Cecil will be missed across County Wexford
THE PASSING has occurred of the much-loved local broadcaster and popular preacher Cecil Riddall, late of Gurteen, Templeshambo, Enniscorthy and formerly Templeogue, Dublin.
A celebration of life took place at Gorey Methodist Church last Friday, as Cecil received a final farewell surrounded by his loving family and the wider church community.
Cecil began preaching in Drimnagh Methodist Church, and generally in Dublin in 1955 and throughout his life alongside his beloved late wife Pamela, he had been a deeply appreciated preacher in Wexford, Dublin and Wicklow ever.
With over 60 years experience as a preacher, he was known as a prayerful leader of worship, compassionate in his language and insightful in his preaching.
A family man, Cecil was married to Pamela and a good father to Edwin, Hazel, Heather and Andrew, father in law to James, Graham, Rhonda and Louise.
He had eight grandchildren, Courtney, Pamela, Rochelle, Ciara, James, Joshua, Nathan, Elijah, and he was a great grandfather to Hayley.
The people of Wexford will remember Cecil’s voice particularly, as he presented the Sounds for Sunday programme on South East Radio for nearly 30 years.
He enjoyed radio broadcasting and worked hand in hand with Christian Media Trust.
Cecil was known to the wider public as someone who was warm, encouraging, reassuring and insightful as he presented his popular programme every Sunday morning.
Despite illness in recent years, he faithfully maintained his position in the church, and he was always someone who was welcoming to all regardless of background or age group, particularly towards young people.
Last year, Cecil retired from broadcasting with a final live broadcast from Gorey Methodist Church after celebrating his diamond jubilee as a Methodist local lay preacher in 2015.
He was a long standing member of the congregation at Gorey Methodist Church, and during the celebration last year he was interviewed for the live broadcast which focused on his interesting life, his family, his faith and combining his interests in radio and religion.
Cecil always said then that his mother had a huge influence on his faith and his calling to serve, and that he grew up as one of four boys during very different times.
During his final celebration of life, the large crowd heard that Cecil had been there for people through joy and sorrow and had become a friend to so many people throughout his years in radio.
Throughout the years, Cecil was invited to preach during Christian Unity week at mass by his good friend, the late Rev Walter Forde and he has spoken in a variety of other churches and contexts down the years too, not just in the Methodist church heritage.
Cecil was always grateful for the honour be in the pulpit and speak, and never wanted it to end as he appreciated it so much. He will certainly be remembered in Wexford.
Cecil Riddall is survived by his family, friends and neighbours. May he Rest In Peace.