Beth Ryan
31-01 2021 22:24
wrote:
From about 9 years old, this kind, wonderful, smart and downright hilarious man has been a stalwart in my life, has been there through the very best and worst times and helped shape me who I am as a person.
I could go on and on for days, with memories, anecdotes and tales from childhood, teenage years and beyond but the one thing that remains true is that no matter where I was, I could always rely on my "second dad" for advice, usually with a nod, the occasional grunt, legs crossed, pipe in hand, one eye on the tea tray leaving the kitchen and ask me..."right so you're stopping for tea then?" Joyce and Gerry were my home away from home, my sanctuary when I needed respite or when I needed to seek the opinion of someon I respected and cared about...that didn't mean to say I didn't, on occasion with a certain eldest daughter, sneak out of the house and return to find Gerry at the table...legs crossed, pipe in hand, taking in every excuse we could come up with and taking each syllable with a pinch of salt before retiring to bed to inform Joyce "the girls are back, yes they're fine...they went out with a fiver but came back with a tenner and a pizza...no I don't know either..."
I cannot put into words how much the world will miss this incredibly special man and I hope he's looking down on us, with the same care and love and integrity he showed us all every day.
"Perhaps they are not stars in heaven but tiny openings in which our loved ones can see us and let their love shine through"
Beth Ryan
31-01 2021 22:24
wrote:
From about 9 years old, this kind, wonderful, smart and downright hilarious man has been a stalwart in my life, has been there through the very best and worst times and helped shape me who I am as a person.
I could go on and on for days, with memories, anecdotes and tales from childhood, teenage years and beyond but the one thing that remains true is that no matter where I was, I could always rely on my "second dad" for advice, usually with a nod, the occasional grunt, legs crossed, pipe in hand, one eye on the tea tray leaving the kitchen and ask me..."right so you're stopping for tea then?" Joyce and Gerry were my home away from home, my sanctuary when I needed respite or when I needed to seek the opinion of someon I respected and cared about...that didn't mean to say I didn't, on occasion with a certain eldest daughter, sneak out of the house and return to find Gerry at the table...legs crossed, pipe in hand, taking in every excuse we could come up with and taking each syllable with a pinch of salt before retiring to bed to inform Joyce "the girls are back, yes they're fine...they went out with a fiver but came back with a tenner and a pizza...no I don't know either..."
I cannot put into words how much the world will miss this incredibly special man and I hope he's looking down on us, with the same care and love and integrity he showed us all every day.
"Perhaps they are not stars in heaven but tiny openings in which our loved ones can see us and let their love shine through"
