Obituary for Jack




These were my thoughts on Tuesday, 6th October, 2015
Jack died last night in a room overlooking the sea. Gilly was there and had told him that she loved him. Tina and I are so sad but we rejoice in that he was our friend and that he made such a wonderful life.


He came from hardship, the Black Country, where money was scarce but the love of family and country abundant. He joined the Royal Navy as a boy and went on to serve Queen and Country in destroyers, aircraft-carriers, and submarines. He married his childhood sweetheart Gilly, they raised children, loved and helped each other, and were together in marriage always. When he left the Royal Navy he served at Hinkley Point Atomic Power Station until retirement. But he continued to serve Queen and Country even more, with the help of Gilly, in the Royal Naval Association and so became its leading Officer in the West Country.

Over the years he has helped countless young lads and lasses find purpose, dignity, possibly in the services, certainly honouring our Naval tradition. Some of these lads and lasses were able to sail with him on  tall ships. Trafalgar night will never be the same without Jack and Gilly as admirals will attest. He was a sportsman, had played soccer, boxed for the Navy, and was a scratch golfer. Jack and Tina had that kind of relationship you find in brother & sister it was nice. Gilly is another woman who can tell me off! I will miss our chats about the sea and far away places. I will miss a good friend and quintessential Englishman.

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