Thank you all for coming today to help us to pay tribute & to celebrate my Father’s wonderful life! 

Since Dad’s passing …it’s been an overwhelming experience in reminiscing his life, his character & his many achievements.. 
Dad in our world view lived an extraordinary life..He was a true gentleman, a kind, knowledgable optimistic man, who achieved so much in his 86 years.. 

Dad was always busy or at least busy doing what he wanted to do – a man in constant motion – but never too busy to share his love of life with those around him. 
Dad never wasted time.. more than a few times did he recite the Benjamin Franklin’s poem 
‘Dost Tho Love Life?” ….which must have made an indelible impression… the sentiment being.. 
Live Life To The Fullest!

Dad was a cultured man… he loved sharing his passions of poetry, storytelling, music & sports…his exuberance was compelling…He had an infectious laugh & could often be at the centre of any gathering or meal table.. discussing the topics of the day..Dad loved celebrating with family & friends, his close relationship with Jane his sister & her wonderful family who are so much part of ours…we remember so many occasions celebrating weddings, christenings, holidays, bbq’s & big parties in West Grange.

Dad’s life touched so many different people during his life i think he was a true people person, always genuinely interested in what you did or the subject of conversation…with so many friends across so many walks of life, the world over..

With Mum at his side, Dad achieved great things;
A stable & loving life long marriage for over 62 years & a partner in Mum who complimented & supported him all his life..Mum & Dad made an wonderful partnership & life together..

From his many business trips often with us in tow, the many holidays we enjoyed especially in France, all over Europe & the US..he genuinely loved to travel & seek put the real local side of places.. his inquisitiveness & curiosity were constants in his life, always gathering knowledge & experiences along the way..

For us as a family growing up my memories are of an idyllic life growing up the surroundings of Woking, then the countrysides of Hertfordshire & latterly here in this wonderful village of Felmersham in West Grange..
Dad always had time for us as a family.. he taught us so much.. from playing sports, to appreciating the outdoors, animals, the countryside…& appreciating what we had..

He also had a strong sense of purpose & interest in our education… not just what he learned at school but what he taught us too.. he really did everything he could for us.. Dad constantly passed on his ideas & knowledge…it helped shape us & it gave us a true north that we could follow throughout our lives..

After retiring Dad, it opened up a while new road for him & Mum… they enjoyed many years visiting their home from home in Sedgefield, South Africa… escaping the cold UK winters with other long trips further afield to Hong Kong, New Zealand & Canada.

He was a genuinely optimistic man. And that optimism guided his children and made each of us believe that anything was possible. 
To try to summarise Dad’s achievements, passions, his career, his love of family, friends & life itself is impossible in such a short time today.. 

We all have so many memories that I’m sure we shall talk of Dad in our conversations & many that that will be held in Dad’s honour in the future….. 
As a husband, brother, son, father, father in law, grandfather, friend, colleague we learned so much from him & his presence in our lives lives on…. we are eternally grateful to have known & loved you Dad..

You are finally home again Dad..

We love you forever!