Royal Norfolks Cap Badge (photo: Dormskirk)
11th January I posted that my father had tested positive for Covid. At 100+ year he might be expected to succumb to that, so you can imagine our delight when he recovered. But yesterday he took a tumble and bashed his head; we don’t know yet how severe that knock. The paramedics took him to the hospital for observation.
Around 1:30 this morning he “brightened”, smiled, slumped, and died.
Apart from fathering we three sibs (and a pretty good job he’s made of that) his most lasting contribution has been his many accounts of the Massacre of La Paradis, May 1940. For those interested in the story, his account, along with his artwork, can be found here.
Also included on that site (right at the end, keep scrolling) is the most recent photo on his 100th birthday proudly displaying his Birthday Telegram from the Queen.
My father would not want us to grieve. He was the epitome of love. He never preached; he always walked his talk. His love goes on.
crispina kemp 
My sympathies
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Thank you. But I am happy that in the end he didn’t suffer, though he did go through that covid first
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I’m sorry for your loss! Hugs and prayers for you
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Thank you, Sadje
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Hugs my friend
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Thank you, Sadje
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❤️
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🙂
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Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this 😟
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He was over 100, Joanne. The day had to come. And he didn’t suffer. That’s so important to us
But thanks for your thoughts
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You were so blessed to have him! Much Love, Deborah ❤
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Thank you 🙂
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❤ !
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When I first saw your title, that’s where my thoughts went. Then I read and thought oh observation, then the real news that your Dad died. When my Dad was at his end he just said ” I had a good life” and I know he loved his life. Sounds like your father very much did as well and wants his loved ones to love the memories not hate the loss. I am still so sorry to hear the news as I know how much you loved him and also what Covid protocols took away in denying family members access to their loved ones. Dang it can happen fast right when all seems copacetic.
Lots of love your way, wishes for peace and joy in remembrance, and perhaps you’ll regale us with many stories and anecdotes too of your life together. I love all my Dad’s stories of his youth and things that happened when we were children. Have I ever told you the gunpowder story?
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Wow your dad looks great in the link at his 100th!! I did not know he was a sketch artist…the image is wonderful! My father couldn’t draw but did write many speeches about his military service and the lessons it taught him.
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My father gave me all his study books when I was still in my teens. But for years I stayed away from pen & ink, cos that’s what he did. Until I got accepted at art college. Then I thoughts, ok, he knows I’m good. I can excel. And the first pen & ink study I did I gave to him (it was a Broads’ view, reeds & mill, butterfly and umbellifers)
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Not yet, but I’m sure you will, Judy. 🙂 🙂 🙂
I’ve changed the dedication in Learning to Fly, It was supposed to be for Shen again, but what the heck, she’s had 5. This one is to my father; it seems appropriate
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Absolutely, only now it’s him on angel wings!!
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🙂 Yea
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Sorry for your loss, my friend.
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Thank you. Though at his ripe age, it was expected. We’re just glad he didn’t suffer through the worst of covid, he really did only have a mild case. We’re waiting to hear the cause of death.
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My heart breaks at your loss, Crispina, but as you say, his love goes on. Thinking of you, my friend.
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Thanks, Sammi. His love surrounds me, as it always has.
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Sincere sympathies. It’s precious that he left you with a smile. 🙂
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He was ready. He said after his 100th birthday, that he could relax now, now he’d done that.
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Dearest Crispina,
Such a lovely message to share of your father’s passing. Yes, he lived a long and wonderful life (I’m saving your link to read tomorrow when my eyes are no longer drooping!)
I know he was ready and you are all good with everything but sending some love your way anyway (there’s never too much of that)
xoxo
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Thank you, Dale. Love and more love, it’s always welcome
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