He was a warm-hearted and very generous family man, who was loved by his family and many friends alike.
A keen supporter of many charities - the RNLI, Royal British Legion, Cancer Research, Erskine Hospital for ex-Service men and women, the Post Office's Yellow Brick Road children's charity, and the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund - he gave his money, but most of all he gave his time and support to those less able or fortunate.
He joined the Royal Navy as a boy seaman in 1952 (and gained his lifelong nickname of Chalky); serving in the Mediterranean, Home Fleet and Persian Gulf during his 10 years in the service. After leaving the Royal Navy, Dad started to work for the Post Office, but the Navy remained an important part of his life and, following five years in the Fleet Reserve, he joined the Royal Naval Reserves - progressing to chief petty officer, acting as coxswain on minesweepers and teaching classes of new entrants; he also helped to form the Calliope Association on Tyneside.
In 1968, whilst serving with the RNR, he performed a courageous act during an incident on board HMS Northumbria, for which he received a commendation. He was also granted the Lord Lieutenant's Award in 1987, and awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours four years later for his 'services to the Royal Naval Reserves', to which he dedicated 24 years of his life. (Dad, Mam and myself travelled down to Portsmouth where he received his B.E.M. on board HMS Victory.)
He was also a member of the Fellowship of the Services for 35 years, taking on various key roles, including that of standard bearer at military parades and funerals.
After 33 years working for the Post Office, Dad retired in 1995 and spent the next nine years converting old vehicles into campervans so that he and Mam could travel the UK - from John O'Groats to Land's End and everywhere inbetween.
He was a very practical person, with many hobbies and interests - he enjoyed building scenery for his model railway; growing veg, training bonsai and building new features in the garden; tapestry; cooking; reading; making knot pictures and bell pulls; glass painting; walking the dog... he was never bored!
My Dad led a very full and happy life, but every day I miss him and wish he was still around. He touched many people's lives though, and he lives on in our hearts and memories.
To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.
(Thomas Campbell, 'Hallowed Ground')
I love you Dad. xxx
It was nice reading about your dad. My dad would have turned 69 today, but he died at 63. Lost o cancer. I feel with you as I miss my dad. It made me feel good reading your story. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. Its clear that he was very much loved and sounds like he lived a very full and interesting life! x
ReplyDeleteYour Dad seemed and looked and a lovely man. I enjoyed reading about him. My Dad died aged 63. He was in the merchant navy, not hte same, but he loved the sea. He would have been 80 next year. He died of cancer. I miss him every day. My mum died five years later of cancer, aged 65, way too young, then I got cancer 5 years later! But I am still here! Thank goodness! Isnt life hard sometimes! xxx
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post. You obviously loved your dad very much. I lost my dad to cancer two years ago, not a good time but it does get easier as time goes by... x
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your kind words. So many sad stories - hugs to you all. x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely and touching post about a very courageous and special man. Thank you for sharing it with us all
ReplyDeleteKate x
Thank you for sharing your story and may you find comfort as you remember your lovely Dad xo
ReplyDeleteTHAT WAS A LOVELY TRIBUTE TO OUR DAD, HE WAS AS YOU SAY A VERY VERY SPECIAL MAN, YOU FORGOT TO MENTION HIS WICKED SENCE OF HUMOUR AND AS LONG AS WE HAVE OUR SPECIAL MEMORIES OF HIM HE'L ALWAYS BE BY OUR SIDES.
ReplyDeleteAND BELIEVE ME HE,l BE WELL PROUD LOOKING DOWN ON US, ESPECIALLY HIS LITTLE ANGEL. I,d LIKE TO SAY A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL YOUR "BLOOGY" MATES (i said bloggy not blo#dy mates ha ha) FOR THIER KIND COMMENTS AND SHARING WITH US THIER MEMORIES "THINK OF THE GOOD TIMES I SAY THERES PLENTY OF THEM" BIG BRUV XXX
Yeah, we do have lots of great memories don't we? xxx
ReplyDeleteI have just read your really moving post. It is clear how much he meant to you and was very special
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