In Memory Of My Dad-George Alfred Gollop
 
What can you say about dad.  He was a proud, strong, confident, independent, loving man.  Born in Tottenham in London he was the second eldest of 4 brothers.  They did not have much and had what could be called a rough childhood but it never got him down.   He used to take a penny to the shop for his mum and come back with every thing needed for a meal for the family. 

Each Christmas his mum gave him fruit and a liquorish pipe set.  As an adult for years he smoked a pipe, which people will remember him for. But eventually when it was threatening his eyesight he gave it up instantly.  Which surprised everyone.  An example of his strong will.   The liquorish stayed though.
 
Dad went out to work at an early age and helped support his family.  He ended up working for the railway but by 17 the second world war had broken out.  He then did voluntary work for the home guard.  At 18 he was called up to go into the Navy.  Where he was to spend the rest of the war.  He worked as a gunner and most of the ships he served on ended up sinking.  He assured me it was not his fault.  During this time my Nan on 2 occasions received telegrams that he had been seriously injured and was not expected to recover, but as we all know not only did he make it, but had excellent scars, which he showed everyone for the rest of his life. He also returned to the navy to continue his service to his country. 

He was released in 1946 with a new suit and a small lump sum.  By then he had travelled around the world.  Seen wonders that most of us can only dream of.  Suffered hardships that none of us would want to live and done more then most people do in a lifetime.  He was just 24.  He was more then ready to meet the new challenges that where to confront him. 
 
When he came home he went back to the job he had left on the railway but soon after he got his job with the bus company as a driver and stayed working with them till he retired at 65.  He had over 35 yrs exemplary service. 
 
In the early 50s he meet his future wife who was a bus conductress.   They ended up marrying and having 2 children, my brother George Gollop Junior and myself.  By 1955 when I was born they had managed to bye a nice house, which I was born in. They lived there till the marriage failed a few years later. 

Dad never really had a partner after that. He continued to live in that house and be out main carer.  Being a single parent back in the 50s was unusual but when that parent was also a man.  Basically that was unheard of, but dad took it all in his stride.  Just another challenge to overcome.
 
In the late 60s early 70s Dad come down my school to tell me that there had been a fire in our lovely house.   It was completely ruined. Dad ended up in hospital for 6 mths with lung congestion.  Again he almost died.  When he finally got out, he was told he could not rebuild the house.  So he decided to move to Luton to a new town house, which he still owns to this day.  He upped sticks and started to rebuild his life again.  He transferred to St Albans bus garage.  Which meant having to travel many miles a day to and from work.  It was not that uncommon a site to see a bus parked on our drive so he could get into work in the early hours before other transport was running.  After all he was the driver of those buses. 

Then one day he came in from work saying he was going to the hospital.  Me and George though he was joking.  Looking outside our house there was an ambulance.  He had got them to stop and tell us where he was going.  So we did not worry.  Turns out he had a perforated appendix and yet again he almost died.  Still he had though of us before him own health and well-being.
 
Dad joined the buffaloes in the late 60s and manage to raise to high rank.  He was very proud of that and made many friends there.  He loved to show of his medals and tell is about his trips etc. 
 
He also joined the Royal British Legion.  Again he managed to make his mark and loved nothing better then spending time there with his friends.  The family and I would like to thank both organisations for their help and support of dad and for being here today.
 
Last year dad had a stroke.  We where told once again he was not going to make it.  But once again he fought hard to recover.  He was unable to return to him house in Luton so came to Milton Keynes to be closer to the family.  This extra time with dad was very special.  He had another birthday, 2 holidays to Butlins, a huge family Christmas and all the other family birthdays and occasions for the last 7 months.  That is a lot with 2 children, many grandchildren and even more great grandchildren.   Although he could not go back to his own house, dad managed to get to his buffaloes in Luton regularly and meet up with friends and family.  He also made lots of new friends in his lunch clubs. He was a different person to different people.  To me he was just my dad…
 
George Alfred Gollop, Father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, friend. ...sadly missed.. Rest in peace dad, you left your mark on the world and we will never be forgot you.