Dad was not one for great sentimentality and so I wanted to paint a picture of him in a way that I think he would appreciate, through a series of images and memories, many of which will be familiar. The look and the sniff that told you the conversation was over! Playing chess, where he never went easy on me ! Listening to REM in a small Greek shack which we christened the “Rat Bar”. Sitting with me in a noisy vintage car with everyone staring at us as we drove through Twickenham on the way to my wedding. Dancing to “Mr. Blue Sky” on the Furniture Village stand at the Ideal Home Exhibition and singing along to Bohemian Rhapsody for all he was worth one evening in a restaurant in Earl’s Court. Diving in the Maldives with Gary as his “buddy” Standing on the beach with his “beach ball” and befriending stray dogs. Dressed in a toga or as Freddie Mercury or as a Clingon to name but a few at many parties over the years. Hiding easter eggs with me in the wood for our Easter egg hunts. Standing behind the barbecue at his annual birthday barbecue in August each year Standing in front of a juke box in his shorts just before mum and dad’s 40th wedding anniversary party. Wearing his father christmas cap and clutching 2 bottles of champagne as he organised the boys giving out the Christmas presents. Making sure that the lucky England bear was facing the right way before a crucial England match. Discussing which was the best record of all time until the early hours of the morning. The last song today was his no.1. His hair standing on end after riding on the Aerosmith rocking rollercoaster at Disneyland. The look on his face before and after his parachute jump on his 60th birthday. His recent Dragon’s Den performance with mum at this year’s Easter get together. A formidable salesman who could sell snow to the eskimos. A quiet man who always spoke his mind but was always fair He loved his family, friends, good music, fun and sport of any kind. He was a huge part of our family that will now always be missing, but we have lots of great memories that we will never forget; and some of his most well-known traits are already evident in James, who has inherited many of his grandad’s mannerisms plus the notorious Brian stubborn streak & Killian who has inherited his grandad’s love for Manchester United. Rest in peace Dad.