You were very special

At the end of one's life there is no better epitaph that can be said than "He was a good man, he was loved". Never can these words be spoken with more truth than today in the passing of my husbands father.

I can honestly say that he was all the things any man could aspire to be, and had more than any man can hope for. I didn't know him until I met my husband ten years ago, but in those years I have seen so much that makes him very special. At the core of his being was a love of family. The love he showed his wife, children and extended family was almost palpable and in return he was their rock. If the mark of a man is the regard in which others hold him then the people who turned out for his 80th birthday a couple of years ago, some travelling oceans to be there, and the amazing tales they told of the workmate, friend, brother are a testament to his character. Fortunately he had lived some years in England and he understood my odd ways and welcomed me into his family unconditionally with the same warmth and love that was his trademark.

I know the loss to my husband is going to be devastating, how ever much old age and ill health predicts the inevitable when someone is so loved and so present there can be no other way. They spoke everyday, they shared their lives and passions, he has been his lifelong guide and inspiration. We have lost a good father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend but the overwhelming sadness will in time be be replaced by the love, memories and lessons that were his life and that will live on.