It has been three years since our lovely dad passed away and I still miss him every single day. He was a huge presence and massive support in my life. It is tough not having him around anymore. I will always be proud to call him dad and never forget his strength and kindness. I am reaching out to Graham Thorne. You left such a wonderful message about dad, that rang true to the man we know and loved. It was such a lovely gift that you were thinking of him and remember him in such a thoughtful and warm way. We were all very touched. It made us smile and shed a tear. He had a wonderful life, all be it too short. He worked hard, very loyal and generous to a fault and enjoyed being a family man. We all love and miss him dearly. 💙

During your daily life do names from the past suddenly come to mind? Yesterday, I suddenly remembered Dick or, Dicky Weller. So I Googled him and to my dismay found that he had died. I knew Dick quite well. We were different types but friendly. I went to a little school up in Hedsor but my parents decided I needed to go to Bourne End School where I met Dick. It was I think the first time I met children from the estate. If I am asked how I learned the ‘facts of life’ I tell people that Dicky Weller told me in the playground at the school when we were about 8 or 9. I didn’t believe it. I was quite shocked at the idea. It sounded quite impossible. One day he came to my house and we went for a walk across Lunnon’s Fields and when we got to the Upper Bourne End Road Dick was about to cross when I heard a car coming very quicky and shouted to him to stop which he did and the car shot past. He told me that he thought I had saved his life. If I think of that I wonder if it is just that old ‘false memory’ phenomenon. Another thing I remember about Dick makes me think I must have looked up to him in some way as I used to want to do certain things but have forgotten what they were. My parents who weren’t particularly authoritarian but wouldn't let me and I used to complain “Well, Dicky Weller does…..” whatever it was, and in frustration my father used to say “Well I don’t care what Dicky Weller’s parents let him do you aren’t”. One day I was sitting on the bus from Marlow back to Bourne End with Dick and I was thinking, I had met his mother, sister and younger brother but not his father. I asked Dick about his father and I was shocked to hear him say that his father had died the previous week. Dick was a lad who stood up to older boys if they harassed him. After Borlase we went our separate ways and I did occasionally wonder what happened to him as he was very memorable character from my childhood and youth. As soon as I saw his face in his Obituary I could with pleasure recognise that broad, slightly wicked smile. I hope that he enjoyed a happy and fulfilled life I hope that his passing was peaceful. Graham Thorne

I can’t believe a year has passed missing you so much every day❤️ But no passing of time will ever erase our precious memories Love you forever Paddy 💔