On behalf of my family I would like to thank everyone for their support in being here today. We all have our own stories and memories of Dad and I would like to share some with you now.

Mum has lost her partner of over 50 years. She has always told us that he was the handsomest man she had ever met when he was younger. She loved his eyes and the way they sparkled with love for his family whenever they walked in the room.  Mum says thank you Dad for your most precious gift to her; the six of us. He is now with Joann their first born from whose loss he never really recovered.

Mum wants everyone to know how grateful she is for your support through this difficult time, especially her sister Jill and sister-in-law Vennie who have always been there for her over the years.

Those of you who knew him knew that Dad was a passionate man. Music was one of the ways he expressed this passion and those of you who were privileged enough to hear him sing will understand this only too well. My happiest memories of Dad are filled with the sound of his voice belting out his favourite Tex Morton or Johnny Ray tunes. Although Mum didn’t like the faces he’d pull in his attempt to be like Johnny, we all agreed he sounded better than the original.

Dad you taught me to appreciate the way a song can touch your soul and change how you feel about the world. I remember the pure joy we would feel when we sang at the top of our voices with only a hair brush for a microphone. I will always be grateful Dad for the gift of your voice and the fun we had. I love you Dad and only wish I had told you more often in life. Whenever I have my grandchildren over and we’re having our sing-a-longs I will think of you. I promise they will know who you are.

Narelle & I have been away from home for many years and didn’t see much of Dad recently, but our childhood memories have remained as strong as ever. Narelle has asked me to share with you these thoughts with you.

My beautiful misunderstood Dad. I only wish you could have loved yourself as much as I love you. I always felt your support in anything that I have done in my life. Even if you didn`t say it, I always knew. I thank you for all of the stray animals we picked up on the way....and there were many of them. Not many kids can say they lost count of how many pet dogs they had. Thank you for your love for animals that you have passed on to me, your compassion for people (you had many friends) and your love of music.

I remember when you came over to WA to walk me down me aisle, I could see from the look on your face it was your proudest moment and even though that marriage didn’t work out for me, I want you to know Dad that was my proudest moment too.

I can still hear our sing-a-longs, whether in the kitchen, the lounge room, down the hallway or in the car. I also want to thank you for teaching me the ability to see the funny side of life. You are now whole Dad and have left this not so perfect world for a perfect one. I will miss you so much. I Love you

Jeanette told me that the best thing Dad ever did for her was setting her up with Joe, giving her 17 years of happiness and 2 of the most beautiful children. She came cheap, it only took ten dollars to secure him ( Dad owed Joe $5 and sent Jeanette to pay him with an extra $5 to buy him a beer). Jeanette also remembers Dad’s enthusiasm for her soccer playing. She’s not sure who was more abusive about some of the referee’s decisions, her on the field or Dad on the sideline.

Rhonda has asked me give you this message Dad.

Dad I’d like to thank you for all the wonderful memories. The fun we had when we would go rabbiting, camping under the stars you taught me so much about them & now when we go camping all the time I am teaching my children.

Dad I know we had our ups and downs but I forgave all the hurt 23 years ago, the day Samantha was born. The love I saw when you held her for the first time and the way your face lit up. We could not wipe the smile off it.

I miss the singing & the dancing but most of all I miss you Dad. All our love forever, until we meet again.

Vaughan says

Thank you Dad for giving us our love of music & singing. Every where we went there was always one of us singing and to this day we still do. I remember the great times with soccer, going to gala days, and round robins. I miss the days when we used to go fishing at Lees Wharf and eating the cooked prawns that we were supposed to use as bait. I will miss the opportunity for my children to see their grandfather as the great person he was and the influence he had on our lives. Love you always Dad.

Terry says thank you Dad for leading him to the greatest 4 legged love of his life when he dragged him over to Maxie Lees and told him he was going to be a jockey. He loves you and has hole in his heart that will never heal.

We would like to say a special thanks to Vicki for being with Dad and comforting him to the end. She had a special place in Dad’s heart since she shared the same birthday.

Dad we know you would have loved to be here now with everyone together sharing memories, laughing, crying and remembering the good times. Your suffering has ended now and you have at last found the peace that eluded you in this world.

Goodbye Dad, we love you.

Rest in peace.