My darling Mike, we had fifty years of married life, and were together for fifty-six years. We have so many memories of family life, friends, and travelling to many places around the world. A memory that has always stayed with me, when we were only fifteen, is of you cycling over to see me from Quenington to Down Ampney even in an evening, and your Mum complaining bitterly about wearing out the seat of your trousers. One evening, in semi-darkness a van knocked you off your bicycle into the ditch and my Father had to take you home in his car, fortunately you had a soft landing, but the bicycle was rather worse for wear. From bicycles to motorbikes, and a raised eyebrow from my Father, his daughter riding pillion, on a motorbike!, but he soon became used to it, and in the end loved you dearly, and you were like a son to him. You were a wonderful Father, and nothing has ever been too much trouble for your boys. You have always been so proud of them. Look who they had as a teacher! You loved life and lived it to the full, until everything changed, you didn't want to leave us, and we cried together many times. I am heartbroken and miss you so much. Even towards the end we still played cards, something you could still do and enjoy, of course always winning. You are, my best friend, you are my soul mate, you are my hero, you are kind, and patient, you are thoughtful, you are my forever, you are amazing, you are so loving you are....... My Husband. You are now at peace, and the Bhutan prayer flags we hung together are flying for you. ALL my love, always. Xx

Dad’s love was unconditional, I know because I tested it a few times. At home Dad was everything a boy could want the planter of sunflowers, the den-engineer of tree houses, the constructor of skateboard ramps and the manufacturer of go karts, I could go on and on... Dad travelled the length and breadth of the UK with me, for us, for athletics, BMXing, cross-country, cubs, judo, mountain biking, rugby, scouts, triathlon. I love life, because dad loved life, Dad subliminally taught me that. We had holidays that stretched our imagination: camping, the builder of sand planes, trains, automobiles and castles, surfing, cub and scout rescue missions, advancing into France and later with Mum he toured the world. Dad’s support had no bounds, he taught me to ride a bicycle, ride a motorcycle and drive a car, we painted and decorated, we fitted bathrooms and kitchens, we developed the house and garden I am fortunate to live in now, we did so much, but he was taken too soon. Dad, you were my hero, you are the dad I strive to be for my sons, what an amazing role model I have, I love you Dad. I love you.

In memories of a lovely moment shared in Carantec for the baptism of your grandson, a gentle walk on the beach, fantastic weather and a magnificent view. Unable to be among you, that beach will be a place we will gather in memory of Mike because at the end of the horizon are the people we love. Love from Caroline & Marie-Noëlle