Clive JAMESClive James, the renowned poet, critic, and broadcaster, died at home in Cambridge on Sunday (November 24).
A private funeral took place in the chapel at Pembroke College today (Wednesday November 27), attended by close friends and family. He was given a terminal diagnosis of leukaemia in 2010 and stopped writing just one month ago. A spokesperson said: 'He endured his ever-multiplying illnesses with patience and good humour, knowing until the last moment that he had experienced more than his fair share of this 'great, good world'. He was grateful to the staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital [in Cambridge] for their care and kindness, which unexpectedly allowed him so much extra time. His family would like to thank the nurses of the Arthur Rank Hospice at Home team for their help in his last days, which allowed him to die peacefully and at home, surrounded by his family and his books.' The BBC described James as being renowned for his pithy turns of phrase. He once said motor racing commentator Murray Walker sounded "like a man whose trousers are on fire".
He was equally waspish when describing Dame Barbara Cartland, whose eyes he said "looked like the
corpses of two small crows that had crashed into a chalk cliff".
"Common sense and a sense of humour are the same thing, moving at different speeds," was another of his famous quotes.
He also had advice for his future obituarists, telling them "shorter is better, and that a single line is best".
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6842 visitors.Published: 27/11/2019
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34 Tributes left for Clive
Mik Quinlan:Although I never knew you personally, my father and you w...18/05/2020
Left by Mik Quinlan:
18/05/2020
Graham High:Thank you.03/12/2019
Linda Jane:I shall miss his sunny face and his sharp wit
02/12/2019
Mike McDonald:Thank you Clive, such a kind, brilliant and funny man. I ha...01/12/2019
Left by Mike McDonald:
01/12/2019
Helen Mottershead:The description of the Billy cart race in Unreliable Memoirs ma...30/11/2019
Left by Helen Mottershead:
30/11/2019
Robert Martin:What ever I say?
It will never ? Or I will never!
Be abl...30/11/2019
Neil James:A brilliant man who made millions laugh. Rest in peace M...29/11/2019
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34 Tributes left for Clive
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Although I never knew you personally, my father and you went to Sydney Technical college at the same time. You had the same friends and never met. He admired you and we watched all your programmes and read your books as I was growing up. My father passed away in June of 2018 and now that you are gone I feel like maybe you will finally meet. Thank you for the laughs, the poignant observations and for helping this small boy spend the few precious hours with his father doing something we both enjoyed.
Mik Quinlan:
18/05/2020
Comment
Left by Mik Quinlan:
18/05/2020
Thank you.
Graham High:
03/12/2019
Comment
I shall miss his sunny face and his sharp wit
Linda Jane:
02/12/2019
Comment
Thank you Clive, such a kind, brilliant and funny man. I have not the skill to make one line or even several do justice. You have been and will continue to be a true hero of mine. Rest in peace x
Mike McDonald:
01/12/2019
Comment
Left by Mike McDonald:
01/12/2019
The description of the Billy cart race in Unreliable Memoirs made me laugh until I cried. Thank you Mr James ... your books brought me great joy. You were without doubt Australia's finest export and I shall pause by your pavement plaque in Sydney next March and remember you with gratitude.
Helen Mottershead:
30/11/2019
Comment
Left by Helen Mottershead:
30/11/2019
What ever I say?
It will never ? Or I will never!
Be able to put into words to explain.
To the family. As I have lost , so are you.
Be honoured, be grateful and let it give you inner joy?
He is in you, he will never leave you.
I am sure? If there is any doubt.
What a remarkable man, human being.
There are very few. There will also be very few.
To be respected, adored and never forgotten.
Love to you all
Robert Martin:
30/11/2019
Comment
A brilliant man who made millions laugh. Rest in peace Mr. James.
