Monday 23 January 2012

A Sad Time

I lost my dear Dad on Saturday.  He was two weeks short of his 88th birthday and had been in poor health since breaking his hip several months ago.  He leaves Maureen, his second wife, and children: myself, Bill, Richard and Heidi and seven grandchildren.



He had a very interesting life.  He was a submariner in the Royal Navy during the war and saw action in the North Atlantic, Russia, North Africa and the Mediterranean.  He is second from right in the photo below.



After the war, he couldn't find work in Britain, so went to Canada and joined the Royal Canadian Airforce.  He was posted back to England where he met my Mum.  As children, we lived in Canada, Germany and England at different times.




He retired in his 40s and returned to England.  He spent many years sailing the Mediterranean with Maureen on their boat.  In later years, he preferred to go on cruises, rather than sail himself.  He was very fond of gardening and good company.  He enjoyed his life to the full.




He was a larger than life character and his passing leaves a huge hole in my heart.   There will never be another like him.

19 comments:

  1. sorry to hear this, Sue. i believe a person will live in your heart when you are thinking of...
    hugs, susana

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  2. So sorry to hear your sad news Sue. Losing your Dad is an earth-shattering event and one that needs time to come to terms with. Make sure you give yourself that time. Warmest hugs to you, Paula xxx

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    1. Thank you Paula

      I know you have gone through the same thing fairly recently.

      Hugs

      Sue

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  3. Aww, so sorry Sue (((((HUGS)))))

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    1. Hi Katy

      Many thanks. At the moment each day seems to get harder. I guess I was in shock to begin with.

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  4. Sue, just by looking into your dear Dad's face you can see he would have lived life to the full.
    What a darling man. Although your heart aches your memory box will be filled to the brim.
    Hugs
    Kay

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  5. Very kind of you to comment. You are absolutely right.

    Regards

    Sue

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  6. A wonderful full life, what lovely words you have said here. I am sorry for your loss Sue.

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  7. Thanks Joanne. I'm having a very sad day, today. I can't concentrate on anything.

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  8. Oh Sue, so sorry to hear this news... What a beautiful tribute to your Dad... Take care.

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  9. So sorry Sue! Lost my beautiful Dad just about two years ago now and miss him to death but he is just sooo alive still in my mind with fabulous memories and his personality seems to be staying right there next to me each day....I don't feel he is really gone, gone....I think he will stay by me forever...I think your Dad will be there too , he looks like a wonderful man indeed!
    Big Hugs Lindaxxx

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    1. Many thanks, Linda. I've had a better day, today.

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  10. My thoughts are with you, Sue. I tried to leave a comment yesterday, but blogger was being a poo. It's been 22 years since we lost our Dad, I still miss him. But I also have many good memories. Take care Hugs X

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  11. Hi Linda
    My brother and sister flew in from Toronto today and my other brother flies in from Australia early next week, so we will be able to comfort each other.
    Thank you for your kind thoughts.
    Hugs

    Sue

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  12. Sue, I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing! He looks like he was such a caring man with a real zest for life and sharing it with others. Thank you for telling us about him! Hugs to you!

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  13. Hi Debora

    Dad was always there for me. He had a real zest for life. Thank you for your kind comments.

    Hugs

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  14. My thoughts and prayers are with you Sue. What a wonderful tribute to your father. He had a beautiful smile. Take care of yourself dear friend and know we care about your loss. Hugs to you Sue,
    Carol

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