Entrance Music: The Shadows – Whiter Shade of Pale A message from Sue, Ross and David John was our dad, husband and friend. He still is. He always will be. He was never a man of great words or gestures so he would probably be embarrassed to see all this fuss and hear the things we have to say about him, but we won't let that stop us. He was a calm, moderate, humourous, kind and good man. Who had the ability to share his love and pride with us without having to say a word. He constructed a happy family environment effortlessly. He was an excellent dad, largely because his inner child was very much alive and knew exactly how to entertain two boys. Even with just the simple things in life. He was always there, never too busy, he did everything he could for us. He had his own outlook on life. Not live each day as if it's your last. That is the conventional advice. But what if it rains or you feel a bit tired? It just isn't practical. Better by far to simply try and be good, and to make a difference. Not change the world exactly, but the bit around you. Go out there with your passion and work hard at something. Cherish your friends, stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things. Love and be loved. These things he did. Death always comes too early or too late. The hour of death cannot be forecast, but we imagine it in a distant future. It never occurs to us that it has any connection with the day already begun, this day which we have made other plans for. The dignity of a man is an ideal worth fighting for and worth dying for. John knew this. He left too early in all our eyes, but he left at precisely the moment he wanted to, given the situation he faced. He accepted his fate and left us with a smile. The sorrow for lost loved ones is the only sorrow from which we refuse to be separated. Every other wound we seek to heal, but this wound we consider it a duty to keep open. John will be sorely missed, but he will live on in our hearts, through the things he taught us, did for us, made for us, and the countless happy times we had together. We thank him for them. Goodbye John, Goodbye Dad. Extract from “A Successful Life” by Della Steen Once asked of me, ten years ago, when I was young and spry, “Would you regard your life fulfilled if death was drawing nigh?” The answer did not come with haste, so then I thought it through, “What have you done with life so far? That which is best for you?” Life I see abundantly, without remuneration, I'm executing helpful deeds, with no self-occupation. The little things: a child’s grin and hugs that make me melt, Are treasures more than diamond rings and rhinestones in my belt. One selfless act yields far more wealth than self-indulgence could; And kindness sees that all of these work for the common good. To see my life producing gain not just for me, today, Brings peace to know that other folk are helped along the way. So, if it be my destiny to spread some peace in life Affecting not just passers-by who shared in all the strife, But also others down the track, the future generations; To me this is a Successful Life, exceeding expectations. Committal Music: The Shadows – Memory Exit Music: The Shadows – Apache