I remember with fondness and pride, the adventures that Dad took us on as a young family, holidaying through Europe and travelling and camping along the way. In this, we were very fortunate. I also recall that I was in awe of his business trips and the stories that he brought home from his travels along with unusual gifts he brought from far-off lands.

Dad’s globe-trotting and time in the Middle East enabled him to learn conversational Arabic. At a hospital appointment recently, he surprised me and an Arabic speaking doctor with greetings and light-hearted conversation in her birth language!
Dad’s extensive knowledge of the events of WW1 astounded me. I had the pleasure of accompanying him on his battlefield tours in Northern France during the latter part of his working life.

Our Dad instilled us with the same sense of adventure as he, and (even though we may not have been the boys that he might have initially hoped for) he taught us to grow up to be tough, resilient and adventurous. Thanks to the “can do” approach that he encouraged us to have, I was not afraid to try anything new. He said he was very proud of us all and our achievements.

In recent years we have had the time to enjoy his company as a Dad with more time on his hands to join in with family life, when he took a huge interest in the activities of his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. 

Dad had a great sense of humour and won the hearts of many people that I have spoken to. I and my family will miss him terribly.