My Dad died on 13 April (Easter Monday) 2009, age 81.
I have just arrived back from the UK and I am dedicating this post to him.
My Dad was loving, generous, totally dedicated to my Mum and our family, a wonderful father to me and my sister, Annette, and also my best mate.
He loved travelling, people, cooking, wine, was inspiringly life positive and had a great sense of fun. I like to think that I take after him.
I am proud to be his son and I miss him terribly.
The photo above was taken when my Dad and I were having a boys holiday, on our own, in Naples and on the Amalfi coast, Italy. (My Dad is the one on the right!)
These photos are mostly recent and I hope they communicate to you something about the lovely man that he was.
Thanks for coming
Alan
Last summer, June 2008, we went to Looe.
a small Cornish fishing village. My Dad took a
shine to Betty Boop. Not sure it was reciprocal!
My dad having 40 winks in the garden
of our home in Plymouth, UK
My Dad and my wife Daniela battling it out while
we were on holiday in Vada, a Tuscan seaside
town in June 2006
Daniela, me, my dad and my Mum enjoying
coffee after lunch. Please excuse the washing:
it was a camping holiday!
My Dad and my Mum in Vada
This large container is full of Tuscan
red wine. My dad is showing his
enthusiasm!
2005, on the island of Sentosa, off Singapore,
my Dad get up close with a friendly snake!
I bought a fur hat for my Dad
when I was in Georgia (ex Russia).
This more luxurious model one was
given to him by my brother-in-law,
Tullio. It comes from Canada. And
yes my Dad is wearing his pyjamas.
He just couldn't wait to try it on!
Getting up close to a friendly dolphin in
Indonesia
My Dad, me and my Dad's cousin, Ian during
a champagne brunch at the Ritz Carlton in
Singapore.
On November 19 this year my Mum
and Dad would have celebrated their
60th wedding anniversary. They lived
a long, full and happy life together.
I celebrate them both, the most loving
parents I could wish for