Ian You left our family home when you were only young, A new life with the Royal Navy had only just begun. You saw the world, you learned a trade, and when you Came home again you brought your lovely wife. Another Chapter of a short but honest life. Josh came next, utter joy, you nurtured, you guided to help Him on his way in life. A gift of love you gave to them each and every day. A kind compassionate family man who cared for all he knew, A bad word about you I’ve never heard, a gentle giant of a man. Then COVID came, you battled hard, but prayers were not enough. One false dawn came, then God called, it’s time to leave this world behind. You will be missed by all for sure as husband, father, brother and friend. Once again too early your new life has begun. Rest in Peace with God above, but this is not the end. We WILL meet again in heaven, my brother and my friend. X Gordon

We were!! We were children him and me, raised up tough yet happily Your smile remembered, cheeky chops. Your sparkling eyes and curly tops. And now you’re gone, the pain so sore. I wish we’d played, just a little more We were brothers you and I, me quite loud yet you, so shy We went our separate ways at last, the nest we had to fly. To families make and jobs to hold we sailed the oceans blue although apart for years sometimes, our love we always knew We were Sailors you and I. I went first, just to try You followed shortly, advice not taken. I’ve got to go, I need to fly I worried much for you, you see. I thought the Navy just for me You proved us wrong and did excel, our fears and wow you did dispel How proud we were to stand together, Uniformed and swell Around the buoy at Sultan stood, swelling chests with pride Not just in blood but arms as well. Brothers, always tied. We were husbands you and I. I missed your wedding, I don’t know why You married once, vowed from the start, death from Tracey you did part We were fathers you and I, I raised two, yours reached the sky Like you a strong and gentle kin. Of late how much we admire him A family head he has become, far too soon and far too young So rest in peace oh gentle one. The boys, their father’s role not done So we will watch him as our own and guide him straight and true To be a father strong and proud as one as good as you See you soon brother. x

I know that no matter what You will always be with me. When life separates us I’ll know it is only your soul Saying goodbye to your body But your spirit will be with me always. When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch I will know it is you singing to me. When a butterfly brushes gently by me so care freely I will know it is you assuring me you are free from pain. When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention I will know it is you reminding me To appreciate the simple things in life. When the sun shining through my window awakens me I will feel the warmth of your love. When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill I will hear your words of wisdom And will remember what you taught me so well’ That without rain trees cannot grow Without rain flowers cannot bloom Without life’s challenges I cannot grow strong. When I look out to the sea I will think of your endless love for your family. When I think of mountains, their majesty and magnificence I will think of your courage for your country. No matter where I am Your spirit will be beside me For I know that no matter what You will always be with me. I miss you and Love you Ian