Cumbria shootings: Memorial services to remember those lost
Last Wednesday 52-year-old Derrick Bird went on a shooting rampage killing 12 people
Wednesday, 09, Jun 2010 11:59
By Sarah Garrod.
Memorial services have taken place this morning to remember the victims of the Cumbria shootings last week, which killed 12 people.
Thousands gathered for services across west Cumbria, with a minute's silence held at noon.
Last Wednesday 52-year-old Derrick Bird went on a shooting rampage before turning his gun on himself. Some 11 people were also wounded in the attack.
The seven locations of the services centred on where the killings took place. The shootings were the latest in a series of horrendous incidents for the communities of Cumbria; which in November had to deal with terrible flooding, and just a week before the shootings saw two of its local teenagers killed when the school bus they were travelling in crashed.
Those killed in last week's tragedy were:
Isaac Dixon, 65, of Egremont, was found dead on the roadside between Hale and Egremont. Isaac's family have paid tribute to a man who was affectionately known as 'Spike': "Spike will be sadly missed by his partner of four years Pat, his sons Martin and Wayne, his six grandchildren; his sisters, Margaret and Jean, and surviving brother Thomas, 'Tuc', (Isaac had another brother Dennis who passed away a number of years ago)."
Kenneth Fishburn, 71, of Bridge End, Egremont, who was found dead on the bridge at Bridge End, 50 metres from his home. His family said: "Ken was a brother, brother-in-law and uncle. He was a quiet, private man and liked nothing better than a few bets and a game of snooker. He was a lifetime army man having served 25 years in the forces serving with the Durham Light Infantry which took him all over the world. A further five years were served as a reservist, serving six months each year with the UN peace keeping force, again world wide."
Jennifer Jackson, 68, and James Jackson, 67 of Stockbridge, Wilton, were both found dead on the road in Wilton Village. A statement from their family said: "James was the Chief Station Officer for the Ambulance Service at Keswick and Barrow and then later worked for Hartley's Ice Cream. Jennifer worked for Whitehaven Tax Office before having children and later worked on the accounts for Hartley's.
"They have two grown-up children, a son, Chris, married to Shirley and a daughter, Kathryn.
"Everyone here is in shock at this tragedy, trying to make sense of all that has happened. The community is close-knit and helps each other in tragedy. Thank you for all the expressions of support that have been received and now we ask for privacy for the grieving process."
Garry John Purdham, 31, of The Millfield, Beckermet, Gosforth. He was found dead in a field on the roadside next to the Red Admiral Pub on the A595. His family said: "Cumbria lost one of its favourite sons on Wednesday, 2nd June 2010, when the life of Garry Purdham was cut tragically short. He was loved dearly by all his family and everyone who knew him - a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone.
"He leaves a hole, which can never be filled, in the lives of his wife Ros, sons Cameron, 8, and Flynn, 2, his father Jack, mother Bridget, brother Rob, and sister Becky. His two boys, Cameron and Flynn, were his pride and joy. The other two loves of his life were rugby league and farming and he worked on his father's farm from the day he left school, never wanting to do anything else."
Darren Paul Rewcastle, 43, of Bank End Cottages, Bigrigg. He was a local taxi driver who was shot dead on Duke Street. A statement from his parents, said: "Darren was so tragically taken from us in the Cumbria shootings. He was a beloved brother, brother-in-law, Dad and Uncle. He was the laugh and soul of a party and a Speedway and football fanatic who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace Darren. All our love Mam, Dad, and all the family. x"
Michael James Pike, 64, of Wasdale Park, Seascale. He was a pedal cyclist who was shot dead on Drigg Road in Seascale. His family said: "Michael James Pike, or Mike to his friends, was a loving husband, father and grandfather who did everything he could for his family and was glad to do it.
"Mike was enjoying his retirement and was happier at this time than at any time before. He loved this area and spent much of his time walking and cycling locally.
"He died a contented man and we are proud of him."
Mother of two, Susan Hughes, 57, of Park View, Castle Croft, Egremont, died on Hagget End, Orgill, in Egremont. A statement from her family reads: "Susan was a proud and determined mother of two daughters. She is completely irreplaceable to her family and friends."
Jane Elizabeth Robinson, 66, of Drigg Road, Seascale, whose body was found on Drigg Road a few hundred yards from her home. Barrie Robinson, Jane's twin sister, said: "Jane was such a caring considerate and generous person in the local community and always had time to help people. She was the best sister I could ever have and as twins we were especially close, her kindness to people also extended to animals and birds.
"For many years she worked tirelessly for the PDSA and later devoted her time to caring for birds and was especially fond of her pigeons, she was a real Seascale person and loved the area so much."
Jamie Michael Dennis Clark, 23, of St Pierre Avenue, Carlisle, formerly of Northall in Buckinghamshire, whose body was found in his car on the A5083.A tribute from his parents, Richard and Jane Clark, reads: "Our darling son, Jamie, has been taken from us. Our lives will never be the same again. He was the most wonderful gentle, loving, considerate man. Much loved by us his parents, his brother and his fiance and all his friends."
Kevin Joseph Commons, 60, of Frizington Road, Frizington was found dead on his driveway. Mr Commons was a local solicitor and senior partner in law firm KJ.Commons and Co. A statement from his law firm said: "His friends, family and colleagues will need time to adjust to the horrific manner of his death and would ask that you respect their wishes for some privacy and time to grieve.
"The business will continue to serve the community in which he lived and his best legacy is to build upon the work he started and to continue to offer the best service to this community here in this beautiful corner of the United Kingdom. Our thoughts are also with the families and friends of those other people locally affected by this tragedy."
David Bird - twin brother of Derrick Bird - 52, was found dead at his house on High Trees Farm, Lamplugh. A statement from his three daughters 28-year-old Rachel, 26-year-old Tracey and 19-year-old Katie, said: "We are utterly devastated about the death of our dad. He was the nicest man you could ever meet. He was a loving husband and doting Dad and Granda. We would like to take this opportunity to say there was absolutely no family feud.
"Our Dad's only downfall was to try and help his brother. Dad was a loving and cheerful character and was well known throughout the village. He will not only be missed by us, but by the whole community. Love you forever. Sleep well. Xxx"
"We would also like to send our condolences to all the other families and people involved in this tragic incident. Our thoughts are with them also."