MY GRANDAD
For those here that do not know me, I am Lee and would like to say a few words in memory of my granddad.
My Granddad has always been a family man, always put his family first. I think this is why his marriage was so successful lasting 57 years and could have lasted 100 more god given.
Granddad lived a remarkable life, one that inspired me greatly. His adventurous attitude, his broad range of interests, and his happy demeanor made him a wonderful person to know. He was patient, and generous with his time and affection.
He always took an interest in the people he met: he was always there if anyone needed him and nothing was a trouble to him. Many times he would run up to our house with medicine when we was sick , and I couldn't tell you the amount of times he has gone to my mum when she has run out of petrol; there were few people he wouldn't engage at any time or place. He was interesting to talk to but we all knew not to start him about Cyprus , he would be telling his army stories for hours.
My grandad pursued his many endeavors diligently, and always rose to meet a challenge. I always felt that he expected the same of us kids . My granddad never displayed anger instead, he showed a great dignity and humor.
We will miss his perspective and his gentle humour, we will miss the surprising depth and scope of his knowledge, we will miss the warmth he extended to everyone he me there are many things we will miss.
He use to take me to work with him when he drove the big wagons delivering for Graylaw. We use to get up really early and before we even got to work, I would already be fast asleep in the back. He was respected by everyone at work it made me feel very proud when I was with him.
As long as I can remember football was my Granddad's biggest passion he was Liverpool's best armchair supporter. When he watched the match, his feet moved in the chair, he thought he was kicking the ball while shouting at the telly and thought he was the referee and the manager. Arm chair supporter to us grandkids but my mum said when she was young they never missed a match, granddad would be in Anfield Road end and my mum and our Lynn would be in the Kop. When Liverpool played at Wembley the whole family went banners and all.
When I was young, I used to think of my granddad as a hero. He always had this uncanny ability in knowing when his help was needed, always seemed to have an answer to every question I had. He was big and strong but gentle in many ways and funny, too, and I wanted to be just like him.
As I got older I learned more about my grandfather’s past and respected him even more He always showed us how important it was to be honest, hardworking and to be there when needed. He emphasised the value of family and was a perfect example of how to act as a husband, father and grandfather.
A memory my mum has is when she was 15yrs old she went to see Bay city Rollers on the Empire with her friend. After the show crowds waited for a glimpse of the group by the Adelphi as they were staying there. My mum said that everyone was singing Bay city roller songs , hundreds of young girls screaming and my mum turned around to see my grandad sitting in his car on the opposite side of the street making sure she was ok. He sat there for 4 hours until the group waved and everyone went home. Mum said my dad would pick her up no matter where she was and that was up to she married my dad.
Another great memory of mine was the goldfish joke he use to play but back then we didn't know it was a joke , we didn't realise there was only one goldfish in the bowl. He used to get one of my Nan's carrots and pretend to catch the fish out the bowl while wiggling his hands making the carrot look like a fish then he would swallow it whole - we was amazed.
Anyone who knows my Nan and Granddad knew they loved seeing the world, they were well travelled and were always looking for holidays even when they had just got back from one. They always took their family with them over the years even right up to last year when they visited Lourdes, yes holidays were like collecting stamps to them, name a place and they would have been, maybe even twice. My granddad was great company he was always full of fun and would have a go at anything

My Granddad loved to dance, I can remember at any party or occasion he would be on the dance floor and not even just with my Nan, with anyone who would dance with him, that was just him that was his nature. Open hearted towards anybody and always up for a laugh.

I never once heard him complain. He never wanted to disappoint anyone, or let them down. There wasn’t ever a time anyone, including me, ever had to hear the word no to anything we asked of him. He would find a way to make it work or happen.
If I had to sum up my granddad it would be an honest, loving hardworking family man with the biggest heart anybody could ever have. A man who never once lifted his hands or his voice to us instead my Nan would give us a pinch on the arm.
Speaking on behalf of all his grandchildren we will miss our granddad dearly we will always remember everything he taught us and pass this down to our children , we will treasure his memory forever.
Please all give a round of applause for my granddad a true gentleman the best by far.