faygate

Passing without knowing

Richard Horne – A man consumed with pride, a man consumed with tumours. One had been hiding the other. Sadly he passed away last night, silently and peacefully. I suspect he wouldn’t want to be a bother to anyone. I saw him on Sunday, and he looked older than his years, but he still had that twinkle in his eye as he watched and listened to the conversation around him.

Technically he is my Father-in-law but families are complicated these days with too little time to waste explaining. However he will be fondly remembered as my little boy’s granddad. An honour he was chuffed to have bestowed upon him when he was asked. He loved all the grand kids and he would have loved to see them open their presents this Christmas, basking in their joy. His happiness was never the priority.

We knew of his illness for only six weeks or so, I think he felt it for much longer. He never let on, he never grumbled or complained. I don’t think he thought of himself as a strong man, but that he was. Concerned with others before himself, right up until the last night, I think his spirit is smiling among us now, like a great big Cheshire cat.

Life’s too short, but life goes on.

We’ll remember you Rich, take it easy on the other side.