DAD

12 November 1924 - 12 April 2008

My Daddy - father to Michèle, Nik and I, grandfather to Zoe, Kelly, Stacey, Charlie, Billy and Anthony, Great Grandfather to Alfie, Freddie, Ethan and Jake, brother to Gwen, cousin to David, Uncle to Brenda, Bob, Bruce and Brian.

The single biggest loss in my life that is, and always will be... my dear father.  He continues to live on inside of me: with his laughter in my mind and his love in my heart. Broken and lost, I spend the never-ending task of picking up the pieces... and re-living some of my most cherished memories that have Dad in them.

GRAN

21 August 1900 - 20 April 1990

My mentor, hero and my Grandmother. My biggest regret in my life, to this day, is how much I wished I had seen more of my Grandmother while she was alive. If it is possible to meet again, on the other side; you're my most wanted person Gran... to feel you and rest my head in your lap once more! I love you!

BILLY

17 September 1993 - 17 March 1995

My sister, Nikki's son, Lawrence's son, Zoe, Stacey and Charlie's brother, my Father's grandson, my sister Michele and my nephew, Billy. I want the world and my sister to know that while time and life goes on, my memory of the sadness of my little nephew's battle with Meningitis is as raw, vivid and painful today as it was then... 17 March 1995.

JEFF

7 February 1957 - 19 February 2008

The horror of Jeff's death is with me now, as it was when I first heard the news.  At the time, for some strange reason, Jezz and I were comforted by just constantly reading and searching for updates.  I realise now that it was because I was looking for some kind of closure. The funeral, court case and sentencing has past too and I am no further with my search for a comforting closure to the grief that continues on.  My mentor and a dear friend.  And for his partner he leaves behind, Michael... I am here for you Mike, for the rest of my life.

JEAN

10 July 1948 - 30 May 2002

Vicki, Lizz and Kate's Mum, Julian's wife, Magg's and Irene's sister... my Mum and friend! One of the hardest losses I've experienced since my own Grandmother in 1989, Jean lost her battle with cancer finally in 2002... never never forgotten and I feel spiritually connected today and always. With a tear in my eye now, loving you still, so much Jeanie.

BETTY

12 November 19?? - 24 December 2001

To Betty - One of my fondest memories was of my coming out to you... that I was gay. No one else there to spoil the kind words of reassurance that I needed so desperately. Your passing on Christmas Eve, 2001, left us all with a huge chunk of life and soul missing from our lives. When comforting Dad, my heart battled with the unsettling blend of restful happy memories that aided my grief against Dad's pain with each amusing short story he would tell.

DAN HEALES

25 May 1970 - 19 June 2009

Dan was my friend's partner, Tony Fisher, of 6 years.  Since Dan's ill health began in 2004, Tony has looked after and cared for Dan.  Their relationship kept growing and Dan's untimely death is particularly sad as it was only 6 weeks before Tony and Dan were scheduled to wed at a Civil Partnership ceremony in August 2009.

RON

19 May 1921 - 20 October 2008

Ronnie was Nick and Dean's step Dad who married their Mum, Jane in 1986.  When she died in 1999, Ron's only wish was to be reunited with her but it took 9 full years.  Finally, Ron died and we all think that he got his wish at last.  Ron was an extremely gentle man with a wonderful kind heart.

GRANDPA

3 February 1896 - 13 February 1976

At the age of 9 when my Grandfather passed away, I may not have been so affected as my elder sister's, nonetheless, my cherished memory of Grandpa was his putting a tot of whisky in my tea when I'd sneak downstairs to be with him at 5am each morning! Love him!

TED

?? - 19 March 2005

Ted, I didn't know you well but I knew you were very close with Jezz. If I've taken your place in his life, then I'm honoured. Bless you Ted, you're always remembered here!

IVY BANCROFT

13 March 1923 - 22 April 2009

Ivy was Jezz, Hayley and Elliot's Nan, Joan's Mum.  I only met with Ivy a few times and she was a lovely lady.  She had been suffering with dementia in the last couple of years of her life which I appreciate and respect was a very distressing time for Joan and

MILES

?? - 17 July 1999

I knew you for a short time, but what we had and shared together is with me today Miles, like it was then... I don't know still why you are not here but I miss you like nothing I can explain. You beautiful young man...

FRANK

?? - 22 December 2004

Gill's husband, Emma, Michael and Frankie's Dad... died Christmas 2005. For me, Frank will always be fondly remembered as a happy-go-lucky man. I will never understand how those he leaves, find the courage and strength to carry on.

MARC

?? - 30 November 2004

Marc, I don't deserve to call myself your friend really... we only knew each from my visiting the pub... but then again, have I earned the right? I think of you at least weekly and remember the remaining days at The Goose and Carrot without you...was... well sparkle-less!

MICHAEL EDWARDS

17 June 1945 - 3 November 2008

Everyone's friend, Michael.  I met him, as many did, being the face that welcomed me to my first visit to the London Lighthouse, Ladbroke Grove.  I was attending a computer course there every Wednesday in 2004, for about nine months.  He was a terrific (and successful) flirt and attended one of our parties.  By some strange quirk, it was my most memorable of the 11 parties we held.