It is so hard to express in words how I feel dad.  You were an extraordinary mix of extremes: irascible, impatient, angry, fierce, stubborn; yet endlessly patient when mending delicate things, the best and calmest person in a real crisis, faithful, loyal and steadfast.  There's nothing you would not do for your family, for instance rescuing me late at night when yet another old banger of mine had bitten the dust, miles from anywhere or replacing an engine in a car I had driven too fast and blown up, lifting the engine single handedly out of the car!, mending anything broken, helping financially whenever you could, being there as the steadfast rock you were and so much more.  The best gardener I have ever known, being able to grow anything and always having such healthy vibrant plants: your and mum's garden is a joy to see.  We were like chalk and cheese, which meant we clashed so often when we were both younger and I am just so grateful that we both lived long enough to really recognise and truly value each other's strengths and talents.  You are an inspiration to us all and I am so glad to have had you as my dad for 69 years.  I am still not sure how we are all going to learn to live without you.  God bless dear dad