8 October, 2012, family service, Melbourne, Australia
Dad, Well, we knew how much you hated the thought of funerals, didn’t like the thought of them and didn’t like going to them, so I hope you don’t mind that we give you this send off. I think it’s important that you know how much we loved you and how much you meant to all of us. Mum, Fiona, Jodie, and Me and especially Annabelle and Bentley.
There’s so much that I know I didn’t say when I had the chance and when I should have, so I’m going to try to make up for it now. I need you to know that I loved having you as my Dad. I loved the time we spent together and I always felt guilty that I didn’t spend enough time with you. I think back to the time you spent with Fiona and I when we were younger and I know how lucky we were. You may not have been around all the time due to you being in Portland and us being in Melbourne, but I know that when we were with you, you were 100% dedicated to us and savouring the time we had together.
In some ways, I think we were luckier than some other kids who took their Dads for granted. We loved spending time with you Dad and loved the time you spent with us. I look at Belle and Bentley and hope that they feel the same way about me as they grow up, and I hope they can show the love of their Dad too. Belle thinks that we should do things that you did with us so that we never forget you. That sounds pretty good to me.
Sorry for being so sad Dad. I know we need to be happy that wherever you are right now, that you’re not in pain, but we will miss you Dad. I’m not sure who I’m going to call anymore when I have a car problem or need a particular tool. I guess it’s time for me to make the step myself and start being the one who does the fixing, the tinkering and the holder of the tools. They are big shoes to fill Dad so I might need some time to warm into them.
Thankyou Dad. For always loving us as kids. For giving us one of the most action filled childhoods a kid could want.
Thankyou for the schooling you and mum provided, the risks you let us take, and the pride you had in all that we did and continue to do.
Thankyou for teaching us and being patient.
Thankyou for being Pa to Jodie and my two beautiful children, Annabelle and Bentley. We are so lucky they got to know their Pa and how much you loved them. They are going to miss you. I promise to never let them forget you and to pass on as much as I can that you passed on to me.
Lastly Dad, thankyou for your book. We will treasure it forever. I don’t think you realized how important this is to us. We’ve put together some photos to send you off with … and some of your favourite music. Hope you like it Dad. Belle and Bentley also have some special cards for you to read on your trip, and to put on your wall. Look after them Dad and we’ll see you when we see you.
Love you Dad.