Dad

So on Wednesday my dear old Dad finally shuffled off this mortal coil. He was 89 and unfortunately only a flickering shadow of the man he had once been. The end of his life came as a relief, he was suffering and death in the end was a kindness.
He was not special, just an ordinary man who worked hard to provide and bring up a family, he taught myself and siblings fairness, tolerance and to treat everyone equally. His attitude and reference to people could be non-PC but that is the generation he came from, he was never deliberately mean  or nasty. Once we became adults he did not interfere with our lives but if asked would give his opinion. He trusted that we would be responsible and I hope we never let him down. 
He will be buried next to his beloved wife who tragically for him,died far too young at 60. He spent 31 years on his own,when he had every expectation,to spend his latter years with the woman he adored. 
He had become a little stubborn (perhaps he always was!) and as he would readily admit,cantankerous as he got older but the same could be said of me!
So I am now the eldest member of our family alive, a sobering thought.
So farewell and adieu Father may you rest in peace, we will celebrate your memory and raise a glass or two!