I am just musing about life and enjoying our garden on a sunny August day whilst minding our 8 week old puppy. I know Dad would have loved Taffy, the golden retriever, and we chose his name in honour of Dad, I have never been a dog person, but with Taffy it seems different – it is as if he was sent here to be a calm and loving part of our family and he certainly loves the garden, just as Dad did.

My eldest son, Andrew, has been working on his art skills and painted a copy of one of Dad’s works as a Christmas gift – it is amazing, and although it is a copy, the thought behind the gift and the hours of work took my breath away…

Dad’s original oil painting and Andrew’s water colour copy below.

Andrew, as ever, is insistant that he has no talent and I know that is not true. One day I hope he will find his self belief and paint his own compositions freely and as beautifully as he has painted this. Life is odd sometimes and I often think that being a parent is the hardest thing I have ever done. You so want to support and help your children to get on in life, but at the same time I seem to be the wrong person to do this as they never believe I am telling the truth and I often hear the response, ‘You have to say that because you are my mum.’ If Dad were around I know he would support and nurture Andrew’a art in the way he did with so many student over his career. I am forever grateful that so many of you have got in touch with me to share your memories of him. He was a larger than life character and touched so many lives. Thanks Dad, for everything.