Eulogy by Simon Edmonds-Bassett Thank you all for coming today, today is not a sad occasion but a celebration of an amazing life, it’s a day when we can reflect, remember, share and celebrate Dad’s life. All that he was and all that he meant to each one of us. There were many different aspects to his life, and in each one he touched people in different ways, with his easy going and affable charming nature. Dad enjoyed life, he loved the outdoors, and travelling, which is hardly surprising considering his many years in the Royal Navy. When he did something he did it well, whether he was setting up an entertainment system at home, hosting the annual street BBQ’s, or installing a pond in the garden, he made the most of the opportunity and created something special…but it was always meant to be enjoyed by everyone. If something was worth doing, it was worth doing right! It was probably just as well I didn’t follow Dad into a career in the Royal Navy, as one of my first opportunities to gain my ‘sea legs’ was a family day out on a Minesweeper, from Portsmouth, over to the Isle of Wight and around the coast to Shanklin. We set off, and once we had left the harbour, began some mock manouveres, complete with sharp turns and evasive action being taken by the ship. Now this wouldn’t have been a bad thing, and for a young lad, would have been highly enjoyable, had I not filled myself up on fizzy drinks in the Mess beforehand whilst we were alongside in Portsmouth! Feeling decidedly unwell for most of the outbound journey. I just about managed to keep my breakfast intact, and I can say the return journey was far smoother sailing, after having been told to keep an eye on the horizon and also getting to see one of the remote surveillance submarines being launched! This was one of the first times, I truly got an understanding of what Dad’s job entailed. For various reasons, Dad and I didn’t get to spend much time together as I grew up, and then I moved to London, got married and moved to Cape Town. This made spending time together even more tricky, and why the time we spent together in Cape Town was even more precious. We made the most of every visit, really getting to know each other and making up for lost time. Whether it was standing on top of Table Mountain in the freezing wind and mist, waiting to catch the cable down or helping me fit a light in our loft, we enjoyed the time we had together. I have to say that these last two months have taught me to never take a day for granted, and to make the most of each one, and the family and friends you have around you. We are all here today as a testament to how much he (Dad) meant to all of us, in every area of his life. When he did something or set his mind to something he did it, and did it well. There was no room for half measures. Now you are gone, too soon, leaving us with memories, which we will treasure in our hearts Its all to easy to take so much for granted, Its all so hard to find the words to say, Like a castle in the sand, the water takes away, Now how can life ever be the same.. We will miss you Dad.