Although not my real father, I was lucky to have Rod as a dad for the last thirty years.
With his kind hearted loveable nature he always took an interest in what I was doing. From coming to the night club on my 21st birthday (Which I am sure he hated) to discussing 1920’s centre pieces and canopes for a murder mystery evening I have yet to host.
Our conversations varied in intellect from the changes in the NHS to who was our favourite James Bond and why!
When my life did not go according to plan, at five months pregnant he welcomed me down to Devon to stay with him and my mum. No judgement; no questions just support and love. Later on, during happier times welcoming Rich into the family and making a speech at our wedding.
He has always played an important part in my daughter, Becky’s life, treating her exactly the same as his grandsons. So many fond memories: Picking her up from the hospital as a new born baby being driven around in his Jag; Helping her to learn to swim in the pool in Spain and playing Rummy Cup; watching her as a majorette in the carnival; taking her out to Becky Falls with my mum when I worked at weekends to more recently being so proud of her floristry that he would buy her pieces from her to give to my mum. This obviously helped Becky financially but also made sure mum had a new flower arrangement every week.
Although older, he delighted in short visits from Jacob Becky’s son, who fondly called him GGP, and took a great interest in his toy cars, much to Jacob’s delight.
He was a gentle, kind wonderful man. I feel proud to have known him and blessed that he came into our lives. He will be truly missed.
Jo Barklay