Susan and Michael,
Thank you for sharing the service yesterday. For those of us a long way away (Adelaide) it was a kind thought to allow us to participate. Congratualtions to you for your organsiation of a good send off and also to Reg for his excellent tribute. I have never thought about the "dash" before, it is the important bit and Fred lived live to the full. I knew Fred as an uncle and a fun person with Helen, Sue and Michael to go on family holidays with. The Bridgwaters came with a smart caravan, Knoxes a big frame tent. We were envious of the caravan as it was always well organsied and looked comforable and out of the midges. This was especially so when camping on Islay in the Scottish summer. While all the adults were walking to the point to look at the breaking seas our family tent decided to take to the skies and quickly shredded in the gale. Far for this stopping the holday we all then slept under the awning of Helen & Fred's caravan and managed to occassionally squeeze in out of the midges.
As all the speakers at the service said Fred was a life long learner, a great traveller and academic. He would keep us all on our toes and expected good behaviour! He was great fun and a man who has my greatest respect and admiration. He achieved more in life then most of us can dream of and he did it in style with an excellent nature and a helping hand and ear to all. At 97 he lived a full live and I hope Sue and Michael can step back and reflect pleasurably on the memory of a great dad and a fine man.
My brother Malcolm also wishes to send his thoughts, He was also pleased to be able to join the service.
Love and Best wishes
David and Clare.
David
12th January 2021
As long as hearts remember
As long as hearts still care
We do not part with those we love
They're with us everywhere
Joy
11th January 2021
From Chris and Sue Hodrien -
We knew Fred for over 20 years through Solihull Archaeology Group, various adult education classes and our enjoyable annual archaeology group tours. He was one of the most personable and memorable members of the tour group. Our abiding impressions are that he was a lovely, kind man, a true gentleman, friendly to all, cultured, very intelligent, sociable with a great sense of humour, wise and with a thirst for knowledge and a zest for life. He was "one of a kind". During the tours he was a great raconteur who kept us all laughing. One abiding memory is that each evening on our return he would "hold court" with his lively group of drinking pals and much laughter was had.
Dear Fred, you are irreplaceable. You will be greatly missed and always remain in our memories.
Susan
11th January 2021