My dear uncle Jack has always been in my life. He lived with Grannie Brown just across the road, so when I was young I saw him often. Illness in early life kept him away from school but he took the opportunity to read and learn as much as possible, a habit he continued throughout life. He gained a good knowledge of first aid and minor medical skill. It was he who I remember removing a speck from my eye and attending to scrapes and grazes and minor ailments.
He became a keen angler being a member of a local Angling Club and won prizes for his skill.
I think he was the first family member to own a camera and was keen to record family events and milestones, 21st Birthdays, Weddings and Christenings.
His sisters set up a blind date with one of their work friends, Mary. This proved to be a turning point in his . A match made in heaven leading to a very long and happy marriage. It was, also, a wonderful chance for me to be a bridesmaid.
As the years passed the arrival of five children were welcomed into our large family.
During this time Uncle Jack bought a caravan in Bewdley and family members were encouraged to visit and stay. Many pleasant hours were spent having tea on the rustic bench there and the fishermen in the family trying their luck to catch "The big one".
As time moved on so did family members. Many of us departing to New Zealand with lots of tears and sad farewells, but contact was not lost. The energetic letter writing of the sisters maintained the ongoing news on both sides of the world. The miles separated us in distance but not in love and affection.
Latterly, as young family members returned to England the chance to re-connect in person and meet at a wedding was achieved and it was if we had seen each other only yesterday.
Later trips to England when we managed to meet up for a family lunch and exchanged news the family links were renewed.
This year I was so disappointed and sad that I missed seeing Uncle Jack.
With his passing the memories become more poignant and precious so, rest in peace Uncle Jack with love from your niece, Joan