I met your dad in 1998, he was a friend of my boyfriend at the time, Julian, who is now my husband. I was amazed that all the boys from Aston had stayed so close after leaving university, but at the time I hadn’t realized the strength of their friendships, the bonds that they still share that have lasted for decades.

My first memories of your dad are happy ones, so are the last ones and all of the ones in between. That was the amazing gift that your dad had, to make those around him feel special and happy. I feel truly blessed that I was able to call him my friend for close to 18 years.

Even though your dad had an amazingly responsible career, he was always the first to be in touch when you most needed it. When my mum was battling cancer, a plant arrived from your dad that still sits in her house today. When my baby girl was laying in intensive care after her brain surgeries, toys and books and teddies arrived from your dad. When my dad had his heart bypass surgery a bottle of Champagne arrived, that one made us smile!

Your dad came to us for Christmas in Sydney a few times. First with your grandma and grandad and later with your mum. I treasure the memories of those days, even the bit where the game of quoits became a bit too competitive and your dad decided he was too tired to play so was throwing them from his chair (see photo!). He bought us a beautiful garden gnome that year!

I hope that these messages bring you some comfort in the years to come. Your dad was loved, is loved, by many, many people and so are you Jude.

With love, Karen, Julian, Freya and Alex xxxxx