A dedication to my Dad (read out at his funeral)

Kevin

He was born in 1930, at a time when men wore hats
He was a proper Yorkshire lad, from Ilkley Moor (bah tat)

He grew up with his siblings, in a bygone age
They didn’t have the fancy games that children have today

He did a spell at art school, that’s where he got his flair
He also joined the RAF, and had brylcreme in his hair

He spent some time in Africa; he liked it in the sun
And then he came to Wath on Dearne, and moved in with his Mum

Whilst working making scissors, a special woman changed his life
He took her out, they fell in love, she then became his wife

They had 4 lovely children, but they are now all grown
They’re all approaching middle age, with children of their own

Although he retired early, he worked hard throughout his life
To provide a safe and happy home, for his children and his wife

He had a den, and garden shed where he used to spend some time
Making model aeroplanes, or drinking home brew wine

He dabbled with computers, and CB radio
His hobbies and his interests always kept him on the go

He battled with his illnesses, for a long long while
But even when the chips were down, he still managed to smile

He always stayed quite positive, he tried not to complain
He didn’t want to think he was a burden or a pain

It must have been frustrating; it must have drove him mad
To lose his speech and use of limbs, it really was quiet sad

The illness kept persisting and it got him in the end
And the world has lost a good man, and a relative and friend

So Kevin……. we must say goodbye, that’s why we’re here today
But we’ll always have our memories, they can’t take them away

And even though we’re crying, let’s cry some happy tears
For all the lovely times we’ve had with you, throughout the years

And although we didn’t say it much, we really hope you knew
How much you were respected, and how much we all loved you.

So everyone is here to send their love and wave goodbye

And we hope you’ll wave back down to us, from your spitfire in the sky……..