Book of Condolence

Dr Chad Varah touched the lives of millions of people during his lifetime.

His legacy to all of us is Samaritans, founded by him and staffed by volunteers around the world.   Samaritans believes that offering people the opportunity to be listened to in confidence, and accepted without prejudice, can alleviate despair and suicidal feelings. We will miss him, but his work lives on through thousands of Samaritans who ensure that our service is available 24hours a day, every day.

On these pages you can write down your feelings and thoughts in honour and memory of Dr Chad Varah, his life and work”

Steve Evans, Chair of Samaritans

 

Please email your condolences to condolence@samaritans.org and your thoughts will be posted below on this page. Or you can write to:

Condolences, Samaritans General Office
The Upper Mill, Kingston Road
Ewell, Surrey, KT17 2AF
United Kingdom

 

Thank you.

 

Your messages

Chad Varah was an utterly remarkable man who founded an organisation which has saved the lives of countless people. He was an outstanding humanitarian and a great Briton.

HRH The Prince of Wales, Samaritans Patron

Chad Varah made a unique contribution to the life of our whole society, changing attitudes to suicide and bringing a distinctively pastoral and wholly non-judgemental approach to people in need, especially those coping with depressive illnesses.

His instinct that a listening and sympathetic ear could make a difference has proved to be enormously important to those who felt alone and with nowhere to turn to. His vision and energy in the foundation of the Samaritans and its subsequent development is a legacy that stretches far beyond the church and far beyond these shores; one that will continue to bring help to those who 'just need someone to talk to'. He will be greatly missed.

Dr Rowan Williams, The Archbishop of Canterbury

My heart goes out to the Varah family and friends and I am so grateful to those who took such great care of Chad in recent times. I met him in August of this year and was struck by just what one person can achieve with vision, energy and the moral courage to stand up for what is right - and for what needs to change. He introduced a simple, human way of giving emotional support to people experiencing emotional distress and who may be in danger of taking their own lives.

The real strength of Samaritans is the volunteers, each of whom makes an extraordinary commitment. My thoughts are with you. By tackling the taboos and stigma that we place on ourselves, Chad led the way in making this a safer and healthier society in which to live. We've lost the man, but not the spirit. His legacy has stood the test of time and remains with us and I am personally committed to helping Samaritans and the unique service that we offer thrive for at least the next fifty years.

Dominic Rudd, Chief Executive of Samaritans

Such a sad day. An inspiration and true innovator of the 20th century. His deep humanity and caring spirit started something I am so proud and priveleged to be a part of ,along with countless other volunteers.

Peter, Sheffield

You have left behind something that is going to change people's lives for years to come, good on you Chad.... regards.

James, Cardiff

And all the trumpets sounded for him.

Jem, Dublin

But for Chad Varah so many of us would not have found that niche in our community whereby we feel we can and do make a difference. His ground breaking foresight in giving people the time and space to talk about their feelings will, for me, be a lasting tribute.

Anita, Ireland

"One man can make a difference", it is said. Chad was that one.

Terry, Samaritans volunteer

He insired us all. The work we do today is in his name. thank you Chad.

Anon.

I met Chad Varah at York Conference in 2001 when he signed the poster I had bought for New York Samaritans after 9/11. It was a huge honour to meet him and I remember being so excited when he had breakfast with my group one morning, and especially when he remembered my name! All I can say is thank you to him for creating such a special organisation and I hope we will honour his legacy by continuing to support Sams and ensuring the future of this vital charity.

Janet (ex of Oxford and Bradford Samaritans)

We want to thank you for the great inspiration you and your work have been for Kirkens SOS in Bjørgvin since we started in 1979!

Greta Gramstad - Kirkens SOS i Bjørgvin - Norway

I've just finished my training with Samaritans and will be starting duties within the next couple of weeks. To hear of Chad Varah's death at this time has really strengthened my commitment to volunteering.

Whilst it might be an odd thing to say, I hope that his death will promote the name 'Samaritans' to either those that hadn't heard it before, or to those that had but didn't realise what we are there for.

RIP Chad Varah - I'm proud to be one of your 'Sams'

Julie Henderson

Grateful thanks for a long and unique life. If he can do this on earth what might he acheive in heaven?

Sophie, Isle of Wight

 

Chad's one great idea should have given him satisfaction but sadly this did not seem so. May he rest in peace now and may we continue the active listening therapy of this extraordinary man.

Hazel, Havering

I am proud to be part of the amazing organisation that was founded by Chad Varah all those years ago. I send my best wishes and condolences to his family and friends and to all those Samaritans everywhere who continue his work.

Maureen Davis, Southampton

Having heard last night of the death of our founder I can confirm that his amazing legacy lives on and is alive and well.

Many thousands of people owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dr Varah, may he rest in peace.

Robin Coles, Basingstoke

I was so sad to hear of the death of Chad Varah. His initiative in founding the Samaritans is a real inspiration to us all - a true humanitarian. May his God bless him and keep him - with grateful thanks from somebody who probably wouldn't now be alive without his idea.

Steve, Basingstoke

The Basingstoke Branch mourns the passsing of a great man who through his genius and dedication has helped so many. He has been and will continue to be an inspiration to many thousands of Samaritan volunteers.

Having heard the sad news of his death today, I would like to send my sympathy to Rev Chad Varah's family and my admiration for his life and work, his inspirational and charismatic leadership and his founding of a wonderful movement. Thanks to him, thousands of distressed or despairing people have been listened to with warm, unjudgemental acceptance in their hour of need and thousands of people educated in the skills of deep listening. The ripples of his idea have spread all over the world: what a man.

Elizabeth Mackeown

To have touched so many people's lives and created a movement based on compassion is a tremendous achievement. Chad Varah was a hero, and remains an inspiration. I never met him, but one year into being a Samaritan, I can say his influence on me has been profound. The best tribute I can give is to strive to live up to his ideals.

Karen, Macclesfield

Thank you Chad. We are honoured to have known you and to have been part of your great legacy for so many years.

Caroline and Fiona, Rome Samaritans

Chad Varah lived his life well, doing God's work in a practical way that helped very many people. His leadership and inspiration, like our gratitude, will continue. I trust this is great comfort to his family and to those who are close and in mourning.

Julian Brennan

His work brought compassion to those in despair and made those who sat in judgement on the desperate change their views. For his help to so many I give thanks.

May Light Perpetual Shine Upon Him.

F.Jackson & Family

Chad Varah - the very definition of a life well lived. Sorely missed.

Ian Richardson

 

Dr Chad Varah was one of the few people in the world who have managed touch the lives of so many. We in Paris, 33 years on after he came to help set up the organisaton, salute him and celebrate his life.

David Payne, Chair, SOS Help

Thank you Chad for having the inspiration to create an organisation that certainly taught me a great deal, changed me for the better and gave me so many genuine, caring friends. I just hope that for the ten years I was a Samaritan volunteer that I was able to give all those callers the hope and support you would have wanted for them.

You can rest in the knowledge that your life gave so much to so many.

Peter Sandbach

I have only just become a SAM and although I have not yet even taken my first call, I am extremely excited and dedicated to carrying on the work of Chad Varah.

Although I did not know him personally, his legacy will go on and I am very proud to be part of his organisation.

Rest in peace.

Samantha Osbon

Dr. Varah was inspired to develop a listening service for people that has spread throughout the world in many forms.

Can you pass to your board, staff and volunteers the best wishes of the board and volunteers of LifeLine International

Best wishes

Mary Parsissons

I am writing on behalf of the Board of Directors of the International Association for Suicide Prevention to express our condolences after learning of the passing of Chad Varah. He was unquestionably one of the most important influences in the development of telephone help lines around the world. His dedication and actions have resulted in the saving of countless lives.

Brian L Mishara, Ph.D., President, International Association for Suicide Prevention

It is with sadness that we in Barton learn of Chad's death; there are many here who remember him and his family.

Revd Alan Wright, Barton on Humber

I am saddened by the loss of 'The Rector'.

One of the greatest priviledges of my life was to spend time with him when he came into 'Nightwatch' on New Year's Eves. Unusually for him he would, at these times, share stories from his life; such as the prefects at his school showing him and another boy the front page of The Times and then betting which of the two recalled the news best. At that age he had a truly 'photographic' memory.

'No man is an island'.

Kelvin

Here at Mansfield branch we would like to express our sadness and offer our condolences. Without your inspirational work over so many years we would not have the honour of being samaritans, Thank you from us all.

Rest in Peace. Your legacy is the knowledge that people at their lowest ebb will always find help at the other end of a 'phone.

Bless you for what you have provided us all with.

Chas Kenny

Dear family of Chad Varah, On behalf of the members of Befrienders Worldwide Suicide Prevention Centre Osaka Japan, we wish to convey our deepest sympathy to you upon the death of Dr. Chad Varah, our founder.

We do not know Dr. Chad Varah personally, but he distinguished himself among befrienders all over the world.We want to extend a big thank-you to him for his great work.We will miss him, but promise to take over his work to provide “emotional support” to those who need our services.

We extend our condolences to you and hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of your sorrow.

Sincerely,

Yukiko Goto for Toshi Sawai, Director, BW Suicide Prevention Centre Osaka, JAPAN

Just a few words from all of us at Brighton & Hove branch of the Samaritans to say how sorry we all are to hear of Chad Varah's death. The founding of our organisation is truly an inspirational story from one man's great vision - quite simply a society where we are unafraid to share difficult feelings and support each other through troubled times.

Nikki, Director, on behalf of all of us at Brighton & Hove Samaritans

Assuring you and all touched by the faithfulness, devotion, love and commitment of your founder Rev Chad Varah of the prayers of many across the wider Church and Samaritans supporters here in Harrogate.

Humph Baker, Secretary, Churches Together in Harrogate

The volunteers of Samaritans onlus, Rome Italy would like to extend their condolences to the family of Chad Varah as well as to all Samaritans branches in the UK, ROI and worldwide. We are proud to be part of his amazing vision and the reality it has become.

Katharine Ronan

We were very sorry to hear the news today about Chad Varah. As friends of his daughter Felicity, we were privileged to have met Chad on several occasions. Our thoughts are with her and all the family at this sad time. He has left a great legacy to those who knew him, and those who didn't.

Rest in Peace.

Alison, Jon, Oscar, Millie and Felix, Winchester

Peterborough Samaritans were so sorry to hear about Chad - he led a truly inspiring life and left behind the most amazing legacy. Thanks - you will be missed.

It is not too fanciful for me to say that Chad Varah changed my life, not because I was ever suicidal, nor because I ever called on the help of Samaritans. He has chenged my life because I became a Samaritan.

No list of Chad's qualities should miss his irreverence and his self-deprecation. When he started counseling the sad and suicidal at St. Stephen Walbrook, his parishioners attended to those waiting to speak with him, and more and more often they would leave, comforted by the lay "befrienders." Chad realized that those befrienders could provide a far more powerful resource to people in need than he could alone. His talent turned to training befrienders and expanding The Samaritans wherever there was a need; in short, everywhere. He did not only depreciate his own role in founding The Samaritans. I remember Chad speaking to a huge room of volunteers at the Boston, Massachusetts branch, and assuring them that the directors were "prostitutes," and that only the telephone volunteers were the true Samaritans. He was a character, and a much-beloved, highly talented, and endlessly giving character. To those grieving his passing, I send my deepest condolences. I feel lucky to share a bit of Chad with all of you.

Betsy, Leverett, Massachusetts; former volunteer in Boston, Providence and London

"When a sage dies, all are his kin."

It is thus with great love and humility that I personally bid goodbye to this remarkable man, never having known or met him, but having worked for Samaritans New York (as well as for similar organisations in other cities that did not have Samaritans branches, but which could not have existed without Samaritans' precedence). I am merely one of thousands, of course, but the life-changing impact of Samaritans' work is such that each volunteer can feel as though he or she has lost someone who played a crucial role in their life.

Mourning is unbefitting: here was a man clearly unafraid of death, who died peacefully after a good long run of it, something to be hoped for by us all. No, the great emotions that well up when reading about his life have more to do with the impact of bearing witness to his inspiration, his penchant for a rich and diverse life, his tolerance, his compassion and the sheer impact that one fearless person can have on the world.

Thank you, Reverend. I hope to meet you one day.

Mitch Albert, London, UK

I.O.U. my life, Sir.

You, and the organisation that you founded, saved my life more than once. If it weren't for you, my two younger children would not be here today, because I wouldn't have survived long enough to become their mother.

Rest In Peace, Rev Chad Varah, you made a difference.

Regards,

Jane

In starting the Samaritans I feel that Chad Varah made one of the most worthwhile achievements of the 20th century. He was the right man in the right place at the right time: he spotted a very real need and made an excellent job of addressing it.

Personally I've benefited both by having the privilege to serve as a Samaritan volunteer, and just by knowing that the service exists should I ever need it myself. As a teenager I had many worries and was pretty unhappy, but there was nobody I could discuss my feelings with. The existence of the Samaritans, and the many follow on help lines, means people now have so many more places to turn to - thanks in a large way to Chad Varah.

Deborah

I am a volunteer and founder of the Suicide Support Groups at Durham Distress Centre, Oshawa, Canada. It is because of this Centre and because of Chad Varah`s vision that so much help is available to the public today. I am proud and honoured to have learned of him and his work. My deepest condolences....

Christine Cieslar, Canada

I first heard about Dr Chad Varah when there was a Befrienders preview for potential volunteers in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. I was inspired by his work, his passion and his simple yet powerful way of showing care and concern. Befrienders Johor Bahru started befriending services in 1st August 2006 and I am proud to be involved in this movement. Thank you for making Befrienders possible in Johor Bahru. I'm gonna miss you.....

Lee-Jean ,Befrienders Johor Bahru, Malaysia

The Befrienders of Malaysia are deeply saddened by the death of Dr. Chad Varah, our founder. Some of us knew Dr. Chad Varah personally, having met and interacted with him at York. Our members from the Malaysian centres had the opportunity to meet Dr. Chad Varah, when he was our guest at the Befrienders Internationl Conference, Kuala Lumpur in 1996. We were inspired by his steadfastness, passionate enthusiasm and words of encouragement. We are priviledge to have been acquainted with Dr. Chad Varah, regarded by us as a historical figure who pioneered the concept of extending emotional support over the phone, and who developed the Samaritans and Befrienders into a wel-recognized worldwide movement. We feel the loss Dr. Chad Varah very much.

With heartfelt condolences,

Gangadara Vadivel, S.,, President, National Council of Befrienders Malaysia

It is with a very heavy heart that I am writing this condolences. Tears are rolling in my eyes no matter how hard I try to keep myself calm.

Strange isnt it ....over the demise of someone I have never met in my life ? But this man is no ordinary man. He is indeed a true legacy now who has touched the broken hearts and soul of uncountable people in this treacherous world of ours.

I had the opportunity to serve in one of the Samaritans organization in the South East Asia Region for 5 years and was truly amazed by the work of the Samaritans, thanks to the founding father, Chad Varah.

I felt myself immersed in real love for all whilst volunteering in the organization. That explains why I was able to continue serving the callers despite my own adversities at work and home during the most difficult time in my life. Perhaps the work saved my own life in a way, pulled me through the darkest path and kept me going.

Although I have since left the centre due to personal reasons, I still believe in the Samaritans way, and I know I will continue to believe in it, every moment every day of my life.

Sandra J Tan

At a wedding lunch a few years ago I was sat next to the old priest ( Fr. Varah) who had taken the wedding service of some friends of mine.

He told a very rude, earthy and provocative story. I said to him “ I guess little shocks you nowadays” and immediately he said “ Oh no, CRUELTY still shocks me.”

He was a remarkable man. I hope he is right about reincarnation we need such as Chad Varah in whatever reincarnation.

Our world has lost an extraordinary man but we do have the wonderful listening gifts of SAMARITANS and his legacy.

Thanks to both

Hugh Alford

All the volunteers at Chilterns Branch of Samaritans send their condolences to the family of Chad Varah. It is because of his vision that being able to talk in complete confidence and knowing you will not be judged is of such value to society that we are here today providing the same service.

Several of our members had the privilege of meeting Chad and indeed one of our long serving members remembers being trained by Chad when we first set up the Branch so many years ago.

Chad will be missed but his work will live on through the many thousands of Samaritan volunteers throughout the world.

Frank - Director - Chilterns Branch

We will miss you, but your legacy will not be forgotten. Thankyou for trying, and succeeding, in making a difference.

Roger H & C

All human has to die one day. What a good news ,our founder,A great man Dr. Chad Varah died in very peaceful sleep at age 95. we all have to learn from him because he giving so much love and care to the world........Give my bless to his family and dear samaritans. move on with your love and care.........samaritans.

A great man ,our Founder, Dr. Chad Varah rest in peace.

Regards

Amituofo, Malaysia

Chad was inspirational in many ways. I had breakfast at York with him over 20 years ago and I remember him saying "You can't help anyone beyond an hour of listening". I have kept to that ever since in all aspects of my own life and still believe it to be true.

Julian Coxon, Samaritans in Tamworth

Chad Varah was something perhaps rather rare for a clergyman: he was an independent thinker and an innovator who was not afraid of bucking trends and breaking free from the bonds of tradition in order to do good. That is the essence of Samaritans, to step beyond the line where many would stop in helping others.

J Holdcroft

It is with deep regret I learn of the death of Chad Varah. I feel very humble and grateful to be able to pass on my deepest sympathy to the family of Chad Varah. He was a man of the future and of great vision. I am so grateful to be a Samaritan Volunteer and to be part of such a fantastic organisation of 'unsung heroes' (as we have been termed).

Chad Varah may you Rest in Peace. Amen.

John, Belfast

Chad Varah was an inspiration to thousands and a lifesaver to millions – he will be sadly missed.

Malcolm – Ex Harrow Samaritans

The Rev Chad Varah was Vicar of my church school, St. Johns, Battersea. His children I believe triplets 3 boys were also at this school In the same year as myself we played together I always admired him he was my hero, though I was only a youngster then, I was Bridesmaid at my Sister's wedding which Chad performed the ceremony, I loved The Harvest Festival, we'd go to St. Pauls Church In St. Johns Hill, Battersea each of us small ones laying out our contributions on the steps to the altar, Rev Chad would bless them. We always felt important that we had as our Vicar a very caring true man of the cloth, when ever we met up with former friends from school we'd say 'Chad was our Vicar he founded the Samaritans'.

I always think of my early days growing up in Battersea in a lovely small church of England school & St Pauls Church was part of that time. We joined him In the Carol Singing Around the street roads near Christmas time I am proud to have known Chad Varah during my early years in Battersea.

Long may his memory & what he did stay for ever with us all. RIP wonderful man.

Janice Friday

Condolences from Phyll Luke, Truro Branch.

Dear Chad

I often think of the good times at St. Stephen Walbrook. I am proud to have known you, worked with you and to have had you as a friend.

With love

Little Glyn xx

33 years I've been a Samaritans volunteer and am still as enthusiastic about carrying on Chad's work as the day I joined. Thank you Chad, you will always be an inspiration to YOUR volunteers. My thoughts are with you.

Pat, Enfield-Haringey-Barnet Samaritans

Many people achieve greatness by doing things but rarely has anyone achieved so much just by listening and being there. Thanks Chad, wherever you are.

Nigel, Reading

Chad's death touches us all and leaves a large hole in our lives. His inspiration caused the formation of (The) Samaritans, which gave a guided purpose to all our Volunteers within their Branches and hope to all our Callers.

Thank you Chad

Nick, Plymouth Branch

is through his zest and love of others also inspired me to learn and be part of his mission.

S M Goh

It is not too fanciful for me to say that Chad Varah changed my life, not because I was ever suicidal, nor because I ever called on the help of Samaritans. He has chenged my life because I became a Samaritan.

B Haigh

Thanks Chad for having the staying power to overcome the pregudices and lack of understanding when you first started our organization. There are many people from all over the world have benifited from the organization you started. Rest in peace.

Wendy Barnsley Branch

Chad, you laid the foundations and set up an organisation that was forward thinking, innovative, edgy, yet caring and compassionate, and to which I am proud to belong. People just listening to other people talking through their emotions and feelings - simple but so magnificent.

thanks,

Lynn, Festival Branch

On behalf of Taunton & Somerset Samaritans, I would like to offer our condolences to the family of Chad on his death. I was fortunate to meet him on one occasion at the National Conference when he presented a monologue. However, it is every time we enter our respective branches to respond to desperate calls, that we realise how much we owe to him, our founder.

Sue, Director, Taunton & Somerset branch

Eight years ago I turned to Samaritans when I most needed help. Now after completing five years as a Samaritan I feel indebted to to Chad Varah for giving me the chance to repay the support i received. R.I.P.

K Hainsby

It was with much sadness that I read about the passing of a true man of the people, someone willing to step outside the comfort zone of society's rule and challenge people's ideas on sex and suicide. Chad inspired so many people, including me (!) to make a difference in this world. We have lost a great man.

I had the pleasure in meeting Chad several times and will never forget his speeches at York conferences - even in his 80's and 90's he was willing to put his point of view forward and get people thinking! We can all learn a lot from Chad's life and work.

with kind regards,

Martin ex-Canterbury branch, Kent

The CVV Brazil with great sadness receives the news of Varah death. The example this valuable man inspires our task to give emotional support to the despairing people. Rest in peace, master!

CVV Posto Nova Suíça

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Today, November 11, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the founding ot The Samaritans of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I was ready to toast Chad's 96th birthday tomorrow, November 12, when I learned that he had died. A great loss and a great legacy.

Sally 15, formerly of The Samaritans of Boston USA

I would like to send my condolences to Chad's family in London.

I first met Chad when I visited London for the first time in 1982.

My father was then actively involved in the Samaritans and thus took the opportunity to meet up with Chad to discuss matters pertaining to the centre he was managing in Penang,Malaysia.

I found Chad to be a friendly,caring and bubbly person when I first met him.

My family has since then met up with Chad whenever we can whilst we're in London.

However ,I am greatly honoured to meet a man that such contributed immensely to society by provide a listening ear whilst in times of distress not only in Great Britain but also globally .

Yours,

Jin-Khoo, Penang,Malaysia

Chad was a true pioneer, and the organisation he created has touched - and saved - the lives of countless numbers of people. May he rest in peace.

Carol, Swansea

My sympathies and thoughts go out to Chad's family and Samaritans everywhere who's lives have been touched by this great man.

Shelagh King, Kings Lynn branch

Society owes him a huge debt for his vision and determination which has harnessed the listening skills of so many 'ordinary' people to help those in distress and despair. An extraordinary person.

E Holmes

The Samaritans of Fall River / New Bedford wish to extend our deepest condolences to Chad's family and friends. We are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of an extraordinary individual. He had a vision long before anyone else had, including that of the medical field. His legacy will live on forever.

Sincerely,

Del Ferus, Executive Director, The Samaritans of Fall River/New Bedford, Inc. , USA

Thank you for the news, sad as it is. This makes his note to us at the International Focus Event even more dear.

Chad always has been particularly meaningful to SOS Help given the fact that he came to Paris in 1974 to assist personally in the establishment of the organization.

Best regards

Eric Tolbert, Paris

Please pass on our codolences to Chad's family.

Katharine, Director, Samaritans of Rome, Italy

All of us Sumithrayo here in Sri Lanka were very sad to learn of the passing away yesterday of our unforgettable Founder Chad. He presided over the inauguration of our first Branch in Colombo 33 years ago and paid us several visits thereafter. He was a character of rare vintage.

We have fond memories of irrepressible and lovably irascible Chad. His profound humanitarianism, laced as it often was with more than a trace of heterodoxy, impressed us and his pragmatic approach to relieving the distressed were unique in many ways. The name Samaritans became iconic worldwide for practical help to those in despair.

No one failed to be impressed with his profound knowledge of the human condition.His engaging personality with its touch of irreverence, his mischievous and impish sense of humour and his uncanny ability to level with people made him an easy and empathetic conversationalist.

Everyone looked forward to interacting with him.

The term Samaritans will for ever be associated with Chad and he has left a treasured legacy to all of us who are engaged in our mission of humanitarian service.

Please convey to the Samaritans of London and the UK generally and to members of Chad's family our expression of heartfelt grief on his departure from our midst. We offer our profound condolences.

Sincerely,

Mansoor Ghouse, Chairman, Sri Lanka Sumithrayo.

It's a sad news for us all. Please, receive condolences from our centre and all help-lines' volunteers in Lithuania. Chad was always a source of great inspiration for us all. Although it is sad to learn about his death, this sadness is mixed with a bright feeling, because of so many great things Chad was able to do through his life. We are very proud that we had a chance to meet him when he was visiting Lithuania in 2002. And we are glad that Samaritans and Befrienders continue Chad's mission and that we are a small part of it.

Take care,

Paulius, Vilnius "Youth Line", Lithuania

Unfortunately, that's a sad notice. But his wonderful legacy always will make us remember him.

I have no words about a founder of a work that has helped and teached me so much for some years.

Thank you Chad wherever you are!

Yours sincerely,

Lusimábile C. Koda, São Paulo, Brazil

muy tristes por la noticia y pensando en todo lo que nos ha dado como Organizacion y como Voluntarios en nuestro crecimiento personal, los Voluntarios de Samaritanos Mar del Plata Argentina, agradecemos nos hicieran participes y podamos decir cuanto lo sentimos

abraza los Voluntarios de Mar del Plata, Argentina

I am deeply grieved over the demise of our founder Rev.Chad Varah, a great person, one of my personal heros, a role model who inspired my life for service of listening.

I am privilaged to recall of his personal visit to Panduwasnuwara branch, in a remote village of Sri Lanka to witness and reap of what he once planted, the seed of befriending now grown big and bears fruits.

With my deepest condolences I assure my personal prayers for his soul to be back with his creator and almighty.

Dominic Nanayakkara, CEO, Family Studies & Services Institute, Sri Lanka

We received with regret the news of the death of Dr. Chad Varah. We are sure that we know to continue their work with dedication and courage.

Cláudio Pinto, SAV-Samaritanos, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of our Founder, Dr. Chad Varah. I have passed on your message to all our voulunteers here in Bangkok.

Like Samaritans all over the world, we here in Thailand feel we owe it to Dr. Varah for our organization's existence. Although he has passed away, we are very much committed to continuing his legacy of providing emotional support to the depressed and suicidal through our active listening service. We are very proud to be a part of such an organiation and are especially proud of our founder. Our condolences go to his surviving family members as they cope with the loss of their loved one.

Best regards,

Trakarn Chensri, Director, Samaritans of Thailand

When we welcome enquirers to our volunteer Open Evenings we always tell them of Chad and of how he came to found Samaritans. A story of noticing and answering a simple human need that has led to the development of such a valued and respected organisation. We will always remember him and I know everyone in the branch joins me in sending our thoughts and condolences to his family in their loss and sadness.

Bridget, Exeter branch

I was so sad to hear of the death of Chad last week. In 1986 I joined the Samaritans in Banbury and spent 17 happy years as a Samaritan volunteer.

During my time there I did just about everything, apart from being director! and this gave so much confidence in my own abilities. I joined when I was 23 so was still very nervous about accepting responsibility. I soon lost that when I became a leader! I decided to leave Sams in August 2003, as I was returning to work after a long period of illness, the job was a nursing assistant. The experience I gained with Sams enabled me to get the job. Six months after this I applied to go to university and study to become a mental health nurse. And none of this would have happened without Sams.

Thank you, Chad. May you rest peacefully.

Jenny Rice

 

Book of Condolence - page 2