Seventeen years ago I lost my Dad. He was fine in the morning. He and mum were planning an afternoon out. He dropped her off at the hairdresser's, went to pick up his pension from the post office, then went home for a shower. He didn't quite make it.
Here's five photos of him.
1943. Dad joined the navy to avoid being sent down the mines. He was not quite 18.
A couple of years later and he's stationed in Scarborough, where he meets a WRNS communications operator who was to become his wife, my mum. He got his taste for a pipe while he was in the navy.
1956. Chelmsford. St John Ambulance first aid demonstration. He eventually became a Serving Brother of the Order of St John after years of public service. Just like his dad, who was a railway first aid officer for many years.
Mid 1960s. Before joining the navy Dad was training as a market gardener. He put his skills to good use in our back yard; working the land like a professional to ensure we had a plentiful supply of fresh veg all year round. Still puffing on that pipe!
July 1999. As far as I know this was the last photo ever taken of him. He always loved gardening and he was very pleased with the solar-powered fountain he'd been given.
Sorry if you think this is a sad Five on Friday. It isn't. My Dad was a wonderful man who I loved very much, and I have nothing but happy memories of him.
Now hop over to Any at
Love Made My Home to see what everyone else has gathered this week.
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PS. Please bear with me if it takes a couple of days to get back to your blogs. We're having some 'us' time.
Your father sounds like a wonderful man and I think this celebration of his life is a great tribute of your love for him on his anniversary.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely tribute, it appears that is was a life well lived and certainly well loved. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely 5 to share with us all and make him a part of your current life too here on the blog. Not sad just beautiful, thank you so much for sharing him with us.
ReplyDeleteNot sad at all, your Dad sounds like a lovely man and it is good that you have so many happy memories of him:)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing the wonderful pictures of your dad for Five on Friday. He sounds like a great man. You were lucky to have him in your life.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased you have happy memories of your Dad and feel able to celebrate his life in this way. I certainly think the same way about my Dad who died five years ago, always missed but he has left me with lifelong happy memories. xx
ReplyDeleteA wonderful way to remember your Dad! He was obviously quite a character and did lots of things in his life and loved his garden and family as well as his pipe! Glad you can look back with happiness. Enjoy your me time - or should that be your you time! Thank you for being part of Five On Friday, hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the photos of your Dad and together with your writing I get the impression of someone who lived life well serving others and in later life putting his gardening skills to good use for the benefit of the family. I'm glad you have good memories of your Dad. I hope you have a good weekend and week.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great five celebrating your Dad, you must have had such a shock. Great photos and memories.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos with lots of memories to remember your dad with. It's songs that my dad liked that gets me remembering.. good to keep the memories alive. Enjoy your us time. :) B x
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to remember our beloved ones. I lost my dad in 2000... He left me good memories too - and his laughter and positive thinking! We are lucky to have had great dads!
ReplyDeleteHe sounds like a wonderful man and it's good that you keep his memory alive. I lost my Father 13 years ago and I carry his memory with me always.
ReplyDeleteI found your post quite charming. Lost my father Feb 6, 1994 and still expect him to walk through the door to tell me how his beloved "A's" are doing. Reading of other people's fathers just creates an opportunity to share a warm moment. Appreciate your sharing your dad with us in such a unique way.
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute to your father. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to leave a comment after reading your moving tribute here. He sounds, and looks, a lovely guy. As he was in the Navy, I wonder if your dad knew my home town, Portsmouth. I particularly remember my own father at this time of year - it's 43 years since he died, far too young, and I still miss him.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your father. x
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