RIP - Barry Eaden

It is with great sadness that I share the news of the death of Barry Eaden, a committed and faithful servant of church music in this Diocese. 

Barry was, for many years, a distinguished choir director at St Andrew's Church in Chesterton alongside his full-time employment at the University Library in Cambridge. However, it was probably as the organiser of countless Festivals in Ely Cathedral and King's College Cambridge that Barry was best known to many singers, organists and choir directors. In addition, he also undertook all the administration for the RSCM Chorister Awards for many years and was a faithful secretary for the Archdeaconry of Cambridge Church Music Society.

Barry was not only a fine choir trainer and conductor but also a gifted percussionist, well-remembered, too, for his many contributions to local orchestras and his work as a tutor for the Cambridge Schools Holiday Orchestra in its early days.

Of late ill-health had necessitated Barry having to live in a residential home in Bottisham and he died there peacefully on 10 April, aged 73. When Barry "retired" from his Diocesan music duties it became evident that we owed him an immense debt of gratitude and that the jobs he had done so patiently and carefully were going to need many more people to do them instead. In recognition of all his service to church music, Barry was awarded the "Certificate for Special Service" by the Royal School of Church Music  - only a few are awarded each year.

We hope to mark Barry's life (and passing) in a suitable manner at the Festival of Choirs in May in Ely Cathedral. RIP Barry and may you rise again in glory and prayers for those who mourn his passing.