A tribute to Dad. Read at his funeral Thursday 25th June 2020 at 2.30pm. Samuel George Tomes 1933 - 2020. ‘George’ 60 years ago today at this hour, Mom and Dad took vows in marriage and made a commitment to each other to spend their lives together. The day Mom desperately wanted them to celebrate and the day Dad struggled, battled and fought so hard to reach - he knew how important it was to Mom. So, although unconventional as it is, they are here together for one last time on their very special day. I say ‘mission accomplished’, congratulations Mom and Dad on your Diamond Wedding Anniversary. 60 years of caring and sharing, good times and bad times. Through the happy, sad, high and low times of life, laughs, tears, accomplishments and failures all embraced or endured with unity and the exceptionally strong bond of love they have for each other. A small gathering today but so many people are thinking of us and remembering Dad with fondness, love and respect; for his kind, gentle nature and his incredible sense of humour and wit. Dad was a quiet, generous gentle Gentleman who never demanded anything from anyone. Enjoying a quiet lifestyle, proud and protective of Mom, of his children and of his granddaughters. For all our faults he loved each of us immeasurably, seen easily through the sparkle in his eyes, his cheeky grin, his cuddles and hugs and the smallest of gestures - holding hands. Dad loved to hold hands, his grip was always so tight, his way of saying ‘I’m here and I love you’. Towards the end he gained much comfort from this small gesture, knowing someone who cared deeply was close to him. Dad’s love for and devotion to Mom gave him the strength to keep fighting. He won battles of poor health many, many times even when the odds were stacked heavily against him. He had an unbelievable strength of will and courage to keep going. Mom loved Dad endlessly and her devotion to him was immense. She is such an amazing lady who took great pains to oversee Dad’s health and welfare: ensuring perfectly home cooked meals were always served, Dad loved his food. Encouraging Dad to be healthy and motivating him to be mobile and do simple tasks, even when his mind wouldn’t allow him to do so. Tending his every need when he was unable to look after himself. Nursing him with incredible care and patience (most of the time), but always with love. As a family one of the most difficult and heartbreaking decisions we’ve ever had to make was to place Dad in a care home. Dad didn’t like the idea but recognised how much Mom was struggling, always putting aside her own health and well being to care for him. So he accepted it, only ever wanting what was best for Mom. In the care home he was safe, very well cared for and treated with respect, dignity and love. For that we are so grateful and appreciative of the wonderful staff at Oak Lodge. A special thank you to Dad’s big brother, Uncle John, for his care, love and support for Dad, for Mom and for our family. Through his own health issues and the sad loss of his beloved wife, Auntie Betty, Uncle John has remained devoted and committed to supporting his little brother and made many visits to see him, offer comfort and have a chat. I must also say thank you to my big brother Alan. As he remains in the family home he has gone to great lengths to ensure Mom is safe, secure, and household affairs are managed. These things gave Dad much reassurance and comfort knowing that Joannie was being well looked after. As mentioned earlier Dad was very proud of his family, as is Mom, but they held a special pride in their son Ian, so sadly taken from us too soon. Dad couldn't accept the loss of Ian and rarely spoke of him after his death in 2016. Yet he was so proud of him for all he achieved in his lifetime, particularly for his service in the Royal Air Force; they’d talk for hours about his deployments and antics. Ian’s passing left us all broken hearted. Dad doted on his Granddaughters Rachel and Anna and they idolised him in return. The majority of their young childhood was spent with Mom and Dad due to Al and my work commitments. The girls are blessed with many special memories of their Granddad who did so much for them, nothing was ever too much trouble and only the best would do for them. Even school homework was overseen by Dad; I think he enjoyed it more than the girls did! I am truly blessed and very proud that George is my Dad, always in my heart and my memories, forever loved and never forgotten. And through my tears of sadness and loss, Dad’s voice is with me saying ‘ what you crying for, you silly wench’. He never could bear to see any of his loved ones upset. Dad, I love you, I miss you but know you will always be with me.