Over forty people gathered in St Michael’s church, Shap for a service conducted by Revd Martin Dew to remember one its residents who had died at the end of January. Arnold Ketler was the last survivor of the ten men who had come to Shap as displaced persons following the Second World War.  He was a native of Latvia, had been conscripted into the German Army, then following the war, was unable to return home to his family because the Soviet rulers viewed him as a criminal, and he was afraid to contact his family to let then know he was alive. He was brought to England, first of all to Carleton Camp at Penrith from where he was found employment with Shap Granite Company, then to Shap where he lodged at South View, then Brackenber Lodge before moving to his little cottage in Marshall Terrace.

He settled into village life, choosing to stay in his adopted community, where he lived a quiet unassuming life and was respected by all who met him. It was not until 1960 that his sister with the help of the Red Cross discovered her brother’s whereabouts, they then corresponded regularly; with the breakdown of Soviet Rule his sister was able to come to visit him, and then he was able to make annual visits to his homeland.
Specially chosen hymns were sung, accompanied by organist Janet Wood.

Tributes were paid by John Lowis, who said he was pleased to see so many present to remember the man who settled in the village; Tom Dutson a neighbour, described Mr Ketler as a kind and helpful person who loved animal and birds, how he collected any waste wood that was going spare in the village for his fire, and how he had woven himself into his neighbours lives. Neil Hughes thanked everyone for helping out when Mr Ketler had died. Jean Jackson, Chairman of Shap Parish Council said that she had been moved by Mr Ketler’s story, and how she had been in correspondence with his family in Latvia, who had conveyed their thanks to everyone for holding the service.

Mr Dew said that it was tribute to the people of Shap that this service was being held, it showed how much people thought of Arnold Ketler, and how his passing could have been so easily forgotten.  He then read extracts from his life history sent by his family, this described a difficult childhood, and at times a lonely life, but how he had found courage and support in his adopted community. 

Photographs of Mr Ketler and his family were displayed at the front of church, and before and after the service a recording of Latvian Folk songs were played.