In Lodge there is an empty chair with a collar draped thereon,
It means that death has hovered near - - a Brother Water Rat has gone,
Relieved of pain and illness - - all earthly cares will cease,
Brother Rat, Sir Norman Wisdom - - may your spirit rest in peace.
There’s a special sort of sadness when we lose a funny man,
They become so much a part of us, its hard not to be a fan,
Today we’ve happy memories of a star with extra zest,
That signalled to his audiences - - “Here’s Norman - - he’s the best!”
And “best” he’s been for all of us since 1946,
From the stage of Collins Music Hall to stardom in the flicks,
For the little man he called “The Gump” - - who was always falling down,
With tight grey-checked suit and cap to match, he’s been the perfect clown.
We’ve loved the helpless laughter and the jaunty strutting walk,
And we’ve all been on his side when “they” won’t let him talk,
We’ve lived all his misadventures and his troubles without fail,
And we’ve all joined in the chorus as we shout “Oh, Mr Grimsdale!”
“Pitkin” - that was Norman’s clowning name for the films in which he starred,
And with Jerry Desmond’s straight man - no comedic holds were barred,
But like all good clowns, behind the laughs, he showed he was the owner
Of that magic touch of pathos that displays the sadness of a loner.
Saxaphone and piano - clarinet and even drums,
Our Norman played them all - and with this talent comes
Recognition from Her Majesty - a knighthood crowned his career,
And with a comic trip he raised a laugh in that ceremony austere.
This knighted Rat kept singing, “Don’t Laugh at Me ‘Cos I’m a Fool”,
In The Crown of Entertainment he was a brightly shining jewel.
We thank you, Norman Wisdom, for the laughter and the fun,
Your Brother Rats salute you for the splendid job you’ve done.

If you would like to help by becoming a 'Friend' of the Grand Order of Water Rats click here

Water Rat Peter Goodwright.

5th October 2010