So… the “tough old bird”- what I said to him in March after the appendicitis and operation, which made him laugh-had lots more health problems at age 94 and succumbed to pneumonia on 1 July. It really was a relief of suffering in the end. He had come through the appendix surgery so well but the op site broke down and he got peritonitis, which required open surgery with a washout. Then a second stroke happened during that time causing near blindness. Then a multi-resistant bladder infection in May I think. Stabilised during June so we felt OK to go on the Queensland holiday for his daughter’s 60th. Got a call 3.30 am in Australia the day we were leaving to say he had been admitted to hospital with pneumonia We got back and he survived another 72 hours.
So this is father-in-law. I knew him for 40 years, since we started dating in 1985. He had been married to his now 88 year old wife for 68.5 years.
Thought I would show you what we both wore to the funeral.
I had 3 choices of dress. The other 2 are black-and-white patterns. Neil liked this one the best so I was happy to wear it.
Funeral was yesterday. We are doing OK. A long life well lived.
The beautiful circular flower arrangement came from my sister in England, and the other one from one of Neil’s staff members. There was also a bouquet from my work. People are kind.