This is my Eulogy which I shared with everyone at the Funeral Service at Christ Church - Jebal Ali on 17th March 2015 -
Hi everyone, Firstly thank you all for coming, this is going to be a very emotional moment for me but I will do my best to carry on and let you all know what a wonderful man Tom Pollock was, not only was he a wonderful Dad to Tracey, Edward and me, He was a loving son to Margaret or Granny Pollock as I would call her, a husband to Val & Noi and a brother to Rita, Edna & Ronald, He was the best papa in the world so I have heard and an amazing friend to you all.
The grand kids would like to say a few words – I might find this hard to read but I will do my best –
James: -
wow, just cant believe you are gone... Thank you for being such an amazing Papa, you've always been around when you need to be, rock a by sweet baby James will never be the same, your gone but never forgotten, hope your having a huge party wherever you may be and continue your crazy life forever and ever.. R.I.P you'll always be a big part of our lives and will be hugely missed love you loads forever - James <3 xxxx
Michael:
Thank you for being the best Papa anyone could ask for! You were always there whenever anyone needed anything. Wish we could have spent more years together having an amazing time but I will see you again up there one day! R.I.P you have always a special place in my heart. Love and miss you - Michael <3 <3 xxx
Rebecca:
I don't even know where to begin. You were the best papa anyone could ever wish for and words can’t even describe how I felt when I heard you were gone. I know we didn't see each other as much as everyone would have liked, but we all knew you were just a phone call away. I will never forget what an incredible person you were and your amazing generosity. Love you lots and lots, RIP, Rebecca <3 xxxx
Kyla: thought her papa was fun, Funny, Kind, he liked his Music and playing the Guitar and sometimes he was grumpy .
Mylee says she remembers times at the Beach, being on the Boat, and once papa gave her a smack on the bum. But she doesn’t forget all the kisses and cuddles he gave her and she had lots of fun swimming and playing in the pool :D
Well that was the wee ones thoughts and so now a bit about Tom…………..
He met my Mum at a party – I think it might have been at my Granny Pollock’s house, they were teenage sweethearts when they got together and were married soon after, once I came along Dad had to give up his dream of being the next Bob Dylan hanging out down at Kenmore (the Hut house) in Girvan playing his guitar, he had to grow up quick get a job, earn some money and go to night classes to better himself. He had to live up to his responsibilities. Since then Dad has strived and strived in his career, going from a young draughtsman back in the early days, learning CAD in Houston to working world wide, proving himself to people and educating them. To finally becoming the very successful man he was to date who had recently been in the process of starting his own business. JET – Julie – Edward – Tracey! Makes me so proud!
I keep trying to write this story and in between I get messages from people wanting to tell everyone their thoughts. I am going to read some of these out as today my role is to let you know all about Tom.
Tom - you were like a guiding light, for the whole of the of the family, your priorities were always to ensure that everyone was taken care of ahead of your own needs. You were a man that any of us can only aspire to be, a true friend, a gentleman and of course our Papa, we love you and miss you, but rest easier at nights knowing that you are in a better place, with Eddie, Tommy, Granny B, Martin, Gus and of course Val giving you a hard time - lol
As a family we are lucky to have you, even for such a short time, but your influence will continue to shape all of our futures and those of your future great grandkids....
Rest easy - love you more than words can say.....see you on the other side, keep us a space at the bar ;-) xx
Love Clan Cook xxxx there was my hubby giving words from the family :D….next
Father, Daddy, Dad,,, Grandpa or simply Papa.... Or Papa Tom, how blessed Kyla, Mylee and I feel to have been part of you and your life and privileged to have you as our guide, our rock, our anchor....
We will always remember such good times and cherish your love and kindness....
I will be forever grateful for all the opportunities, strength, generosity, love, support and 'just being Dad' which I was so lucky to have.... I strive to better myself
We are deeply sad to be unable to hug you or talk with you again, but have faith your spirit lives on and is never far away, and we KNOW you live in our hearts till eternity....
Although gone too soon,
Please Rest in Peace – Tracey x
So I am sure that everyone here today has a story or two to tell and their own fond memories of what a wonderful man Dad was but today I wanted to share one that sticks in my mind and to me it kinda just sums him up 100% - could tell loads but we will save that till later at the club.
Back in the day we were on our summer holidays doon the water in Rothesay!, Mum and Dad having a great time kids not meant to be it the pub – but hey it was fine there. We stayed in my Granny Pollocks wee house in the Straad – anyway I will get on with it – so we were driving back – via Port Bannantyne – My Mum had been to Presto to stock up an a few bits – essentials – beer mostly, but rolls, milk, cheese and some sausages etc.
En-route Dad decided to stop at Etrick bay – have his can of Tennents as the sun went down. He sent us girls off shell hunting, bored after that and it was getting late he told us if we could find big stones he would make a fire, of course we went a searching. We made a campfire with the stones and thought this was amazing. Well for a wee while then we were hungry. Dad and Mum were perfectly happy watching the sunset with a can of beer in hand but being young girls we moaned and moaned to get home for something to eat.
Dad being dad – sorted it!!
He had finished his beer – so went to the boot of the car and got out a pair of pliers, he cut the can down the middle and made the most perfect frying pan for two sausages to sizzle in, he held the can over the fire with his pliers and fried us the best dinner I would ever wish to eat in my life – genius!!
We all love you and will never stop – your music, your singing – well when you could remember the words, always made us smile.
I don’t know what I will do next time I need someone to talk to – will just have to get out my imaginary phone!
I love you Dad, today and forever – gone but never forgotten!!! Make mine a double wi Irn Bru and a few packs of crisps for Edward & me!!
Hugs & Kisses
to everyone there with you………….
SHOOB DOOB DE DOO xxx