Celebrating the Life of Eric “Uncle Eric” Huntley – A Collective Farewell

On 17 February 2026, the life of Eric Huntley, affectionately known to many of us as Uncle Eric, was honoured through a deeply moving Celebration of Life and reception that reflected the collective spirit he lived by.

The service took place at West London Crematorium, with a live stream hosted at Greenford Hall. Both venues were filled beyond capacity, with additional live-streamed rooms also full, a testament to the breadth of lives Uncle Eric touched across generations, communities and movements.

From the Processional through to the Committal, the ceremony was grounded in dignity, spirituality and shared purpose. Akindread Drummers, led by Chauncey Huntley, accompanied the casket, anchoring the moment in ancestral rhythm and presence.

The Order of Service included:

• a welcome from Marge Lowhar

• the poem “To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me” read by family members Efea Rutlin and Senzeni Layla-Huntley

• scripture delivered by Reverend Patrick Huntley

• hymns including “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art”

• deeply moving tributes from Chauncey Huntley and Accabre Rutlin, followed by reflections from Joyce Trotman and Jason Salkey, and a powerful address by Professor Gus John

• the closing prayer offered by Lydia Bellamy

As the curtains gently closed and “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” played, guests in both chapels sang together. It was a moment of warmth, peace and reassurance that Uncle Eric was truly at rest, one that many present will carry with them for a long time.

The Reception: Love in Action

The reception that followed was alive with conversation, memory, music and joy. Contributions and performances included John Agard, TUUP, Alexander D Great, Mervyn Weir, and Dr Michelle Yaa Asantewaa, alongside elders, comrades, family members and young people whose lives Uncle Eric had shaped.

The gathering ended with everyone forming a large circle, holding hands together, a powerful and fitting close to a life rooted in collective action and care.

Qian Zephaniah, writer and educator, and widow of the late British poet, actor and activist Professor Benjamin Zephaniah, who was present on the day, reflected:

“Eric Huntley’s funeral was not just a farewell, but a homecoming of spirit… The reception buzzed with the very thing he and his beloved wife Jessica cultivated all their lives, love in action.”

WAPPY at the Celebration

Uncle Eric was the Patron of WAPPY – Writing, Acting & Publishing Project for Youngsters, and his encouragement of young people’s voices was deeply felt throughout the day.

WAPPY’s Director Grace Quansah (Akuba) shared her personal poetic tribute, THE Only Option (2026), written following Uncle Eric’s Nine Night and inspired by Coldershaw Road, the drums, the books and the gathered community. The poem was warmly received and can be accessed here:

THE Only Option

At 141A Coldershaw Road,

Souls stood still in somber mode.

Familiar faces gather around

To absorb deep Djembe sounds

Familiar faces feel the beat

Reflecting is so bittersweet

Bountiful books and displays of art

A hall, and house of heavy hearts

At 141A Coldershaw Road

Our stories shone at this abode

Iconic tunes capture minds

As Daughters of Africa dance to chimes

Familiar faces fight back the tears

Ancestors are invoked with cheers

Rum punch, sorrel and ginger beer

We stand with pride and stay austere

At 141A Coldershaw Road

Remembering how our Truths were Told

Through publishing grassroots literature

Aided by Bogle L’Ouverture

Familiar faces fetch food and feed

Nourishing dishes for all to eat

While thinking of those political campaigns,

The Huntleys ignited from this terrain

At 141A Coldershaw Road,

Listening to lyrics lifts the load

Trying to fathom Uncle Eric has passed

Reconciling he’s joining Mama Jessica at last

Familiar faces express gratitude

For these exemplary pioneers’ fortitude.

In resurrecting Walter Rodney’s plight

Pan - Africanism always in sight

At 141A Coldershaw Road,

Seeds are sown for roots to grow That branch out to various archival and museum spaces

With FHALMA overseeing the Huntley’s legacies.

Familiar faces feel the love

While those with faith thank Jah above.

For Eric & Jessica’s ground -breaking position

‘Doing Something’ was always THE only option!

Akuba 2026

Audio Version: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mle_Z-cqVTb7MJE1AaB4Ifhi-SVSr5iC/view