Below is the little 'tribute' I shared at my Pop's funeral over the weekend. I wrote it after reading a story he wrote years ago about my Nan, whom he called "The Legend"...
My Pop was one of the greatest men I have ever known...
If Nan was the Legend, then the legend had a kick ass sidekick.
I’m sure Nan knew it. We all did.
You were the sidekick that loved to be centre stage. You couldn’t help it, it was just how it happened, and we all loved it that way.
When I was younger I wanted to be your sidekick. I think you let me too.
I’m sorry Pop, that I only remember some of our adventures together but I mostly remember ‘things’ - things about you, things you taught me, things you said and things you did…
I remember the way your stubble felt when you kissed me hello, when I gave you a hug, when we said goodbye.
I remember your hands. They’re the same as my dads.
I remember the way you walked. I used to laugh at the way you looked when you’d mow the lawn. Mum said you had chicken legs and bad knees and that I inherited them…
I remember what you’re voice sounded like. I loved to sit and listen to that voice more then your stories. It was strong, it was wise, it never judged, it always encouraged and was always full of pride. Not just for me but for all of us.
I remember the way you laughed, and that you mostly laughed when you were near Nan and family – especially when we were all together.
I also remember when you came up for my wedding and you got so excited that you spent the night before playing cards and drinking port with the family and then had to leave the reception early...
I think you just loved to be around people Pop… and I can’t remember you ever saying a bad word, maybe I just can’t remember if you did. And I’m happy to remember you that way.
You were generous with your time, with your words and with your heart… we all experienced it firsthand.
I just loved sit next to you. I didn’t care whether we talked or not. I just loved sitting next to you because you were my grandfather and when I was sitting next to you – I was the man. I reckon you would’ve made all of us feel the same way.
I reckon you would have loved to have been here with us today and I guess you kind of are, but I am hoping that the port you’re drinking now is better then the gear I plan to drink this afternoon.
You taught me that the ladies like to drink Pimms and dry ginger. And I have tended bar ever since.
You taught me about my dad. You told me stories about his strength and of his ‘sold out’ passion for Jay and I; and you loved our mum so much.
You taught me about how a man should talk to and treat a lady. You told me that a man should tell his wife he loves her and that he should give her a kiss everyday.
You taught me about the importance of family, about pursuing a full life and doing so passionately.
So…
I will remember you every time I tell my wife I love her.
I will remember you every time I shake my dads hand.
I will remember you every time I hear a ridiculous story.
I will remember you every time my knees are giving me trouble.
I will remember you every time I step behind a bar. And every time I see a bottle of Pimms. And every time I drink a dry ginger. And every time I see a photo of you or nan. And every time someone calls me ‘The Man’.
If Nan was a legend, then the legend had a kick ass side kick.
Thanks for letting us be yours. I hope we made you proud.
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