This is the way I remember my dad.... I have so many happy and funny memories.. One of dads many hobbies was homebrewing, when he made wine from almost anything, he love loved a demijohn, but I'm sure he didn't always know what he was doing… he thought he'd try his hand at elderberry, after a day of picking and crushing our hands where stained bright pink , not the best look the next day at school for me or him suited and booted for work, it took days for it to fade.. Or the embarrassing time he offers my boyfriend at the time "A little naughty"... meaning an after dinner drink, Poor bloke wasn't quite sure why he was being offered… Dad certainly had a way with words… Then there was his ability to know everyone, no matter where we went, here or abroad he was bound to bump into someone he knew, either directly or was a very close friend of a friend,or recognised him literally everywhere ... And you could almost guarantee on a night out he would befriend someone, sharing his life stories and all medical ailments would be covered by the end of the night… Dad you where the most accident prone person I've ever met if you hadn't broken, twisted, scolded, cut, grazed, or chaffed something…then quite simply there were no injuries left to have... Only you could tread on a sea urchin in Turkey and spend the rest of the holiday agonising while the 3 inch barbed prongs, worked their way out of your foot… But hey it made a good story! Your lack of trains has already been passed on to your grandson and I'm so pleased we shared a magical day together on the poppy line.. Dad you made me so proud those last few weeks, i'm so pleased that Jacob had that one last hug and kiss with you and you talked about trains… Unfortunately we never got the happy ending we were all so hoping for... but I will make sure he knows what a kindhearted, chatty, inspiring grandad he had,we will miss you so so much, love you always dad xxxxx

A week since we said goodbye dad, missing you more than ever... Love always Bev xxx

I met John when I was just under 16 at the time of joining the 1st Ardleigh Green (Squirrels Heath) Rover Scout Crew. John was always the life and soul of the crew . . . and we became pals as well as members. John had an old green Morris Minor with a soft-top and I can remember three of us having to sleep in it on the way to a Scout Camp in Worcestershire. John and I both came down with Asian Flu and were off sick but feeling better John rang and suggested that we both went to see 'Summer Holiday' (Cliff Richard). There was an afternoon performance at the Ilford 'Flea-pit' and although we were not really supposed to be out and about, we watched the film. John was more interested in the RT Bus than the plot or the music! I have many memories of great times with John and find it hard to believe that he is no longer with us. God Bless you John . . . make them laugh up there, you sure did down with us. With Love, Paul Fassam