This day my darling travelled in a hearse from his home in Barwell to Gilroes Crematorium in Leicester. It was so sad following your coffin on that journey.  The world around us seemingly getting on with life as normal whilst my heart was broken into a thousand pieces. 

Over 60 people came from near and far to attend the funeral.  The service was led by the Rev Anthony Thacker, our ex OBC minister who had blessed our marriage on our first anniversary in 1987, baptised us later and now living in nearby Hinckley, came out of retirement to attend to your last Christian needs and rights.  It was good to have someone officiating who had known you for a long time and was comforting for meI

I gave you the best send off I could manage and it was truly wonderful with a traditional wake to follow. My life will never recover from your departure.  It was uninmagineable that the time had come and I would never see you again with my eyes.  Your lifeless body lay enclosed in a coffin as we looked on and in our thoughts, remembered and respected you for the wonderful person you was - a dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Patriarch at the end to your own family - a brother to two remaining siblings and an uncle and great uncle to many others.  A dearly loved friend to many.  And the former owner of much loved and loyal pets who have been waiting at the Rainbow Bridge to be with you again for company and companionship. 

Publicly we said our formal good byes.  Now at rest from pain and suffering you did not deserve and bore with great fortitude.  Called by God to a room prepared for you.  Your soul has taken flight and has lit a star in the sky.  May it shine brightly forever and be waiting for me to join you when the time comes.  My love for you will never be dimmed.