On your birthday this year, I was smiling as I saw photos of your smiling face and sparkling eyes which were a reminder of how lovely you were in person. More than 8 years have passed and I don't know where that time has gone. I think of you often, but my thoughts of you are especially more prominent when the daffodils and tulips are in bloom as that is an overriding memory of the day you passed. I was particularly aware at the time of such a tragic event happening on such a beautiful morning of which the new life of Spring was evident. I remember thinking that you would not see another Spring in the same way and this thought has stayed with me ever since. Now, for the first time ever, I write this with a different perspective. I have realised that as Springtime is the sign of new life and re-birth, that it is also symbolic of your passing - you have not 'died', you are re-born to a place that we can think of as 'home' and someday we will meet again. xxx
Tributes
Leave a tributeOn your birthday this year, I was smiling as I saw photos of your smiling face and sparkling eyes which were a reminder of how lovely you were in person. More than 8 years have passed and I don't know where that time has gone. I think of you often, but my thoughts of you are especially more prominent when the daffodils and tulips are in bloom as that is an overriding memory of the day you passed. I was particularly aware at the time of such a tragic event happening on such a beautiful morning of which the new life of Spring was evident. I remember thinking that you would not see another Spring in the same way and this thought has stayed with me ever since. Now, for the first time ever, I write this with a different perspective. I have realised that as Springtime is the sign of new life and re-birth, that it is also symbolic of your passing - you have not 'died', you are re-born to a place that we can think of as 'home' and someday we will meet again. xxx
We were thinking of you on your birthday, as we often do. Still, it is hard to believe you have gone from this place and still it feels unfair that you went so soon. It reminds us of how precious life is and how we should not take any day for granted, as we know too well that tomorrow is never promised. We forget to live each day to the fullest, whilst we get so caught up in life and work, that we rarely have time to sit and think on what is actually important. It is times like your birthday or anniversaries that we are reminded of life's fragility, and we mustn't take it for granted. You are still very much missed and loved, always, Michelle and David xxx
I was thinking of you on your birthday, as I do on many occasion. It has taken me until now to type the words as I haven't been too well of late. David and I speak of you often and remember you fondly. We laugh at our memories of times spent with you and Linda, yet can't help but feel that sadness at driving past your old home, knowing that things can never be the same again. I am positive that you come around to visit us from where you are, so you don't need any updates on what's been going on here! However, I suspect you spend more time in The Gambia than you do in the UK! Miss you always our special friend. Love from Michelle, David and family xxx
Gone but never forgotten.
Such lovely memories of a lovely man.
Big love ❤️ God bless you X
Another year has passed by since you left this place 6 years ago and I can hardly believe that it has been that long since that awful day. It is said that time is a healer, but I don't think your loved ones will ever heal, but just learn to accept and live in a different way, for now. Six years going by so fast is a stark reminder of how time runs away with us all and how we must make the most of life and enjoy living in the moment. Take care up there in heaven, where we all know you earned your place well - I know you come to visit everyone and I hope they can feel you there, right beside them. Love from Michelle and David xxx
We were thinking of you yesterday and wished you a happy 'heavenly' birthday. Another year has gone by, but you are never forgotten and we speak of you often. I remember your face, and that 'twinkle'....how your heart and soul glittered through your eyes. I remember so fondly the evening we went to the pub across the road from you and Linda. How funny you were at telling jokes! We laughed all night long and that is what we remember about you, as well as your many other great attributes. Your Bingo calling was pretty good too! You know how much you are missed and I am sure you are watching everyone and keeping a close, twinkling eye on 'your girls'. Jessica is soon to be Dr Jessica - so when you gave her the title 'Doc' you always knew it would happen! We are nanny and grandad now, to little Mia, our angel.
Today I 'lay a flower' for you in remembrance. I'm not going to say 'sleep well' because I believe you are very much awake from where you are. God bless and see you again someday! All our love, from our family to yours.
On a happy note, I am sure you already know that David and I have become grandparents to baby Mia who is 6 weeks old. Izzy had a baby! Both doing great, sadly we cannot see them at this time due to the lockdown, thank heavens for FaceTime! Jessica is doing well, she is in year 4 of her medical degree. Not long now till she is a qualified doctor Johnny, you always called her 'Doc' and next year it will be her real title, haha! At the moment Jessica has been drafted in to the Norfolk and Norwich hospital to help, as NHS staff are under enormous strain and are falling sick due to the virus - named COVID-19. All senior medical students have been given the opportunity to work with the ward doctors and she volunteered and is loving it! 'Little' Sam is 18 now and is now taking his final exam for college. Schools are closed and most exams have been cancelled for this academic year, but as Sam's work is project based he was set a 14 week exam - he only has 4 weeks left now to make the grade. He is doing Spatial Design and enjoys it and has made many friends. He likes a pint or two Johnny, and would love to have bought you one, I am sure!
Your old mate Dave is keeping busy, as always, we were speaking of you a lot yesterday, and of course of Carl. Two top men, gone to soon, but never, ever forgotten. Love you Johnny and until we meet again, I shall write to you here and think of you often. Much love from all of us xxx
Izzy is having a baby girl in March and we are so happy to be welcoming a little one into the family. Jess is still studying hard at uni and Sam is in his last year at college. He’s just been accepted into Camp America and will be working near to New York next year. I wish you were here in person to speak about all these things, but in my heart I know that you already know about it all from heaven. Love you Johnny, keep smiling on us all, especially your girls and boys xxx
Leave a Tribute
On your birthday this year, I was smiling as I saw photos of your smiling face and sparkling eyes which were a reminder of how lovely you were in person. More than 8 years have passed and I don't know where that time has gone. I think of you often, but my thoughts of you are especially more prominent when the daffodils and tulips are in bloom as that is an overriding memory of the day you passed. I was particularly aware at the time of such a tragic event happening on such a beautiful morning of which the new life of Spring was evident. I remember thinking that you would not see another Spring in the same way and this thought has stayed with me ever since. Now, for the first time ever, I write this with a different perspective. I have realised that as Springtime is the sign of new life and re-birth, that it is also symbolic of your passing - you have not 'died', you are re-born to a place that we can think of as 'home' and someday we will meet again. xxx
Dad
My dad was the most amazing dad any daughter could wish for he was simply the best in everything and loved me and my sister and my mum unconditionally. We idolised him as he did us. Nothing was ever too much for him he would also be there whenever we needed him. We are so broken but we have the most precious memories to cherish. A true inspiration to everyone and loved by everyone. A very wise man with advice that was always so right. My dad will live on in me and my sister and my darling mum we will look after for you dad. Miss you so much you great gentle man. A true diamond with a massive heart. I love and miss you so much special man. You are a perfect angel looking down and keeping us safe R.I.P lots of love from your Elizabeth x
Johnny
Johnny loved his family unconditionally and exstended this to his daughters many friends. He was caring, gentle, strong and fun to be with. Recently found his love for The Gambia and especially the Jofi School where he has sponsored a little girl. It was his intensions to return to do some more work with the school and had already booked to go out there again next February but sadly his sudden passing has changed this so I will do my very best to do it for him. His tributes from the many shows how well liked and loved he was, it just brims my pride of him to overflowing. God Bless you my J.C. I miss you more than words can ever say, Love Always Sinny xxx