Dad grew up in London, times were often hard 
The Bomb sites were his playground and from these his leg was scarred.

He played for Spurs reserves, a Spurs supporter all his life 
Imagine if he’d met Mum then she’d have been a footballer’s wife.

National Service changed all this and gave him a new career
It was from this point that he went on to became an air traffic engineer.

His first job took him to Laugharne, South Wales a place he’d never been
Mum worked in the post office, she was just sweet sixteen.

The tall dark stranger from London popped in to post a letter 
And there it was he met young Liz, the girl that he called Betty

I was born in 1960, two years after their marriage. 
Jude was born at home in ‘63, Dad was outside building a garage.

Dad helped me with my homework, taught me to ride a bike and swim 
Gave me driving lessons in an old morris minor -  that must have been scary for him!!

He took me to watch Football - Tranmere Rovers on a Friday evening 
Then to Anfield to watch Liverpool in the days of Kevin Keegan. 

Dad was smart, a true gentleman to everyone he’s ever known
It made us smile when he combed his hair before he answered the phone.

Dad loved sport - especially Spurs, he also played cricket and golf 
He picked up trophies along the way which took pride of place on a shelf.

Mum and Dad loved dancing, but for Dad this wasn’t always so
I remember there was a time he didn’t want to know

Mum got tickets for a local dance 
Dad’s response - no way, not a chance.

Next thing you know he gives it a go, starts tripping the light fantastic
Every week he’s up for more - a waltz, a foxtrot, or quickstep 

Scooping up certificates, always dressed to impress
I never saw him in sequins but there was a lot of fancy dress.  

Dad got into line dancing and ran a class each week for friends
The class was very popular, Dad kept up with the latest trends

It was all grapevines and kick ball change down at the village hall
Mum just giggled at the back she wasn’t much help at all! 

My Dad could do anything, he was brilliant at DIY and fixing
There were examples of his handiwork in every house I lived in.  

Pencil behind the ear, tongue out to concentrate
I’d pass him a screwdriver, hammer or nail and be his helpful workmate

I loved car journeys chatting with Dad - 5 hours down to Wales
Setting off at the crack of dawn, time to listen to his tales.

Jude would be in the back and fall asleep with Mum, 
I sat in front passing Dad his Wrigley spearmint gum.

Then journeys to and from Sheffield which wasn’t quite so far 
Dad picked me up at the end of term, packed my stuff around me in the car! 

We didn’t always see eye to eye, as a teenager I was a pain 
When I threatened to leave home once, Dad said....”I’ll pay for your train!!”

But even then, I admit it now, I valued his opinion
What would Dad think? What would Dad say? My Dad was one in a million. 

I don’t think that will ever change even now when he’s at rest
I hope I made you proud Dad.  Thanks for everything you’re the best.