My memories of Dad are many and lots tied in with Mum too here are just a few ramblings from a very emotional son.
For those of you that knew Dad early on you will be aware he was sometimes referred to as Puffing Billy as Dad loved to smoke his pipe, it was like a dummy and he was never without it, it was part of Dad. The amusing element of this is Dad did not smoke until he met Mum who suggested he took up the pipe, oh dear. Early on I am sure this was fine however in later years the pipe became a bone of contention mainly as Dad smoked his pipe as he drove to and from work, normally an hour or so each way and during this time little bits of hot ash would leap out of the pipe and burn holes in his shirts, ties, sports jackets and trousers – now it would be fair to say this became a bone of contention with Mum and for those of you who knew Mum that was not good. This led to regular ticking’s off when he got home from work and I tried to make myself scarce as the irony was always it was Mums fault he smoked – neither Dad or I were ever brave enough to mention that fact. However it summarizes Dad on one final occasion his answer to Mum was I’ll bloody give up then then, no patches, no doctors, no counselling just bloody minded and that was that after 40 years – showed he could be stubborn and determined, if he set his mind to something job done.
I know how much Dad loved Chestnut Walk his home for 48 years he made lasting friendships to some truly amazing neighbours. Always felt fortunate to have grown up there and it was great that Dad always felt happy in his home surrounded by his friends.
Dad was very giving in that he was forever transporting me around to play sport when I was growing up. This could mean taking me to Brentwood for football or table tennis training as soon as he got home from work, picking me up from table tennis matches at 11 o’clock at night. He was always encouraging and offering good advice, admittedly at the time I was not necessarily mature enough to realise this being a bit of a wally at times. Even driving a friend and I to play in the English Open one year at 4 o’clock on a Saturday morning. Always there to help and encouraging if a little frustrated by my dedication to sport and almost casual disregard for my education which was one of the few things that made him lose his temper and to be fair rightly so. Despite everything we always had a good relationship and he was always available to offer advice and encourage he was just a bloody good egg.
Always be grateful that I played table tennis for a number of years, I did my best having the heart and determination of a champion but alas not the natural talent, which I think Dad recognised early on. But from my love of this and other sports my Dad showed me how to make friends for life and that is perhaps one the greatest gifts he bestowed upon me. Many of my friends from my teenage years are from my ping pong days and the fun and giggles along the way have been immense what an amazing gift to bestow upon your son thanks Dad.
He loved his grandchildren with all his heart. Upon Amy’s birth he was away with Mum at the  Company Christmas party and it summed up his happiness and generosity as he decided to buy champagne for all as he was so happy, not sure Mum was 100% in agreement.
He was very proud of Amy achieving her degree and Masters degree and being the first one in the family to achieve such a feat obviously Kate is quite clever as we are aware I am lacking in that department. For Matt he was very proud of his rugby winning the National Schools Sevens Competition and National 15’s although he always had reservations about the physical nature of the game and why we let our son play such a barbaric game.
Finally for me there is much but this is the most poignant matter of all I was blessed as a baby boy to be adopted by Bill and Jean Wadling. No idea how things could have been but boy was I lucky to be brought up in such a loving family environment by my Mum and Dad, never needed for anything their care and love was unconditional. I was so so lucky and for that I will always be thankful and have a heart full of love for both Mum and Dad. I will miss you with all my heart but will cherish the memories I hold dear and hope I can do you proud. Sleep well and peacefully.