The Funeral of Geoff Locke took place on 21 January and was a great occasion in a packed church full of people whose lives Geoff had touched. A likeable cheerful character, Geoff combined kindness and firm convictions in a convincing way that was a grand testimony to the grace of Christ in his life.
Geoff was the sort of lay leader that we need more of in the Church of England. Wonderfully converted subsequent to being made to think at the Billy Graham Harringay Crusade, he gave his life to Christ when taking a bath (as he joyfully recalled!) and that changed everything.
Hospitality
He became as well informed theologically as any clergyman, and better than most. He was greatly influenced by Francis Schaeffer and other good Reformed thinkers, and wanted his home to be a place of open hospitality and good conversations about Jesus, just like L’Abri. After marrying Josephine, his home became exactly that; a place of love and warmth, but also clear well-thought-out Biblically-based evangelical convictions. Open home, open heart and open Bible sums it up!
Geoff longed for young people to come to know Christ and the future hope they could have in Him. He worked for a time as the national director of CYFA (Church Youth Fellowships Association) which linked all the evangelical youth groups in the Church of England. He gave himself to serve the cause of Christ in as many ways as he could, always wanting to be involved and to commend Christ in his local community, where he had a real impact. He got involved in local politics, serving as a local councillor and almost as an MP! He had a huge influence in the founding and flourishing of two local schools, and was an effective and much appreciated lay preacher.
Faithful spokesman
Geoff served for many years on General Synod and diocesan synods, being a clear and faithful spokesman for Biblical faith and convictions. He was a long-standing member of CEEC (Church of England Evangelical Council) and always impressed with his clear-headed contributions. In fact, everybody who came across Geoff, both inside and outside church circles, was impressed with his integrity and moral values which he didn’t just talk about but lived by. A lover of philosophy, which he was well qualified to teach, he latterly taught seminars for the University of the Third Age (U3A) and was a great discussion leader who sought to honour Christ in all that he said and taught.
At the funeral, Rev Nigel Atkinson preached a powerful sermon asking people to face up to the challenge of death and to find the only place of hope and life which is in Jesus Christ, as Geoff had done. Geoff and Josephine fostered children and had four of their own, all of whom testify to the impact that their mum and dad’s faith has had upon them. They are all involved, in one way or another, in Christian ministry.
Geoff’s legacy is the impact that a life lived well in the service of Christ can have on family, friends and community. I greatly valued him as a friend and gospel warrior.
