Hereford Cathedral packed for funeral of former teachers

Richard (Dick) Rhodes, who died on January 21, held numerous positions at Hereford Cathedral School (HCS) during his 34-year tenure from 1966 to 2000. 

This included being Head of Classics and housemaster of the Old Deanery. 

The 87-year-old was also a founding trustee of the Old Herefordians Zimmerman Trust, a role he executed for over 40 years, as well as serving as a Common Room liaison governor.

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Mr Rhodes' wife, Anne, who died just five days later aged 83, was a former teacher at The Prep School and Hereford Cathedral Junior School (HCJS). 

Funeral held

A celebration of the couple's lives was held in the Lady Chapel of Hereford Cathedral on February 13, where an estimated 180 to 200 people paid their respects.

"It was really packed out with friends, family and ex-pupils sharing beautiful memories," said Liz Wells, Mr and Mrs Rhodes' daughter. 

Anne Rhodes' coffin arrives at Hereford Cathedral (Image: Rob Davies)

"The Gilbert Consort came back and played music during prayers and there were beautiful flowers of natural snowdrops made by my friend Jess Shaw."

Paying tribute to her parents, Mrs Wells said the couple 'were people who took genuine delight and interest in all those around'.

"They were highly sociable and loved nothing more than throwing parties, going out for pub lunches, afternoon teas or just gatherings at home," she said. 

Pallbearers outside Hereford Cathedral for the funeral of Anne and Dick Rhodes (Image: Rob Davies)

"They were supportive and loving parents and fun, hands-on and slightly eccentric and zany grandparents who enjoyed reading and writing stories and poetry, playing music and spending time with their family.

"Anne and Richard will be missed terribly but there are an endless wealth of happy memories to sustain us over the years to come."