Dad was born in 1935 in the Seychelles Islands to a French mother and Chinese father.
At 7 years of age Dad and his 11yo sister were separated from their parents and siblings and sent to China.. where - almost immediately - they found themselves hiding in rice fields to escape the horrors of Japanese air attacks. The year was 1942 and the world was at war. Dad and his sister survived and were raised by grand-parents and aunties in a Cantonese village for the next 14 years. A large part of that time they were not afforded heating, electricity nor an education. Things we all expect and take for granted now. They were forced to be self sufficient at a very young age. It was during this time that Dad mastered Cantonese cooking. A skill that would be savoured, and enjoyed, by family, friends … and friends OF friends for decades to come.
At 21 Dad returned to the Seychelles. Knowing only Cantonese, and without proper education, he had to re-learn his native tongue in order to re-integrate into society there. Working as a mechanic, he built himself a bus, named it ‘Lucky Lips’ and became a popular and loved member of the island community. His style, fun personality - and aviator sunglasses - earning him the affectionate nickname – ‘The American’.
In ‘61 Dad was called upon to fix a broken down bus… not Lucky Lips but another in the fleet that he serviced called ‘Rock n’ Roll’. Mum just happened to be one of the stranded passengers on this bus.
Fate brought them together on the side of a windy road and a love blossomed that would burn brightly and unabated for 49 years.
This love would take them across the Indian Ocean to Melbourne, Australia in 1966 to begin a new life and raise a large family…
Three Sons, three daughters, six baptisms, six weddings, five grand sons, three granddaughters and another due in three weeks. There is little doubt that Mum made the right choice in marrying ‘the American’.
Money and materialistic advantages never came Dad’s way. But fortune in the way of a healthy and loving family and good friends did.
Dad had his weaknesses and failings, long hard hours on the night shift took its toll on a large family in a humble house. But I forgive him all his weak moments. I forgive him all his failings. Because, through it all, he never faltered in providing shelter, food and love for mum and the kids.
My brothers and sisters and I have so many memories growing up in that humble house. Experiencing all the emotions (good and bad) that a family does and sticking together throughout. Dad, together with Mum, provided us with these wonderful experiences.
Dad generated a powerful family force. Testimony to that force is that all six kids, having long since married and started families of their own, have never strayed too far away from Mum and Dad.
Everyone who had the fortune of knowing Dad (‘Frankie’ as he was known) would have lasting impressions of him. An encounter with him invariably involved laughter and food and good feelings. Judging by the number friends present, and condolences sent , most of those impressions were good ones.
Dad was drawn to good people. He would tell me that you should ALWAYS make time for good people and would be cross if he did not see me practising what he preached. And when good people came around to visit him he would open his house and his heart - and would not let them leave until he fed them.
He loved to entertain, to the point of showing off. Memories of endless parties with family and friends, laughter and good times… and wonderful food.
He was a genuine open man would speak his mind - without deception - for better or worse.
Even a temper and strong words at times would not conceal the SOFT heart and non-violent SOUL he was.
Dad was a devout practising catholic. He strongly believed in the resurrection and the holy spirit and spent many Sundays in this very church. His children and grand children were baptised, communed and married here.
He was fiercely proud of his kids and would do anything for them. For a long time he was our ready mechanic as well as our father.
But above all, the thing that struck me most about Dad was his undying love for my Mum and hers for him.
To be capable of feeling an unconditional lasting love like that is to be a very fortunate man… To have that love reciprocated is to be the wealthiest man on the planet.
Dad was indeed fortunate and wealthy.
Dad… from Mum and the kids and the grand-kids… we love you.
