It is difficult, at best, to attempt to honour my dad in words. It’s not easy to capture someone in a speech especially someone like my dad, however the first three thoughts that come to mind whenever I think of him are wind up merchant, quick tempered and a good egg, and when I say that, I mean hard on the outside and soft in the middle. Oh… and one more thing… moustache!

Dad was many different things to many different people. He was a son, a brother, a friend, a husband, a father and a grandpa. He was born in 1943, a war baby to Margaret and John and the middle brother to Maureen and Caroline. From a young age, it was clear that my dad was very hands on, inquisitive and creative. He liked to take things apart to see how they worked, only then to put them back together again with a few leftover parts, a trait that he carried all his life. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a highly skilled electrician. Dad always enjoyed his work life and spent many years at Air France. He had a strong work ethic and valued the bonds he built with the people he worked closely with.

The most important part of Dad’s life was his family, he married my mum, Joyce and went on to have my elder sister Julie who was then swiftly followed by Nicola. They shared many happy years together until ‘the mistake’ came along! This is the family nickname for myself after the fourteen year gap between Nicola and me. Even though my mum and dad’s marriage did not stand the test of time, their friendship did and they shared many great memories including their grand-children, Chris, Louise, Brendan, Scarlett and Sophie. I am sure that they would all be able to share memories of theirs, perhaps Chris and Louise can tell you later about the time Grandpa shot Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. As a parent myself, I am subject to hours of children’s television, I’m not sure if any of you are avid viewers of Ben and Holly. As soon as the character the Wise Old Elf comes on, my two year old, Scarlett shouts to me ‘Daddy, Daddy, it’s Grandpa!’ This will never fail to make me smile.

Dad found happiness again by marrying Jola. They spent twenty three happy years together. Jola introduced him to a new way of life, they would spend their summers together in Poland where they spent time building and renovating a new home.

My dad’s passion was sailing. I am sure many of you will have been on an adventure or perhaps mis-adventure with him. I remember exploring the Isle of Wight shores with him one summer. Being the man he was, my dad ignored the warning signs plus my concerns about entering a restricted area. I will always remember the way he smiled at me and said, ‘come on, live a little’

He also loved his dogs; he always said to me that children and dogs should grow up together, you can’t have one without the other. This belief has stemmed from my dad growing up with his childhood dog, Bill who he often reminisced about. He then carried this on by introducing Julie and Nicola to Spike, named after his hero, Spike Milligan. Spike quickly became Julie and Nicola’s play-mate, I am told he often enjoyed being dressed up and pushed around in their toy pram. When I was young I grew up with Barney, who was my best friend. Dad leaves behind his dog, Lucky, who I am sure is missing him terribly as we all are.
Dad bravely fought cancer for 4 years, we are all very proud of him. Like in all things in his life he was always positive and strong right up until the very end. I know that there are people he would like to thank if he could. I am sure if he could see the support that Nicola’s husband, Phil has been to all of us he would not be surprised. Phil and Dad were not just father and son in law, they were true friends. He would also like to thank Jola, Nicola and Julie who were all there with him at the very end. I am comforted that he was surrounded by love and support.

My dad was the most amazing, loving and caring father and grandpa. The one constant in my life has been the love and support of my parents. Even if I moved away or did not call every week I knew that he was there for me and that he would support me. I will now use his example to show that same support to my children. Many people called him David but I am extremely lucky and proud to call him dad.

Thank you.