28 Jul 2020

So long, Dad


Everyone is unique but Dad was more unique than most.



I’m sure many people have been told off for playing loud music at a caravan park. Yet few have been told off for blasting the neo-classical works of Karl Jenkins in the middle of the Canadian Rockies.

Everyone has a favourite colour, yet few committed to green quite like Dad did.

And many of us here today have travelled widely, yet Dad set foot on every continent on earth, except Antarctica, as there's nowhere to get a decent pint.

My Dad saw everything he wanted to see and did everything he wanted to do. He beat his own path through life and not everyone gets to do that.

And while his path was far too short to seem at all fair, I am so grateful that I was able to share some of that journey with him.

And Dad, while it pains me that Frank will not get to experience you first-hand, I will do everything to make sure you continue to be a part of his life. Whether that’s instilling in him your love for cricket, going for walks no matter the weather, or reminding him that if you can’t fight, wear a big hat, I will make sure he knows what a special man you were.

Right Dad, this is it. Whether your journey has ended or you are starting a new one, I just want to say this. Thank you. Thank you for everything, and I miss you and I love you.

So long, Dad.