He'd had several strokes in recent years and really could no longer communicate - but until this last problem was still very mobile.
A couple of months ago he fell down stairs in the night and ended up in hospital - not a great place for him as he had a genuine phobia for them that left him shaking - even when visiting.
They were ready to discharge him after a very short period but delays in sorting out a care package and then ward closure due to norovirus meant he was trapped for weeks - so I've speant a lot of time driving back and forth to Reading. After that he steadily deteriorated - I think not least in part to being trapped in a place he couldn't cope with.
He died about 6am this morning. I missed being there at the end but my sister and niece were with him.
Many happy memories. He loved nothing more than working on motorbikes, cars and aircraft - that's where I learned my skills.
He was also a champion bodger - but sometimes took that too far when it would really have been better to renew but his aversion to spend money (something learned from his dad and passed to his sons) meant the bodge usually won.
I will miss him.
Please raise a glass to his memory - I should really offer you his home made wine ..... but I won't (that was always a bit hit & miss)
