Our Dad, John, the husband, the businessman, the friend, the boss, the adventurer, the pyromaniac.
However, you know him, what a man and what a great Dad!
It all started on the 24th November 1985 – when the first born arrived, Kate, Daddy’s girl. That blonde hair - young man thought he had it all until 18 months later when the top dog arrived, me. As children we were so lucky to have such a fun Dad who thrived on making life so adventurous and made sure we got and did everything we wanted to do.
Whether it be allowing us to ride the trailer home from the tip, Kate and I holding on for our dear lives coming up the road or going to every toy shop in Southampton to find us the last two remaining Tamagotchi’s. Poor Dad even chose to manage the cub’s football team and most weeks would result in me storming off after conceding goal number 10 – goalkeeping was never my strong point!
Dad may have been this rough tough motor biker, DIY enthusiast and all-time man mans but this man endured many girly times – from helping Kate comb out a homemade hair mask for an entire evening, to prom dress shopping and spending the evening with other mums drinking tea and seeing Kate off to her prom.
In October 2000 along came the 3rd and final sibling, a 4-year-old Kirstin. Dad adapted to life again with a junior like he does everything. He played the step Dad role to the best of his ability from teaching her how to drive down windy country roads, to pretending to cut her hair off… and actually cutting it!
Andy’s introduction to Dad was an interesting one, with Andy visiting from the USA for the first time, Kate invited him to dinner to ‘meet the Greenbank’s. As some of you will know Greenbank parties tend to be boozy affairs and after the main course was served, Andy was asked if he wanted to come and see Dad’s motorbikes – this was indeed code for let’s go and have a chat in the garage and make sure you are there with the right intentions. With Andy here with us now we can conclude that Andy was accepted into the family with open arms and after the wedding, along came babies and Dad was graced with two of the most beautiful granddaughters.
Dad taught me everything I know, he pushed me back to college to get my qualifications, and told me how to run a business. We spent many a weekend in a muddy field racing and wow did Dad have to put up with some excuses as to why I crashed! But to Dad it didn’t matter and he even was known to have a go racing himself. After years of Dad wanting me to get my full bike license, I finally did last summer, we even managed a few rides just weeks after Dad had chemo. I will regret not doing my license earlier and joining Dad on some crazy adventures on foreign soil.
Despite his diagnosis, Dad was always trying to be the joker – from when he was asked to pass the salt on the dinner table, to being asked if he could get something, he would clutch his stomach and say no I’m not well, using his illness to his advantage. His approach to his diagnosis throughout the last 16 months did not surprise us and during it all he was the one to keep everyone smiling and as positive as possible. If there is one thing our family takes from this this and what Dad tried to engrain in us all it would be to ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’.
The amazing care that Dad received throughout this battle, from nurses, to friends and family was incredible but one person who we will never be able to give enough gratitude to is Leah. You’ve been amazing, and our Dad was so lucky to have you. Words cannot describe what you have done for him and us a family.
Dad would be amazed to see the turnout today and I thank you all.