I wrote this poem to read at grandpa's funeral yesterday. My grandpa was utterly wonderful. So kind and generous, full of fun and wisdom. He is irreplaceable and we will miss him so very much... Grandpa, you've been the very best grandpa there could be. In every way you possibly could, you've loved and cared for me. Your funny, brilliant, eccentric ways have always kept us entertained. Without you family gatherings will never be the same. Here's a look throughout my years at memories we've made. So many laughs, good times & little moments, that for the world I wouldn't trade. At age 5 I remember the magic of your house, us grandkids always hiding in your wardrobe with grandma's blouse. Or behind those random curtains in your loft that hid who-knows-what, we were learning even then, in your eyes you'd hit the jackpot. You'd find treasure at the tip and be delighted; the only trouble was the rest of us were so often less excited! At age 6, I remember, knocking on your door, your attention always grabbed first by the guest closest to the floor. Not to me, to our dog Sophie, who loved you more than anyone. Whatever your theology, I hope you've found her up in heaven. At age 7, I remember I'd sit next to you at dinner, unwanted food slid onto your plate, you'd act like you were the winner! Even now I couldn't say for sure, whether you knew or not. You never made a fuss of it and always ate the lot. My highlight has to be, you eating my banana's bruised bit, and saying 'ooh yum, thank you' and really meaning it. At age 9 you created a blindfolded adventure, for us grandkids to explore and learn, you covered up your dentures. You wrapped yourself up in loo roll, dressed up as a mummy, pretending to be Tutankhamun, we found it oh so funny. Then you went along with our version of events, agreeing to ride our 'rollercoaster', getting rocked around then drenched! Aged 11, one Christmas time, I phoned asking for your help, 'grandpa we really need you', I told you with a yelp! A chocolate advent calendar is all that we need, well of course you jumped right to it, our prince charming on his steed! The chocolate was cheap and cheerful, you did always love a bargain. But you loved to help and make us smile, how I'd love to see you smile again. At 13 I always loved it when grandma told the tale, of your lovely little caravan and the almost-purchase fail. It was 'no problem at all' you'd said, to buy a caravan with a whole by the bed. 'It'll be alright' was always your favourite phrase, we've always joked to the have the saying engraved upon your grave. At 14, my world was about to be turned upside down, moving all the way from Luton to Wycombe as my hometown. We spent the day as family praying is it right? Seeking God together and asking if we might. Your heart to follow Jesus and love him every day, inspired me and spurred me on to too live Jesus’ way. With your help, we knew as a family that whilst it might be hard, God was calling us to up our roots and find a new back yard. At 16, my favourite place to be was in Norfolk on holiday, in Maryland cottage with you sailing our days away. What a place so full of memories, your legendary popcorn skills, sneaking you more ice cream whilst grandma fetched you all your pills. You'd encourage our adventures and pat us on the back, even when we capsized or crashed your boat during your daily nap. In fact, many places hold memories of holidays with you, Crete, Corsica, Tunisia to name but just a few. You supported us so kindly to take trips we could not afford, to see the world you'd travelled and holiday abroad. Generosity to you and grandma seemed to be always be so easy, we hope to be just like you, I hope that doesn't sound too cheesy. At 17 I wondered what career I should pursue, should I study at university? I didn't have a clue. You spent a whole day with me helping me learn more about myself, using Myers-Briggs and other methods that flooded your bookshelf. Through our time the most important thing we did discover, was that it didn't matter what I did as long as it was with others. In retrospect I guess how obvious that is! Its times spent chatting with you and your wisdom that I'll miss. In adulthood you became not just my grandpa but my friend, I loved to spend time with you up until the very end. You cheered me on, supporting me in every way you could, even in my role as kids’ pastor, you made me scoreboards out of wood. Thank you for your endless kindness praying every day, God's blessing over every one of us in our work, sleep and play. I could list so many memories, lots in your garden getting mucky, looking back I realise I've been so very lucky... To have had a grandpa like you, so caring and so kind, so generous and practical with an amazing mind. I'm so sad your time on earth with us had to end so soon, one thing I hope you'll always know is that I love you to the moon.