have a group of people who would be willing to attend another church for several weeks and exchange places with a group from the other church. At the end of that period they could report back to their own churches. Perhaps this could lead to the holding of regular joint services.”
Dudley Bourhill
 Dudley was well and active until the end, and died very peacefully - a fitting reward for a life well lived. The last picture of him is shown on the right.
A Celebration of Life service for Dudley was held at 11.30am on Saturday 9 September at Mount Zion Family Life Centre at Drayton Hall.
If you would like to add your own recollections or tribute to Dudley, please add a comment below.
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| | | (Guest) | 25/08/2006 12:49 | FROM GILLIAN
I DIDN'T KNOW DUDLEY VERY WELL BUT ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT HE WAS A LOVELY LOVELY MAN WHO DEARLY LOVED THE LORD AND WAS PASSIONATE ABOUT THE GOSPEL...HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED
FROM MURRAY
Dudley was such a geuine person, an old English gentleman and a real hero for the faith in Jesus.He was absolutely faithful,dependable and reliable and in a very humble and unassuming way just got on with the job in hand, never seeking applause or limelight.
It was a privilege to have known him and work with him in the "No Jerry Springer in Norwich" campaign. He was there at the Theatre Royal night after night, not always in the easiest weather and often when there was real opposition. He had such quiet resolve and courage, yet such an easy and attractive manner with all sorts of people.
We will miss him a lot and I have no doubt at all that he will be one of the leading officers in Heaven.
The memory of the just is blessed.Proverbs 10v7
Murray Norman
| | | | Hebron Trust (Guest) | 25/08/2006 17:18 | A man of passion with gentleness, calm and charm, Dudley launched and steered Hebron Trust through its early years. All of us involved with Hebron owe him a huge debt; we shall miss him, and words don't do justice to his wisdom, smile, enthusiasm and warm handshake. We give thanks for all he did and all we've learned from him.
| | | | Jenny Drake (Guest) | 31/08/2006 12:05 | I only knew Dudley for a short time (during the JSTO and on the phone to him about room bookings for Healing Rooms meetings) but knew that he was a special person. I was sad to hear of his death, sad for the family's loss but happy that he is with Jesus now. I am glad that I met him even though briefly.
| | | | Miriam Wood (Guest) | 02/09/2006 14:31 | Little did I know, that when we said goodbye to Dudley the Thursday before he took ill, after our Life Group meeting at my home, that that would be the last time that our Life Group would be blessed with his presence. We loved and respected Dudley and looked forward to his wisdom and knowlege of the bible that he so lovingly imparted to us when the Group Leader asked him to take the lesson for that week.
Our love and prayers go to all the family in this trying time.
With all our love
Sylvia (Group Leader, Anita, Jean, Margaret, Miriam, Rita, Sally, Susan, Tendai.
| | | | Maureen Blandford (Guest) | 09/09/2006 12:28 | "The memory of the righteous is a blessing." Proverbs 10.7
Dudley was the one who first welcomed me to the church in Eaton. He was always courteous and kind and seemed to work tirelessly for God. I felt privileged to know him and to pray and worship with him in the same prayer group. We miss him.
|  | | .Jacqui Hill (Guest) | 09/09/2006 22:40 | Dudley's celebration of life service was a bitter-sweet yet joyous experience. How lovely to hear all the many tributes to his character. Dudley of course would of been embarrassed and have brushed off what we all thought of him... a man who did not 'boast except in the cross'. But sorry Dudley - we just love you so much! You've inspired us that it really is possible for an ordinary person to be almost like Jesus... You've also taught us we're never too old to serve God - that you were forever young!Thanks
|  | | Rafe & Claire Kirkcaldy (Guest) | 11/09/2006 11:48 | Our tribute and drum roll to Dudley is eternal, Rafe and I were priviledged know him, our time shared fellowshiping was greatly blessed during The Norwich Healing Rooms a determined encourager on many numerous occasions and what a reflection of Jesus with his servant heart in so many other Christian Visons all over the city. The Norwich Healing Rooms and The Great Hospital work will always be well remembered personally by Claire. So grateful that we'd only met the day before (God's divine appointment) spent time chatting shared a coffee at Living Waters, He was still focussed and positive even though his eyes failing, his ears only just a little worn! he'd never forget you, whoever tapped him on the shoulder he'd remember and every good memory came flooding back blessed relationships within the Kingdom! We thank God for his Life and celebrate the Victory we have in Jesus Christ. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. May the all the family Neil & Kathi know His amazing peace and love over these following days and months. Catch up soon Dudley xx
| | | | Kathi (Guest) | 19/09/2006 17:59 | Thank you everyone for joining us to celebrate Dad's life. It was a very joyful, uplifting tribute to a great man and father. Thank you to everyone who helped us and who continue to support us at this time of change, missing dear Dad...
|  | | Kevin (Jess) Braybon (Guest) | 06/05/2007 16:24 | I have a great deal to thank Dudley (and Audrey) for their welcome, kindness and love for those youngsters they welcomed into the 168 club, of which I was one, many many years ago. I have never forgotten, and my heart goes out to K'athi and Neil in their loss.
| | | | Jennifer (Guest) | 24/05/2007 17:15 | I didn't know Dudley but I do know the new Project Manager of Hebron Trust and I am positive that if he knew how keen she is to keep this valuable work going I'm sure he would be really pleased.
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