Gordon was a kind, caring and generous man. I knew him as a colleague, a fellow member of St Andrew's and as a neighbour. When he asked how you were, he really wanted to know. He could always be relied upon to help in any way that he could, which came in very handy when our tow rope broke on Hatters Lane! Not only was I confident that the ever practical Gordon would have a suitable substitute, I knew that he wouldn't mind my asking for his help. Whether he was teaching us about teamwork, leading a marriage course or 'just' being his wonderful self, Gordon made a positive impact wherever he went and I shall miss him.

Gordon was one of the first people I met at Horsleys Green when I applied to join Wycliffe Bible Translators in 1986. He shared his journey, and talked to us about his own involvement, from the home end, in the worldwide ministry of Bible translation. He was approachable, kind, straightforward, and wise. It was one of those early encounters where a light-bulb went on and I thought “I want to work with people like this”. He and Rosemary also introduced us to the Myers-Briggs personality tests which, years later, played a major part in helping me to realise that the best way I could contribute to Bible translation was not as a translator but as a linguistic researcher. He always took a personal interest in me, though it wouldn’t surprise me if everyone he ever met said the same thing. - David Roberts

I was so upset to hear of the death of Gordon Jones. I've have known him since and I was a teenager, so to encompass all that he has meant to me over the years is futile. All the spiritual encouragement to me from teen to adult, much of this with Rosemary, has been an absolute blessing. However, his greatest achievement was in the early 1980s when 5 of us were off to Greenbelt in my Triumph Herald. How do we fit 5 people, luggage, and camping equipment into a small car? Andy said, "There is only one man for the job. My dad." So, I drove to Hatters Lane and watched the master at work calculating what could go where and sure enough, to everyone's surprise, it all fitted in. Amazing! As Debbie said at the funeral, ”my dad has a degree in packing”. I have so many happy memories of those days with your mum and dad who gave me a solid spiritual foundation, both in their teaching, their generosity, and their love. It continued into my adult years with various groups and courses they led. Gordon also shared the difficulties he had faced over the years. These personal revelations have elevated him, in my opinion, from great Christian leader, to spiritual giant. Gordon and Rosemary’s vast experience in the UK and around the world must have been a blessing to thousands of people, probably more. Please rest assured of our love and prayers for all the family during this difficult time.

Many happy memories of Gordon - and Rosemary - from Pendell Camp through to Horsleys Green and afterwards. Thank you for your wise counsel at all times but also the fun times. Much appreciated. Myrtle B.

I was so grateful to Gordon and Rosemary for their career counselling in 1993 when I was wondering which SIL domain would best suit me. They were very wise as well as fun to be with, and they spared me from potential unhappiness on the wrong path! Janet, Aug 2020

I first heard about Gordon from my cousin Rosemary when we were 15 or 16 when she told me she had met the man she was going to marry! I was quite shocked! Little did I guess that through the missionary prayer meeting they started, I would meet my future husband when I was 17! I remember a group of us piling into Gordon's Wyvern car (I think it was) and him taking us all to the Peak district for a day out. We did Wycliffe training together a few years later where we were put into different classes, me with Gordon and Rosemary with Richard. For years people got us mixed up! When we all lived on the Wycliffe Centre he would sometime have a quick burst on his guitar singing,"Break for into joy, Oh my soul." Many have mentioned how unassuming he was, how he could turn his hand to anything and how he would help others with many practical jobs (including ourselves.) The last time I saw him in February before we moved, he said to me, "I'm 82 years old and I have had a good life." His quiet acceptance of his diagnosis demonstrated his strong faith in his Lord. We will miss this dear man a great deal.

I wrote this poem to read at grandpa's funeral yesterday. My grandpa was utterly wonderful. So kind and generous, full of fun and wisdom. He is irreplaceable and we will miss him so very much... Grandpa, you've been the very best grandpa there could be. In every way you possibly could, you've loved and cared for me. Your funny, brilliant, eccentric ways have always kept us entertained. Without you family gatherings will never be the same. Here's a look throughout my years at memories we've made. So many laughs, good times & little moments, that for the world I wouldn't trade. At age 5 I remember the magic of your house, us grandkids always hiding in your wardrobe with grandma's blouse. Or behind those random curtains in your loft that hid who-knows-what, we were learning even then, in your eyes you'd hit the jackpot. You'd find treasure at the tip and be delighted; the only trouble was the rest of us were so often less excited! At age 6, I remember, knocking on your door, your attention always grabbed first by the guest closest to the floor. Not to me, to our dog Sophie, who loved you more than anyone. Whatever your theology, I hope you've found her up in heaven. At age 7, I remember I'd sit next to you at dinner, unwanted food slid onto your plate, you'd act like you were the winner! Even now I couldn't say for sure, whether you knew or not. You never made a fuss of it and always ate the lot. My highlight has to be, you eating my banana's bruised bit, and saying 'ooh yum, thank you' and really meaning it. At age 9 you created a blindfolded adventure, for us grandkids to explore and learn, you covered up your dentures. You wrapped yourself up in loo roll, dressed up as a mummy, pretending to be Tutankhamun, we found it oh so funny. Then you went along with our version of events, agreeing to ride our 'rollercoaster', getting rocked around then drenched! Aged 11, one Christmas time, I phoned asking for your help, 'grandpa we really need you', I told you with a yelp! A chocolate advent calendar is all that we need, well of course you jumped right to it, our prince charming on his steed! The chocolate was cheap and cheerful, you did always love a bargain. But you loved to help and make us smile, how I'd love to see you smile again. At 13 I always loved it when grandma told the tale, of your lovely little caravan and the almost-purchase fail. It was 'no problem at all' you'd said, to buy a caravan with a whole by the bed. 'It'll be alright' was always your favourite phrase, we've always joked to the have the saying engraved upon your grave. At 14, my world was about to be turned upside down, moving all the way from Luton to Wycombe as my hometown. We spent the day as family praying is it right? Seeking God together and asking if we might. Your heart to follow Jesus and love him every day, inspired me and spurred me on to too live Jesus’ way. With your help, we knew as a family that whilst it might be hard, God was calling us to up our roots and find a new back yard. At 16, my favourite place to be was in Norfolk on holiday, in Maryland cottage with you sailing our days away. What a place so full of memories, your legendary popcorn skills, sneaking you more ice cream whilst grandma fetched you all your pills. You'd encourage our adventures and pat us on the back, even when we capsized or crashed your boat during your daily nap. In fact, many places hold memories of holidays with you, Crete, Corsica, Tunisia to name but just a few. You supported us so kindly to take trips we could not afford, to see the world you'd travelled and holiday abroad. Generosity to you and grandma seemed to be always be so easy, we hope to be just like you, I hope that doesn't sound too cheesy. At 17 I wondered what career I should pursue, should I study at university? I didn't have a clue. You spent a whole day with me helping me learn more about myself, using Myers-Briggs and other methods that flooded your bookshelf. Through our time the most important thing we did discover, was that it didn't matter what I did as long as it was with others. In retrospect I guess how obvious that is! Its times spent chatting with you and your wisdom that I'll miss. In adulthood you became not just my grandpa but my friend, I loved to spend time with you up until the very end. You cheered me on, supporting me in every way you could, even in my role as kids’ pastor, you made me scoreboards out of wood. Thank you for your endless kindness praying every day, God's blessing over every one of us in our work, sleep and play. I could list so many memories, lots in your garden getting mucky, looking back I realise I've been so very lucky... To have had a grandpa like you, so caring and so kind, so generous and practical with an amazing mind. I'm so sad your time on earth with us had to end so soon, one thing I hope you'll always know is that I love you to the moon.

Goodbye to my bee-stroking, dog-loving, full of funny ways, always ready to lend a hand, no nonsense, one of a kind Grandpa. You were loved by so many because of your kind heart and unassuming, humble ways. You were a wise and generous man of God who made us laugh and were a joy to be around. You'll be greatly missed. Hannah #it'llbealright

Gordon was always willing to lend a hand, and when we bought our caravan we called him desperate on the morning we were leaving for New Wine, and he dropped what he was doing to come help us hitch it onto the car! I had the honour of praying for him in February and March when he felt there was something going on physically, and was waiting a diagnosis. I’ll never forget when he and Rosemary sought me out in March to pray. He will be greatly missed. X

Tarmac and Theology..... Gordon was one of the first people I met when came to St Andrews, one of my spiritual giants, an elder statesman. I was thinking about what I loved about him.... - Being in several home groups with him. His wisdom, delivered pragmatically but softened by that twinkle in his eye, honed by years “long obedience in the same direction”. Fierce debates and much laughter. - Finding him laying tarmac on his drive with the help of a 4 year old grandson, when I raised an eyebrow they both just grinned. - Dancing with him at many St Andrews celebrations, as fast on his feet as ever. - Sailing on the broads with him and seeing him tack away from beautiful wooden boats ...just in time, without the merest flicker of anxiety (on his part) I shall miss this wise, funny, servant hearted man, who has taught me much not just in words but the way he lived. Lesley Manning

Grandpa Gordon was a Renaissance man who could do anything he put his mind to. He upkept his gardens across the country with glorious bonfires which amused him and his grandchildren and he perfected the art of the outbuilding with his summer house, cabin and caravan. I will miss going on holidays and adventures with him and trying to build and fix things with him greatly. Lots of love Sam