For my Dad’s Tribute, I thought I would use the letters of his name to come up with a few thoughts, feelings and memories.
H - I am going to come back to this letter at the end.
So starting with A: A is for Andrew to Antonia, Dad’s Grandchildren – Andrew, James, Kieran, Isabelle and Antonia. Dad loved to hear what his grandchildren were doing and the stories they would tell. All the grandchildren have their own interests and it would cheer him up and put a big smile on his face when he heard what they had been up to.
R - R is for Roses. Dad loved the garden and if the sun was shining he would be outside all day long, enjoying the colours and the smells of the plants. Later on we will all have an opportunity to scatter some of the rose petals and rosemary that he has grown in his garden.
Another R: this time it is for Round. I don’t mean the shape of his belly, although that does still work. This is round as in Milk Round, when we were growing up our Dad was a Milkman and was very dedicated to his job. I think of all the jobs he has had this was his happiest and most fulfilling. He was known by name by everyone on his round and would help people out along the way. He would often have a four legged companion joining him, in the way of Jilly Dog, our family pet. Dad trained the dogs to just sit by his side in the milk float – health and safety was a lot different in those days! He also took great pleasure in delivering milk to one of his musical idols – Eric Clapton.
Y - Y is for Young at heart and Young in looks, he definitely didn’t look his age. He always liked a joke, whether it was on himself or somebody else. A good example of this is when I was in my teens, he gave me an envelope to post: he wrote the road name along with the house number on the envelope and sent me on my way. I was gone for ages - the reason being that I couldn’t find the house even though he had put the house number – number 16 - clearly on the envelope. The reason why I couldn’t find the house number is because it didn’t exist, the street numbers went 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, and so on. Instead of a house showing number 16, there was an alleyway in its place, so there was me going back and forth looking for a house that wasn’t there!
F - F is for Fairlands and Friends. This was such a big part of Dad’s life. This was where our family home was located when Neil and I were growing up and although he moved away to Jacob’s Well for a short period he returned to Fairlands with Sally. Over the years he had many friends living on there and was a big part of the Fairlands Community, he enjoyed the social events at friend’s houses and at The Club. It was lovely to hear that he made it down to The Club during the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, just a couple of days before his passing where he had the chance to catch up with some of his old friends.
R another R, this R is for Roller Coaster and Remembering. During my Dad’s life he had many ups and downs but I know I will remember the ups more. We will be remembering everything about him and keeping hold of those thoughts and drawing on them as and when we need to.
A - A is for Ailments and At Rest. Dad did have his fair amount of health issues and at times was in excruciating pain. Now, that pain has passed and he is at rest, and at peace.
N - N is for Neil and K is for Kevin - me. Dad has two fantastic sons – if not a little modest! I think we have turned out OK, which must be due to how good a father he has been throughout our lives. Dad we aim and hope that we have made you proud.
L - L is for Liz, our Mum and Dad’s first wife. They were married for 25 years before going their separate ways and changing their life stories. Neil and I had a very happy childhood, and both our Mum and our Dad have instilled in us the family values that they both believed in.
I - I is for Ian. Dad and Sally provided Ian with a place to live and a home, showing generosity and kindness at a time when he needed it. I know Ian did a lot for Dad when was living with them so on behalf of my Dad, I would like to say Thank You Ian.
N - N could be for Nature or Natural as in where we are today at Clandon Natural Burial Site. It could have even been for Naturist, but that’s probably the last thing any of you want to imagine right now! So moving on swiftly, N is actually for Nanny Sally, Ms Noakes or rather Sally was Ms Noakes before marrying our Dad in 1999 and becoming Mrs Franklin. For over 20 years Sally has been there for Dad through the highs and the lows. She loved him, cared for him and has been his best friend when he needed somebody the most. I think it would be fair to say that Dad may not have always been the easiest person to live with, yet Sally has been there for Dad every day. So Thank You so much Sally and I know Dad loved you very much indeed.
So, back to H. H is Harold, Harry, or even just H as he was also known. For me it stands for Happiness, Dad did have his demons, but when he was happy he was at his best, he filled the room - not because of his size, or rather not just because of his size, but because of his personality. I asked my two girls if they could only use one word to describe their granddad, what would it be? They both said ‘funny’. He was funny or another H - Humorous or as I like to call it, his ‘Harryism’s’. He would often come out with little sayings that would make us laugh. One of these sayings that I am sure he would have said to so many of you here today is, “You look all the better for seeing me”. Another example of a Harryism is something he said to me when I was starting to go out to night clubs. It is probably not appropriate for now, but I am going to say it anyway as my Dad would often carry on regardless and say things that were a touch inappropriate! So, he used to say to me as I was heading out of the front door to the night club, “If you are not in bed by midnight then come home”. There is a very popular phrase “As Happy As Larry”, we always used to say “As Lappy as Harry”.
He was loved, he was kind, he was liked and he will be missed. We love you Dad.
Let It Be
The next song that we are about to play was written over 50 years ago, but I believe the words in the song are just as relevant today as they were in 1970.
The song is ‘Let it Be’ by The Beatles. The first verse reads:-
“When I find myself in Times of Trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom – Let it Be”
When Paul McCartney wrote these lyrics, Mother Mary is reference to his mother who came to him in a dream, and who he was thinking about at that time. For me personally during this difficult period when I find myself in “times of trouble”, the person who has given me “words of wisdom” is my wife Christabel, she has been a fantastic support to myself, Neil, and Sally. I would have found it so difficult without her words of wisdom and helping us get everything organised for today. So Thank You so very much.
The words “Let It Be” means let go, don’t worry about your troubles, the words are comforting, reminding us not to think about the sad things too much but to accept that sad things can happen, and what has happened we cannot change.
On the 5th June, Neil, Sally and I had to let nature take its course and “Let It Be” for Dad to be at peace.
When we were shown around this lovely natural site, by the Manager, Clare Matthews, she spoke the words “Let It Be” about 3 times in a row and this is in reference to the plots. This area around us is a wild meadow, so will not be maintained, what will be will be so “Let It Be” and let nature do its wonderful thing.
Later on in the song “Let It Be” was referring to the wars that was taking place at that time with the words:-“And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree. For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they will see. There will be an answer. Let It Be”
We have all been affected by the horrible war in Ukraine and it also affected Dad. My Dad’s own thoughts for the people of Ukraine was to plant some flowers in the colours of the Ukrainian flag and put it on display at the front of his fence, so that everyone walking by or passing by could see it and have a moment to have their own thoughts.
Another verse of the song has the lines:- “There is still a light that shines on me. Shine on 'til tomorrow. Let it be”
I would like to think of this line as Dad sitting in his chair outside enjoying the sunshine.
So now the song is going to be played, and you are welcome to join in and sing along with us and while it is being played maybe just give a little thought to the people in your lives who have given you “words of wisdom”. I am going to be thinking of Dad and the advice he has given us over the years and how we now need to “Let Him Be”.
Thank You.