John Arthur LAWRENCE

The first, when I was just a little boy with my Dad. The second, so many years later, still together. And the last one is perhaps the one I will treasure most.

Even towards the end, after everything he had been through, that sense of humour was still there. Sticking his tongue out at the camera — still being Dad, still making me smile.

That picture means so much to me because it reminds me not of the illness, but of the man behind it. His humour, his character and the Dad I loved so deeply.

From the little boy looking up to his father, to the grown man beside him at the end, I was incredibly lucky to have him as my Dad.

I will miss you more than I can ever put into words, Dad, but I will remember the laughs as much as the tears.

And that last photo will always make me smile.

Love you, Dad. Always. ❤️

On Wednesday I lost my dad, and I’m struggling to find the words to describe just how much he meant to me.
I loved him deeply. He wasn’t just my dad; he was the person who gave me so many of the interests that became part of who I am. We shared a love of steam trains, electronics and engineering, and I will always treasure the time we spent together, talking, learning and sharing those passions.
It broke my heart to lose him, but after everything he had been through, I take some comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace and no longer suffering.
Dad died the day before my brother Andrew’s birthday. We lost Andrew when he was just a child, and Mum said something that brought us all some comfort:
“Andrew is with his Daddy now.”
I’d like to believe that too.
Rest peacefully, Dad. Thank you for everything you taught me, everything we shared, and most of all, for being my dad.
I will love you and miss you always. ❤️