past events

Lauren (Opal and Jon's)

Bethany (Kate and Hayes's)

(Holly is now 'Big sister!)

Medway Hospital, May 19th and 20th.

April ..2009

Down in the sun

In fond memory of Philip, my father-in-law. A wonderful friend, husband and father.

Who passed away on February 13th, 2009.

.....Amusing, proud, and a veteran from the 2nd world war in Burma. Sadly missed..

1944...

.................I have only known Philip since 2002, but in that time I had got to know him well. We have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed many nice holidays together and have had the privilege to be with him on many army veteran occasions, such as the Paddock Wood 'War and Peace' show and The Veterans march at Battersea, where he met and chatted with fellow comrades. We have been very proud of him. With his wicked scence of humour and attitude, we have had many great laughs together, he loved a good hearted 'wind up' and although generous to a fault would always be after 'a good bargain'. In fact at his send off, he would have asked Bournes ; “ Is there any discount?”....A brave war veteran who fought in Burma, and saw things that we hopefully will never see, leading war criminals to be executed, one even gave him his watch. There were funny times too that he spoke about, like when he nearly set light to a railway carriage with an old stove they 'aquired' ..Him and his buddies were trying to cook some food. As it exploded he managed to kick it out in time before nearly destoying the entire Burma railway! He loved the Gurkas, he said that on one occasion they had saved his life, although he never went into any detail.. Another proud occasion was when he met, and was invited to be photographed with them on their special day to unviel the Gurka statue in Maidstone, which was only in 2008. He felt strongly about allowing the Gurkas to stay in this country, and said the law should be changed. This has now happened, ..he would be pleased.. Philip was a special person, fair and always helping other people and work collegues, he worked his way up at 'Reeds Paper' to shop steward. ..

.............Philip, ….it has been an honour and a privilege to have known you, .....I wont go on any more, because I know what you'd say..: “Come on, what's the hold-up?”

.......................................................................................No regrets....Bye for now mate, see you in another life ,.......'Over and out'...........

.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ps..Teresa says "Can she have the pen?" ...lol!

......................................................................................................................................................................................................