“Guard of Honour for the Late Ken JonesFormer Headmaster, Budhanilkantha School, Kathmandu, Nepal (1975-1982)”

I was honoured to be informed by Councillor Michael Lilley, Mayor of Colchester City, that I could organise a Guard of Honour for the late Ken Jones, former teacher and Headmaster of Budhanilkantha School in Kathmandu, Nepal, where he served from 1975 to 1982.

Towards the end of his life, Ken shared a deeply moving wish with the Mayor. He said:

“My students from Budhanilkantha School are in the Gurkhas. Is it possible for the Gurkhas to form a guard of honour at my funeral?”

In response, the Mayor kindly asked whether I could help fulfil this final request. I assured him that it would not be a problem at all; it would, in fact, be an honour.

Having confirmed our availability, I was asked to liaise with Reverend Terry Walker of St Lawrence Church, Rowhedge, Colchester. Reverend Walker invited us to be present at 09:40 hours on Tuesday, 23 December.

Accordingly, Captain Umesh Kumar Pun MVO, Mr Rubin Gurung, Mr Kushal Ghale, and I, Major Udaibahadur Gurung MBE, arrived at St Lawrence Church, Rowhedge, at the appointed time. After being briefed by Reverend Walker, we formed the Guard of Honour and waited solemnly for the arrival of the coffin at 09:55 hours. With our khukuries drawn, we formed an arch at the church entrance. As the coffin passed beneath the arch, it was a powerful, deeply symbolic moment, reflecting respect, gratitude, and the enduring bond between a teacher and the Gurkhas, even across continents and generations.

The funeral service was conducted beautifully by Reverend Terry Walker. During the eulogy, Ken’s eldest daughter spoke movingly about her father’s seven years in Nepal, teaching English at Budhanilkantha School before becoming its Headmaster. She spoke with pride of how many of his former students went on to join the elite Brigade of Gurkhas, and how, in accordance with his final wish, Gurkha veterans, now residents of Colchester, had provided the Guard of Honour at his funeral.

After approximately an hour, the service concluded, and the coffin was taken for committal at East Donyland graveyard, attended by close family members and friends. We then returned to Colchester, having paid our final respects and bid a dignified farewell to Ken Jones, a teacher, a headmaster, and a man whose legacy bridged Nepal and the United Kingdom.

Rest in peace, Ken Jones. You will be remembered with respect and gratitude.

Udaibahadur Gurung MBE

Chair / Trustee

Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS)