Eulogy "Dad"

Thank you Father Stephen for allowing me to share some words about our own father, and to the regular parishioners for their patience.

 

Charles, Tusker, Major CM, Wilmot. Loving and caring. As straight as a die. A thoroughly honorable man. A gentle man, erudite, learn-ed and terribly handsome...... His steadfast loyalty and devotion in later years with Margie served as an example for all of us...he was inspirational in his care for her and the dignity he gave her with his devotion. These were some of the words used in the messages we received shortly after Dad passed.

 

A talented sportsman with a super eye for the ball. Very competitive with many trophies in the cabinet and a very proud mother who kept all the press cuttings from his conquests during the Army days. Always an ambassador for fair play whilst on the court. Quick with a joke to break the tension. The greatest teacher and tutor Andy and I ever had.

 

Dad was my google. Never it seemed was he stumped for an answer. His ability to read and absorb and interpret was truly legendary. He never stopped learning whether it was South East Asian studies or Papal elections or the history of jeu de pomme or real tennis - the latter being a real passion.

 

A linguist with French and Bahasa. Although he could never master Cantonese or Hokkien - but I am sure that was Mum's way of having the upper hand! Well now they are back together to continue the 51 years they had together down here - and I am sure the balance of power will continue just as it was...

 

God bless you Dad. Lets hear some words to remember him from Andy.

 

"Death is nothing at all,

I have only slipped into the next room

I am I and you are you

Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by my old familiar name,

Speak to me in the easy way which you always used

Put no difference in your tone,

Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,

Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,

Just around the corner.

All is well. ”