When I think of the times of you being my Dad,
It isn’t for long that I can be sad.
The great times we had – the laughter and fun.
Weekends at the caravan enjoying the sun.
Skinny-dipping when no-one was looking.
Your poems at Christmas – Your God-awful cooking

We traveled to China and got offered dog meat.
We walked the Great Wall and ate chickens feet.
We drank Guinness in Ireland and amazed all the locals
When you and Mum jived and I did the vocals.
We tried running in Cyprus but did lots of laughing
When you got me drunk and I ended up barfing
I was only 14 – too young by far
As I ruined the interior of Uncle Johns brand new car
In Bulford you decided to try Cochinelli
Then spent the next day clutching your belly.
In St Lucia we all holidayed together
It’s a time that will stay in my mind forever

And yet away from those far flung places
With the fantastic photos of familiar faces
Are the simple memories of life with my Dad
And all of the “mundane” good times we had
I never got smacked, let alone a thump
And your favourite pastime was visiting the dump
If I needed anything you’d be there without fail
Unless it clashed with a pairs match at Eastleigh Rail

But here lies a man who was never a fool
Whose heart was enormous, but shoe size was small
And there won’t be a day that you aren’t in my mind
You were funny, gregarious, thoughtful and kind
And things won’t be the same now that you’ve gone
But with memories and love…..this legend lives on!

REST IN PEACE DAD