Two years later and I am still asking the same questions. Did we all thank you enough for everything that you gave to the world? I love you Dad and I always will. Thank you, thank, thank you! RIP.

A eulogy for a special commemoration service at John Pounds Church, High Street, Old Portsmouth, Sunday 21st November at 10.30 am. Victor William Francis Marks. My father, Victor, was caring, quiet and independent. Dad loved animals, especially birds, dogs and horses, gardening and roses. He gave generously as a volunteer to communities, charities and causes, including the John Pounds Church and the Aircrew Association. After his war service in the RAF, Dad trained as a carpenter and made household furniture and for my brother Jon and me, wooden toys. ‘Santa’ arrived in full regalia to give us them. Dad took us to watch Pompey when we were only eight or nine. Dad worked hard all of his life. At the Executive Council of the NHS, Dad’s job involved administration, a small cog keeping the big wheel turning. He died in that big wheel when the COVID-19 pandemic took him, his stay in a care home having lasted less than two weeks. Dad wished for no eulogies so I kept this short. Dad, you are a quiet hero, always loved and sorely missed. The poem ‘As We Look Back’, says it all: As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering ….. Did we remember to thank you enough For all you have done for us? For all the times you were by our sides To help and support us ….. To celebrate our successes To understand our problems And accept our defeats? Or for teaching us by your example, The value of hard work, good judgment, Courage and integrity? We wonder if we ever thanked you For the sacrifices you made. To let us have the very best? And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us. (Anon).

As We Look Back As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering ….. Did we remember to thank you enough For all you have done for us? For all the times you were by our sides To help and support us ….. To celebrate our successes To understand our problems And accept our defeats? Or for teaching us by your example, The value of hard work, good judgment, Courage and integrity? We wonder if we ever thanked you For the sacrifices you made. To let us have the very best? And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us. Anon