Picture the scene - I am starting a new job at Abbey Hill from September 2000, and, like the conscientious teacher that I am, I am using the holidays to clear my new stock cupboard and filing cabinets when in comes a very smart gentleman who says ‘hi, I am Edwin if you find any condoms they are mine’. There was a pause - I think deliberately- before he added ‘this was my room and I teach sex education!’ This was when I realised that Abbey Hill was going to be a very special school! Edwin (strange to hear others refer to him as Ed, he was always Edwin) was a leveller , he never seemed to get angry, anxious or upset. He always listened, didn’t always agree, but always made you feel valued. He had the most melodious speaking voice I have ever heard. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. He was a family man and often referred to both Shirley and Faye. A true gentleman and gentle man. Anita x

When I first came to England from Korea, everything was so unfamiliar. Thanks to Edwin&Shirley, I was able to adjust to living there. Also, I learned how to enjoy congregation life from them (even couldn't speak English at all). Time has passed for almost 15 years but I still remember their warm love. The work and the love he showed for Jehovah will never be forgotten. I'm looking forward to play chess again with him near in the future. 

send love,

seungki Lee

I first meet Edwin when he arrived to work at Primrose Hill School along with Derek Herring, the students often got them mixed up so Edwin was given the name 'Mr Smart' as he was so smart in his dress. We went on numerous outings to Flamingo Land in the summer, Edwin didnt always enjoy the rides even though he was encouraged by the students to join in, at the end of the day he would be found laying on some grassed area feeling very poorly. Edwin loved to dress up for the school productions and got into the roles given to him, we were sure he was looking to be nominated fro an Oscar. The highlight of our years together were the residential visits to Dukes House Wood in Northumberland, one particular year Edwin has to share a bungalow with the staff from DHW, he got back to the bungalow to find him self locked out,so he decided to climb through a window to be greeted by a female with a lovely set of teeth! It was the dog belonging to the centre, we never knew who was the most frightenend. Edwin was an amazing story teller and always had a tale to tell, so we spent lots of time smiling and laughing.

Edward Thorman was, quite simply, a good man. I say “simply” when, in fact, achieving goodness is no simple feat. At a pivotal point in my life I was blessed with getting to know Edwin and his family and their impact was tremendous.

When I needed help, Ed provided good help. In fact, I doubt that I would have completed my final degree project and, subsequently, succeeded as a teacher without his support and guidance. His family’s support was also invaluable in helping me to become a regular pioneer and go on to serve as a minister in another part of the country. I remember that they even lent me a car at one point, which introduced me to the concept of double-declutching about 25 years after it became mechanically unnecessary in any other vehicle. Edwin was even kind enough to marry me, to Elizabeth, in 1995.

When I needed comfort, Ed and his family were good to me. They were good and patient listeners, whatever the problem, giving good advice on many occasions. Ed was also a good counsellor, providing valuable correction, whenever needed, in a direct but constantly kind manner. I think that kindness was probably one of his hallmark qualities, along with patience, understanding, compassion and incredible warmth. This list could go on and on, ending up like the Spanish Inquisition sketch on Monty Python - and nobody would expect that (I think Ed would have got the reference). Ed was a good conversationalist, good raconteur and a man of good humour. As I said, he was a good man, very good.

Reading this through, it does sound a bit like I put Ed on a pedestal. Well, I wouldn’t say that was quite the case. Honestly though, if I could choose one man (that I have personally known) that I could be more like, it would probably be Edwin Thorman. Now I’m in my fifties, I’ve probably missed the chance to be like him when I grow up but times like these make a person take stock of his or her own life, and thinking about the good man that Ed was makes me want to be better.

To say that Edwin’s death is a sad loss is a bit of an understatement. I can’t imagine the grief that Shirley and Faye must be experiencing at this time and my heart goes out to them. There is an Ed-shaped hole in the world and I dearly look forward to the time when it will be filled once more and the good times that we will then enjoy.

It is a privilege and an honour to be able to write a story about Ed. 

My first memory of Ed was over 40 years ago. I was new in the truth and it was at a circuit assembly. I don’t think it is out of place to say but at the time I thought Ed and Shirley were one of the best looking couples on the circuit. So I was overwhelmed when Ed and Shirley took the the time out to talk to little gawky me. What struck me at the time (apart from Ed’s bright red curly  hair) was his enormous warm smile and the mischievous twinkle in his eye. The smile and the twinkle never left him even after all these many years. 

After many years of living down South, I returned to the North and had the privilege of joining the congregation in Billingham, which I’ve got to say was one of the best decisions I ever made. That is because since joining, Ed never stopped looking after me. Even when Ed was very ill and I would ask after him, every single time I would get a sincere stare on the question “...and how are you?” Something remarkable stood out to me. I was visiting a dear friend of mine only a few weeks ago, she had just had a big operation and she told me that Ed had made sure that she had got all the best care as he was on the hospital liaison committee. This was all while he was extremely ill. I should not have been surprised, that was Ed all over. 

And Faye, the last time I saw you, you were only 5 years old but in the conversations with your dad, I don’t think there was ever a daughter more loved than you. 

But one of my fondest memories has got to be when Ed recovered and rallied round yet again and he and Shirley were able to join us celebrating my Mum and Dads 55th wedding anniversary last year and spend the weekend with us in the lakes. The moment when I saw Ed and Shirley dancing and laughing together was just a joy to behold. 

I can’t wait to see that all over again. My heart goes out to you, Shirley and Faye. 

“We know that Ed’s in Gods safe hands and in the paradise where he will be,               He’ll arise and ask the question are my dearest ones with me?”

It was 13 years ago that I first met Eddy and his gracious wife Shirley. It was my first time in the United Kingdom and very far away from home but what I didn't know was that a new home was awaiting me with open arms, yes Eddy and Shirley showed my friends - David, Late Caleb and myself the greatest hospitality we could ever imagine. I can't forget in a hurry the visits to meet new friends, the meetings at the Kingdom Hall with Norton Congregation, the drinks and drop off after meetings. Worthy of mention is the memorable sendoff dinner Eddy and Shirley had for us on the 7th of March 2005 - where we learned to make delicious pancakes, play card games (UNO), watching the foxes and left UK with a lovely pack of UNO card game!

In December 2006 I was in UK on vacation and again Eddy and Shirley made a beautiful room with a lovely snow-white view to spent some days with them. We always share our experiences, our lives, our joys, our fears and I will remain ever grateful to Eddy for helping me revive my spiritual heritage and return to Jehovah.

On the 21st of January 2018, I paid my dear friends Eddy & Shirley, a surprise visit and had once again another lovely, wholesome association with Paul and Jill Wilson in company. Memories of the past 13years of a special relationship came flowing back. I never knew it will be the last time of seeing my dear friend Edwin Thorman.

I will miss you Eddy, I will your kind and gracious words, I will miss your strong but calm voice, I will miss your encouraging scriptures, I will miss your lovely smile, your hospitality, your loyalty, your humility, I can go on and on and on...You were a rare gem. But I take solace in the fact that you remained faithful walking with the true God, your God, our God Jehovah! And the holy scriptures in Heb 6:10 says in part that He "is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name"...He will certainly CALL and you will surely ANSWER Him at the resurrection (Job 14:14,15).

Dear Shirley and Faye, I am so sorry Ed is no more but his good deeds will remain with us forever. May the hope of the resurrection comfort you, may the promises that our God Jehovah who cannot lie (Titus 1:2) promised of a new world where there will be no more dead, pains and sorrow strengthen you (Rev 21:3,4).

Thank you so much Shirley and Faye for sharing Eddy with us...SO LONG MY DEAR FRIEND!

I first met Edwin in the Summer of 1996 when he interviewed me for a job at Abbey Hill School. I remember Edwin rang me at home on the evening to tell me that I had been successful and to offer me the job. I worked for and alongside Edwin for 17 years and the last 3 years before his retirement we job shared. Edwin was unique, a one-off, a real gentleman and an extremely wise man, a true professional and a valued colleague who was amazingly supportive and encouraged me to be the best that I could be. I am forever grateful for the opportunities that he gave me and the potential that he saw in me. Quite often when I’m not sure what to do or I find myself in a situation I’m not sure how to deal with I often think, “What would Edwin do?”

I always felt looked after when I worked with Edwin. He knew that I was a picky eater and liked my takeaways so each day at lunchtime he would cut up his apple and pear into four pieces and he would give me a piece of each on a plate – I would often find it on my desk waiting for me. I used to think that this was his way of trying to encourage me to eat my five a day but in reality I think it was because he knew I had a secret stash of Tunnock’s Caramel wafer biscuits in my drawer which he knew that I knew were his favourite.

I consider myself lucky that I have lots of memories of the times we worked together. We used to work during the school holidays and were often the only two people in school. We would talk about Shirley and Faye and Phil and Hannah – I’m surprised we got any work done at all. Edwin was a good listener and someone you could turn to for advice, a confidante and a dear friend and I will miss him greatly.

We as a family have known Ed, Uncle Ed for many many years. These yrs hold treasured memories for us all for all different reasons . We love you and will miss you very much. We have attached just a few photos that share some of the special memories that we share. Love to you all xxx

It was with great sadness I learned of Ed's passing but the first time I met him was in the company of David Coyne, who died last year, Ian Morrison (who studied with me when I learned the truth) and Mike Walker, who has left a message here. I send you warm wishes, Mike, if you read this. Some years ago, I was in James Cook hospital and on the Tuesday evening, in the days when we had a Tuesday group, he arranged to have his assistant take the group so he could come and visit me that evening as he knew I would have no visitors that evening. We had a lovely time together and subsequently met up each year at Newcastle assemblies with my late wife, Barbara. I know your heartache, Shirley and Faye, but he was dearly loved by many of us and we will long for the day when David and Barbara join Edwin in the resurrection.
Jehovah's blessing, Stewart

The first time I met Ed was in Maghull Congregation, Liverpool. He would have been about twelve. We soon became pals and formed a bit of a bond, having a somewhat similar sense of humour!! We cycled around in the ministry and eventually both moved up to having motorbikes.  He took me up to Glasgow for an assembly on the back of his 125cc BSA Bantam.  It seemed to take an eternity to get there but we finally did. A very generous study of our's gave us our very first car, a 1932 Wolseley Hornet Special! (We discovered later there were only 6 in Britain). Only Ed could drive as I had not passed my test for a car, but that was fine. We didn't have it long - only 15 or so mpg!!

We regular pioneered for a number of years until he became a special pioneer, sometime in the late '60's when I think he went to Eccles, Manchester.  We had so much fun together I wouldn't know where to start!! He was a kind, warm and a loving friend and always there for me.

He went to Bethel for a brief spell I recall and when I visited the factory with some friends, as we walked past outside we heard a loud knock on the inside windows. Ed had spotted me. He ran the full length of the factory floor jumping obstacles in the way and rushed out to give me a huge hug.
I can't wait to do that soon to you, Edwin.

Thinking of you both, Shirley and Faye.
Love, Mike & Anne Walker           

Our memories of Ed was in our early married life. Ed joined the congregation in Stockton just after we did, Ed and Paul B would come to ours every Monday for lunch, as I went out to work I left them to it. It was always doubtful if they got back out in the ministry or spent the rest of the afternoon watching TV, Ha.

Seriously, Ed was a brilliant shepherd always the first to visit us if poorly and especially when Marie had our two girls he was there to encourage us. He will be greatly missed by all, love to Shirley and Faye

David and Marie Bainbridge 

I first met Edwin at our Kingdom Hall in Leeds. He was in his 22nd year, and was assigned to our congregation with his partner Jeff toon as special pioneers. I introduced myself (Brenda Thorn) and immediately felt comfortable in his company,it was the smile that did it,my two children took to him too,he was easy to talk to,he to me was the younger brother I never had. I had them to supper with others often,shared many happy memories in particular the 1969 wembley assembly, six days of spiritual food and a few memorable incidents,we became firm friends. Then he and Jeff were assigned to County Armagh Northern Ireland we kept in touch and we had the occasional visit, he was then re-assigned to the north of England I think Peter Lee congregation. We saw him more often and then life for him changed. I was invited to his wedding to Shirley, a lovely spiritual sister who had pioneered in Spain. It was then I decided to fade into the background. I liked Shirley immediately and told me that they were going on honeymoon the following week, my husband was working about half an hours drive away and we were going to be together as a family for the week. Edwin the generous person he was said come and visit, I arrived at 9am one morning along with the wife of my husbands colleague, incidentally (I tried to witness to this girl with no success.) no one answered the door so without any hesitation I threw stones up at the bedroom window until Edwin opened it and said "what are you doing here" I said "I came to visit" Edwin came down gave me a hug greeted Christine and put the kettle on made us tea and toast which we tucked into while he went upstairs to dress and fetch Shirley,that was a most memorable visit I knew immediately that Shirley and I would be as close friends as I was with Edwin. But the best thing was when Jw's called on Christine she asked why they were so hospitable,she invited them in told them about Shirley and Edwin started a Bible study and is a faithful sister to this day! The rest is a history of a beautiful friendship with Shirley and Edwin that is still strong today. Faye you know how much I have loved you since the day you were born and pray that you will get the comfort you need for the loss of a wonderful father. Shirley we have been so close for over 40yrs even when I moved to South Africa I missed you all so much but with today's technology I was able to video call you a few weeks ago, and guess what? You were both tucked up in bed you with your hot milk and Edwin with his lemon drink we chatted for almost an hour,how happy I was that I managed to see him before he passed away.

Edwin Thorman was one of the special people you meet in a lifetime I was privileged to know and love him,Shirley and Faye you also belong in that category,friends for life now and forever 

Brenda 

Will upload photo later

Ed Thorman – The Best Watchtower Study Conductor I’ve Ever Known !

I first met Ed in my mid-twenties when I joined the Stockton Norton Congregation Of Jehovah’s Witnesses, at that time in my life I was a little unwell,  I had a lot of dear brothers encourage me during my time of illness but nobody was as understanding as dear old Ed, he just seemed to know about everything,  his genuine love empathy and understanding was second to none.

Ed was also the best study conductor I’ve ever known!  His understanding of the English language was brilliant! He regularly used words that us uneducated and ordinary types sometimes did not understand but it was fantastic listening to him, he kept you engrossed, the Watchtower study in particular was all ways interesting fun and educational, his auxiliary questions and explanations were fantastic. This was a man who obviously new and loved Jehovah, you always felt refreshed after being in his company! I for one can’t wait till we all see him again in the paradise…

I Remember when I first met you & Shirley nearly 40 years ago !  You knocked on my door, you came to give me spiritual guidance but I wasn't ready to learn about Jehovah back then & so after a couple of years , we lost touch.. But I always remembered you ( both ) with great affection. I Remember your warmth,your smile,how a 'simple hug' from you made me feel loved,safe,peaceful,accepted & valued,the same was also true when you spoke with me. Such beautiful qualities in a kind & gentle man.
Then 10 years ago Jehovah's Witnesses again called & Thankfully,this time I was ready,I listened,I learned & I also came to know & love Jehovah...  Then & only then did I come to realise just WHY you had made me feel that 'warm glow' whenever I was in your company or even thought of you. Ed,your whole persona reflected Jehovah's beautiful qualities,the God who you'd known,loved & worshipped for decades . I Remember the joy I felt when I met you again,it was like reuniting with long lost family & you instantly became my dear spiritual brother
I Remember the sadness I felt & still feel when I learned of your death.I also Remember though that Just Around The Corner is a world I long to see, it's a promise from Jehovah, so it's a guaranteed reality- it's the day we're all waiting for.....when everyone who loves Jehovah as you did will live & Remember only Joy forever xx

Take 3/3 Cleveland Circuit Assembly - Hellaby - 2012.  And finally everyone smiling and in focus! Lovely, happy memory with dear friends.  Looking forward to making many more. :)

2/3 At the Cleveland Circuit Assembly - Hellaby - May 2012.  Trying to explain to the helpful photographer exactly how the camera works!  Ed laughing here is how we remember him. :)

This set of photos is taken at Hellaby Assembly hall in May 2012.  Our assembly in Yorkshire was unexpectedly rescheduled to when we were on holiday, so Ed & Shirley kindly invited us to spend the day with them at their Cleveland assembly.  At the end of a very happy day with lots of laughter and catching up, a brother kindly offered to take a group photo.  It took three takes to get the best shot, but engendered so much more laughter that we have uploaded all three.  With love from Morris, Helen & Kathryn Jakubovic

Edwin, A true gift in men, for me I will miss his cheeky smile and his sense of humour, his friendship and the love that Edwin and Shirley showed me and Alan from the day we met and more recently when I lost Alan Edwin was so supportive taking on my burdons, I loved just being in his company more than a brother it is my privilege to call him my friend, a personality that draws you to him a shining light of the congregation helping us find the road to life, not forever missed as when the last enemy death is defeated we will see Edwin again, very soon dear brother and friend.

Edwin, in your presence you created a calmness, peace and true understanding of the trials and problems we face even though you were often enduring your own difficulties, A tower of strength with an contagious smile, I remember fondly the book studies at brother and sister Wilsons and the happy glint in your eyes when we got the poin, a great teacher and confidante. It will always be a privilege to know you we miss you until Jehovah calls your name, on that day we will see you again. 

Edwin was a fantastic support to me throughout my time at Westlands. He was a lovely man with such a kind heart. Edwin always made time to check I was ok during some very difficult times when my son was seriously ill. I will always remember his wicked sense of humour and lovely smile. I feel privileged to have known him.

Good night, God bless Edwin

Claire 

I am so sorry for the screen shot photo on my mobile phone. 

This is the only picture that remains  in my phone.

This picture was taken by our lovely friends Yungim and Sungchul who had introduced Edwin and Shirly to us in 2002 on our honeymoon to New Castle.

Moved by these good exemplary couples in J's organization, my husband and I decided to do pioneering  to serve Jehovah more fully on our way back.

Since then, we have kept the promise as serving Jehovah as couples just as the way Edwin and shirly set before us. So we could talk to Edwin more about our exciting experiences through our ministry while he was visiting us in Korea in 2012.

We still have a lot to tell him about the joy we've had in our territory until now.

Please wait for the time when we're reunited together.

I know that there will be no language barriers between us.

So I am sure that I can tell you about it with more freeness of speech.

At that time, please keep listening to me until the end.

I can imagine your smile after hearing all , saying " I know you are a naughty girl!"

I want to hear that voice once again. I really miss you. Edwin.

I 

My computer skills have not really improved very much Edwin, hence my photographs are already in a different part of this site.  Even they aren't particularly good as though I can now scan them enlarging them so that you can be seen is still beyond my abilities!! I was good at taking students away on trips though and you came on several of those even brought Faye with you on one and left her when you went home, due to her request I hasten to add. We went to France when several interesting items had to be removed from students before we reached home customs and Paul took some lethal fireworks on to the beach to let them off so at least the students saw what they had bought.  We went to Dukeshouse Wood and had a lovely time until you left me with your replacement who proceeded to lose himself and the students when he took them for a run.  Luckily one of the students guided them home. I haven't worked out how you came to be on my tutor group trip to the bowling alley just goes to show if you try hard you can achieve anything though I don't remember you scoring a strike. I thoroughly enjoyed the trips, I think you did too.