In Memoriam of Geoffrey Billings

03/06/2107

The son, the grandson, the brother, the friend, who cycled from John O Groats to Lands End. The cousin, the nephew, the boy next door, born in Wigan, with a world to explore. The husband, the brother and son in law, the dad with a little girl to adore. Uncle, great uncle, and doting granddad, times with the boys were the best times he had. The Royal Mail first day covers collector, National Trust member and history lover. Visitor of hundreds of stately homes, and even more castles and piles of stones. The man who taught me how to ski and swim, how to ride my bike and play chess and win. The piano practise I had to do, the tears and arguments we battled through. The student host family organiser, the postcard collector and traveller, who visited many different counties, had great experiences and memories. The salvationist who lived by the rules, Mr I’ll Fix It with just the right tools, the Sunday school teacher who took a class, the driving instructor who helped me pass. The man who had three sugars in coffee, who always enjoyed a biscuit or three, who loved profiteroles and Christmas cake, chocolate desserts and ice creams with a flake. The taker of thousands of photographs, books of family memories and many laughs. The father of the bride enjoyed the day, a speech with a slide show his special way. The colleague, the governor, the magistrate, always reliable and never late, he gave his time to the community, the life long blood donor who inspired me. The man with the beard with an annual role, to listen to children’s wishes be told. He loved his grandsons more than words can say, they were in his thoughts every single day. Granddad was a very special person, Jonah said, its hard to believe he’s gone, I’ll miss our walks in the woods together, and talking with him, he was so clever. Forty- seven years of married life with mum, I’m sure he was grateful for all you’ve done. For better for worse, to hold in your heart, in sickness till upon death you did part. My dad, the man who always wore a tie, the man on whom I could always rely. We’ll share memories of our time together, and hold you close in our hearts forever. Good night, sweet dreams Dad.

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