I remember

I have no idea how to start this blog.

So I will start with what I read out at Dad's funeral.  I wrote this in the few days following his death. Hopefully it will give you a good idea of who he was in my eyes.


I remember...
Him hearing my teenage music choices and saying 'what's this rubbish?'

I remember...
His smile, his eyes, his laugh.
His face lighting up every time he saw any of his grandchildren.
And the very first time he held his first grandchild, Lauren. He seemed not to let go of her for months after, except when her nappy needed changing or she started crying!

I remember...
Him always being right (or thinking he was!)

I remember...
His overwhelming generosity,
His fierce devotion to his family - wife, mother, sisters, children and grandchildren.

I remember...
His award winning barbeques (and the praise he expected after every one!)

I remember...
The first question he asked us when we came through the door 'who's having a beer then?'

I remember...
His unquestioning love of golf
His childlike excitement of Christmas
Him falling asleep in front of the telly.

I remember...
His fatherly pride on my wedding day.

But most of all I remember Bude. Many, many happy family times spent in Bude.
I remember a day this year, a beautiful day, a (very rare) hot summers day.
I remember another award winning barbeque, ice cold beer in hand, a view of the sea and sand, his face lit up surrounded by all his grandchildren.
I remember him sitting back and smiling that huge smile, enjoying the moment.
And I remember his catchphrase, his constant catchphrase.
"This is the life!"

And do you know what Dad? It really was.