Family plan funeral to celebrate Sulien's life (From Western Telegraph)

Family plan funeral to celebrate Sulien's life

1:12pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

The family of 12-year-old Sulien Luckman, who died at his home last week, are planning a celebration of his life and a memorial fund in tribute to the inspirational, caring and outdoors-loving youngster.

As the Western Telegraph reported, Sulien - described as 'a boy who was passionate about his life' - was found dead at his home in Templeton in tragic circumstances.

Over 1,200 people have now joined a Facebook community page set up by his extended family, sharing their memories and photographs of Sulien, who was a pupil in Year 8 at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf, Whitland.

Sulien, his sister and two brothers shared their time between the homes of their mother, Rachel Matthews, in Templeton and their father, Frederick Luckman, in Pembroke. Said Ms Matthews: "As Sulien's family, we are extremely grateful for the support, sympathy and care of Sulien's friends, schoolmates and their families over the last few days."

Sulien's funeral will take place on Friday at 2pm at the Carew Pavilion, Carew Airfield, near Sageston SA70 8SW.

Said his mother, who is a member of Narberth and Milford Haven Quakers, and a community celebrant: "It will be held in the manner of the Quakers and will draw on other faith traditions within the family, and in Sulien's experience.

"It is primarily for people who Sulien knew, and who knew him. Young people may need to bring parents to support them, and children are welcome."

The funeral will be followed by a private burial at Zoar Chapel, Llanteg.

On Saturday at 10.30am, the pavilion will also be the venue for a celebration of Sulien's life where an open invitation is extended to those who knew Sulien a little, or who wish to support his family and friends. "We will celebrate who Sulien was, and what he did," said Ms Matthews.

The family is asking those who come to both ceremonies to dress as they would if they were out and about with Sulien, and to bring posies of local flowers or greenery, wrapped or tied with biodegradable materials only.

After the celebration, everyone is invited to join in a 'bring and share' lunch, and willing hands are being sought to help clear up the pavilion on Saturday afternoon.

Donations in memory of Sulien will go to a fund being set up by his family, called The Spirit of Sulien. Said Ms Matthews: "We envisage creating some awards at Tavernspite School, Ysgol Dyffryn Taf and Pembrokeshire Harriers, and to other causes relating to Sulien's love of babies and children."

In addition to his parents, Sulien leaves his 14-year-old sister, Indigo; brother Theo, aged 10 and Isaac, aged seven; his father's partner, Sam Langdon and her daughter, Leela, aged four, and the couple's 14-month-old daughter, Isla.

*A book of memories and photos is being compiled for Sulien's family by Claire Staniland. She explained "I know there are a lot of people who have had the wonderful experience of knowing Sulien, whether through parent and toddlers, playgroup, Tavernspite School, Dyffryn Taf School , the many other groups he was part of, or just as a friend." Anyone who would has memories or photos of Sulien's life to share in the book can contact Claire on 01994 240027 or clarepolo@yahoo.co.uk