Hi Dad, sorry Jeanette and I haven't been up to the crematorium for a while, we have no way of getting up there as our car is off the road and I cant see when I can get it working again. Although we haven't been there, you and Mum are always in our thoughts and will never be forgotten. We haven't heard from Rita and Sue for a while but know they both go to the crematorium as often as they can. We both miss you terribly and our love for you will forever be in our hearts and fond, loving memories will always be in our thoughts. Remembering you at Christmas and every day. All our love to you, forever. We miss and love you always. Bill, Jeanette and all the family. XXX XXX XXX

Rita Alan and I went to the crem on Thursday 7th March Dad. We left some lovely flowers for you and Mum. Its 4 years since you left and 2 years since Mum left, it doesn't seem possible. We all miss you so much, every day I look at your photo's and speak to you both. Rita and I are off on holiday again this year, we hope to do this every year Alan doesn't mind, you know what he's like about flying. Love you always Sue xx

Hi Dad are you getting the brandy we keep tipping over the rose bush at the Crem, We bet you are. We will be going to the crem again in October for Mums birthday,give you some more then. Love and miss you lots. your loving daughters Ras and Sue.

They say time heals many things But not the sadness Christmas brings The pain in my heart will always remain Until the day we meet again

I wish that I could see you Dad, For just a little while, I wish that I could hug you and see your lovely smile, But wishing gets me nowhere, And longing is in vain. So I will hold you in my heart. Until we meet again.

Hi Dad, Yesterday was a sad yet beautiful day for all the family. Sad, because we laid Mum to rest after her illness took her from us, and also we remembered you as it was exactly 2 years ago that you too were taken. But it was a beautiful day as the sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. We each had different memories that we recalled either to ourselves or to each other as we talked about you both after the funeral. We are all so proud to be part of such a loving, yet giving family and we have you and Mum to thank for that. Your love and devotion to your children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren will live with us all forever and I'm sure we all bring our families up in the same way as you. Mum never got over losing you 2 years ago Dad, she often mentioned how she wanted to be with you, yet not wanting to leave all of us. I'm sure you were at the gates of Heaven to welcome her into your arms that have been empty for the last past 2 years. I can only begin to imagine the joy in both your faces as Mums eyes met yours once more, I'm sure her heart has now begun to mend. Thinking of you both always. Speak to you soon Dad. Love you always. Bill xxx

Dad, you have been gone now for almost 2 years, Mum has missed you so very much over this time but now you are both together once more. Mum joined you on Wednesday 23rd February 2011 at 1910hrs. We all love you both so very much and will always miss you. Bill, Jeanette, Rita, Alan,Sue and all the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

It's been such a long time since I've written anything on here Dad. So much has been going on you would never believe it. But at last all the problems seem to have gone and we have a new addition to the family, a Great Granddaughter to you and Mum. Joanna gave birth to a beautiful daughter on 20th November 2010 at 0136am. She weighed 5lb 10ounces and is an absolute beauty. Jo named her Kharis Amelia Marie. She is so good Dad, hardly makes a sound. She sleeps all the time, (just like Jo ha ha) and only makes a noise when she wants her feed. Jeanette and I go to see Mum every week to make sure she has everything she needs in the way of shopping and any odd jobs that may need doing. We then go to the crematorium to put fresh flowers on your plot and to say "Hi" to you. Even when Mum goes up to Sues or Ritas, I go to see you with Jeanette. Mums been at Ritas since Sunday 28th, your wedding anniversary. She was feeling a bit down so Rita took her home with her for the week, Mum told me tonight that she was going home tomorrow, Monday, so Jeanette, myself, Joanna, her new boyfriend James and Baby Kharis are going to suprise her so she can see her new Great granddaughter for the first time. Well Dad, I'm going to say bye for now. I will write on here soon. We all miss you so very much and wish you were still with us. I love you Dad. Jeanette and the girls all miss you too and send their love. Speak to you soon, Love Bill

Mum,Rita & I have just returned from Spain after scattering Dad's ashes. Mum was in two minds as to wether to go, she said that going to the Hotel that they had gone to for the past 20 odd years, would bring back too many memories. Rita & I talked her into it at last but we understood how difficult it would be for her. Francessco [ one of the waiters in the Hotel ] told me that the staff had wondered where Dad was? I tod him that Dad had died the previous year. He was quite upset and said that they had all thought Dad was a very fine man. He went on to say that Mum was looking realy well. On Monday 24th May, Mum, Rita & I got a taxi to Javea. We chose Javea because Mum & Dad spent many happy years there. They took me there in 1977,the first time I had ever been abroad. Javea soon had me under its spell. I loved it too. It has changed & changed a lot but it seems to have kept its magic. We had lunch in one of the many bar / restaurants along the sea front, then walked along the waters edge Mum & Rita paddled in the water. We went to the end of the bay, up near the Paradore Hotel. Rita & I wrote in the sand-------DOUG !! MILLIE SUE RITA WAS HERE------- we scattered the ashes over the message then sat on the rocks and watched the sea slowly lap over it until it had all washed out to sea. It was truly beautiful and very calming. We huged each other and had a cry, then eventually after two and a half hours we left. Mum said that she had a good time on holiday. There were a lot of memories but they were all good ones. Every where we went we said "Do you remember when Dad said------"or "Do you remember when Dad did------" It was mostly a very Happy holiday and I for one am very glad that I went. It's been 15 months now since Dad died . I thought it would get easier as time past, but it dos'nt. He was always just a phone call away or a couple of hours in the car. I know I still have Mum & believe me I am treasuring every moment with her. She is coming to stay with me for a week at the end of June. No dought we will be talking about Dad most of the time. We all love Dad & miss him so much. From his loving No 2 girl Susanne xx

DAD Strong yet gentle, Firm but fair, Good times and bad, You're always there, Like the warming sun, In the morning skies, We live in the love, That shines in your eyes. Love you always Dad, Rita xxx

Hello Sweetheart It's been one year since we've been apart, I love and miss you so much, there's not a minute goes by that I don't think of you Doug. We have just had Mothers Day, no, I didn't spend it with either of the girls. Rita was with her family and Sue with hers. I, my Darling, went to Bill and Jeanettes. We had a very nice lunch, roast lamb and all the trimmings (beautiful). We spoke about you all the time. By the way Sweetheart, I've been to Bill and Jeanettes 3 times, yes, 3 times, in the lift, 14 flights!! I didn't think it at all possible and I'm quite sure it won't be the last. I felt quite safe with the two Helds' beside me. I'm about to go to have my hair set now. I must keep it tidy for you as always. Until we meet again my Darling, will say Cheerio, love you forever, your loving Wife and Sweetheart, Millie. XXXX

I can't believe it's been one whole year today Dad. The time has gone so quickly and yet you have always been in our thoughts. Today, Mum, Rita & Alan, Sue, Jeanette and myself arranged to meet at the crematorium where we checked the book of remembrance and then laid some roses while thinking of you. We all had a tot of brandy, (your favourite tipple) while thinking of you Dad, we even poured a little by your plaque so you didn't get left out. Then we drove to a restaurant and had a meal together recalling past times as a family like the Christmases we had when we were young and how you and Mum always made them so special for us. The way you used to dress as Santa and knock at the door to bring us our special presents and then without us knowing you would get in your car, still in the costume and drive to Auntie Jeans' to do it all over again with her children. Samantha, our youngest, made a special calendar for Mum, all in black and white with a picture of you in your white shirt, grey trousers, great tan and a glass of brandy in your hand and wearing that so distinctive and distinguished grin of yours, and in the left corner she placed two red roses. Mum loved it and I'm sure she will put it in a very special place for everyone to see. Mum went up to Sue's place last week but became quite ill while she was there, she is feeling much better now and has been eating better. While she was up there, Sue moved her computers printer and lots of pictures of you started to scroll over the computer screen, she doesn't know why or how because some of the pictures she hasn't even got in her possession. It's one more of these unexplained occurrences that keep happening to us since you've been gone. Even the table number we sat at today was number seven, the date you left us. Well Dad, I'll leave it there for now, we all think of you every day and love you with all our hearts, now and for all eternity. Love you Dad, I'll write again soon, God bless. XXX

When I think of Uncle Doug I remember a kind and loving Uncle who was married to my favourite Auntie so that made him even more special. Some of the happiest memories of my childhood is staying with Auntie Millie and Uncle Doug in the school holidays in their prefab. They were always fun and never seemed to get cross. He used to take us down to the railway bridge to see the Flying Scotsman speeding beneath us and also took us ice skating at Harringay Arena. There are so many little details that I will always remember. They were the only people that I knew that had a fridge in those days and they used to make ice lollies which were delicious. Auntie Millie let us have bubble gum and even taught me how to blow bubbles. I remember thinking how lucky Rita and Susanne were. Bill was only a twinkle in Uncle Dougs eye then. As long as I can remember I have looked on them as the perfect married couple. It was clear to see how much they adored one another. Nothing ever changed there and as their family grew so did their love. What wonderful times they had when Uncle Doug retired. The long holidays spent in Spain together made us look forward to retirement and hope we could do something similar and be as happy as they obviously were. Seeing the love that their children and Grandchildren have for Uncle Doug and the loving things they have written confirms what a very special man he was, What better tribute to his life than the wonderful family that is the product of their love. He was definately one of a kind.... The best kind, the kind you can never forget.

Hi Dad, last night (8th August) was a really great time. Mum, Rita, Alan, Sue, me and Jeanette, all your Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren (20 of us in total) met up and went for a family get together and meal to celebrate the life of the greatest Husband, Father, and Grandfather, in fact the most wonderful human being ever. You may not have been there in person Dad, but we all felt your strong prescence and remembered you with such happy and fond memories, they will be with us for the rest of our lives. There were some of the family that couldn't make it, due to holidays or other commitments that could not be avoided, but I'm sure they all took time to remember a truly Great Man. We all miss you so very much Dad, and each one of us has at least one very special memory that means the world to us. I have so many, too many to list, one in particular Dad, was the time you asked me to teach you to roller skate when we were on holiday in Great Yarmouth. I held your hand as you wobbled and stumbled around the rink a couple of times, then you said you thought you may be alright and wanted to try it on your own. You let go of my hand and skated off, stumbling a little. Then, as I watched, you began going faster and faster, skating backwards, spinning in circles and turning so quickly! I stood open mouthed at how well I had "taught" you, then Mum let me into your little secret of how you used to be in the Ice hockey team. You got me well and truly with that one Dad. I still believe I was a great teacher and you was an even better student, Ha Ha! As I sit here writing, more and more memories come flooding back to me, if I was to start writing them down, I'd be here for at least a month. Dad, I love you so very much and miss you even more, but I know you are with me as you are with all of us, especially Mum, every day. Jeanette and myself take Mum to the rememberance gardens every week and ensure you always have fresh flowers by your plaque. The little robin that is usually there has dissapeared at the moment, I think he's gone to sunnier climates but I'm sure he will be back come Autumn. Well, that's about it for now Dad, I'll talk to you again soon. Jeanette, Leanne, Joanna, Samantha and myself all love you and always will. XXX

Hi gramps (: On tuesday last week, 28th of July, we went to nan's for the day. She showed us the lovely plaque which she has placed next you your beautiful Peace Rose tree. We all had a giggle when we imagined the confusion it would cause when people read your english name, followed by yours and nans special spanish greeting to eachother. We walked around the whole of the garden, and each of us found it very peaceful as there were no traffic noises and the flowers were in bloom. However we didnt manage to see the elusive little Robin that nan has befriended, but are hoping the cheese we will bring next time will tempt him! The whole family are meeting this saturday with a promise that everyone has a big brandy to toast the memory of a wonderful human being who will be forever missed but NEVER forgotten. We are all in regular contact with nan, so please dont worry that she is alone. She showed us her calendar, and is expecting Jane and Charlie, then off to Sues and then to Lol and Paul's house for the bank holiday weekend! (: We will raise our glasses to you on saturday. See you then. All our love, the Phillips mob x x x

Rita

14 years ago

Dear Dad , At last a few lines, I find it so hard to tell you how much i miss you , All the family are getting together for this special day the 8th August as it would have been your 88th Birthday. We will have a few tears and lots of fun talking about you and all the things we dont together. We will of course have a few brandys to drink to a great man and a very special dad ( the best ). Your vacant place place no one can fill i miss you now and always will Love Ras x x x

It's miserable without you here Life's really drab and dull To see that happy smile of yours Would be just wonderful Thoughts turn to you so many times Now that we are apart You're missed much more than you can know And kept so close in heart Wish we could be together And can't wait until we are But until then, remember, Doug Loving thoughts can travel far. Love you forever, Doug Your devoted Wife, Millie

Death Is Nothing At All by Henry Scott Holland Canon of St. Paul's Cathedral Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped into the next room. I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way that you always used. Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was, let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well.

God knew that we each would need shelter and guidance Throughout all our growing up years, Warmth and compassion for all of our problems And strength for our worries and fears. He saw that we all needed wisdom for living A knowledge of heaven above, True understanding of life’s deeper meanings Examples of kindness and love. And so he made Fathers to stand by our side To inspire us in every endeavour, Whose faith and devotion will last through our lives And whose love we will cherish forever.

I know I only knew you For 4 years, maybe less I wish I could still see you It would be the very best You was my only grandad That was still alive But you are still my Grandad Because to me you're still inside I knew I would always love you From the first moment we met You will always be the Grandad That I will never forget I still see you in my mind When I am on my own You was always just so kind The kindest man I've known Love you forever Grandad Samantha 15 yrs (grandaughter)

Hi Dad, It's Easter Sunday and although I haven't written anything for a few days, there isn't a day passes by that I don't think of you, I check this tribute site each day to see if anything has been added and of course to see you. Mum is at Sues over Easter and through till the end of next week, then we are all going to the caravan for the weekend. Mum will at last see Camber 'stones' as she likes to call it. You never did get to see the place did you? I wish you had but I'm sure you will be with us all, especially with Mum. I miss you so much Dad, it's true what people say about not missing something till it's gone, I miss the thought of knowing you were always there, just a phone call away or even a short drive. I miss your welcome smile whenever we came to see you and ultimately, I miss your presence, I miss YOU, Dad. I phone Mum every day, sometimes I don't manage to talk with her as she is out with Sue or Rita and Alan but I speak with her as much as I can. She got upset when Jeanette and myself collected you from the funeral home, but her spirit lifted once she realised you were back with the love of your life. It was so reassuring to know you are still with Mum and made yourself known to her the other week, she seemed so comforted by your arm around her and the kiss showed her you still love her as much as you always have. I hope you will continue to let us all know you are still with us. I love you Dad, Jeanette and the girls send their love too. Speak to you again soon. Bill XXX

Buenas noches mi querido, Dios los bendiga XX No se olvide, voy a siempre amor tu XX X Una para el camano X Y uno de nuestro amor Millie

Our Grandad 2. Tragically lost but always loved and forever remembered. Our Grandad 2 put the Great into Great Grandfather The Gentle into Gentleman And the Good into Goodwill. If ever a room was blessed with his prescence, it would be filled with a happy, positive energy which will be dearly missed. We always felt welcomed with his big warm cuddles and elated smile. He was a man of kindness, who often made us laugh and giggle, and forever more we will remember one of his favourite old school phrases which sums up the loving man he was...."smashing". God bless you Grandad 2. Holly, Lucy and Megan. (Great Grandchildren)

We all met up with nan today at Van Hages garden centre, and had a lovely lunch grandad. Nan told us of her experience with you this morning; it was lovely to hear you'd put your arm around her and kissed her. We know she got a lot of comfort out of this, it's amazing that you've found a way to reach her again, your love and spirit is so strong. It has been just over a week since your funeral and the pictures taken of us with nan were really special, it's great to see that you were there too. We all love you dearly grandad, love lorraine, paul, hollie, lucy and megan x x

It will be 3 weeks on Saturday Dad, Mum seems to be coping but last Monday was the hardest for her as it was the first day of being totally on her own. We all call her every day to see if she needs anything and that she is okay. Ann and Linda took her out for lunch on Wednesday which she really enjoyed, Rita has taken her to 'the madhouse' for a few days and on Monday Jeanette and myself will be going up to spend the day with her. She will be going to Sue's for Easter week and then on the Saturday after Easter, we, Jeanette, myself, Rita, Alan, Sue and Mum will be spending the weekend at our caravan. We should have a good time but there will be one very special person absent Dad, YOU, but only in body, you will be with us all in our hearts and our memories as you are every day. I took a photograph of Mum with her Grandchildren And Great Grandchildren on the day of youir funeral and when I looked at it on the computer there was a really strong, bright orb, at the side of Mum and Megan, I'm sure that was you Dad, was it? I told Mum you would always be with her. love you Dad, I wish you could show us all somehow that you are still with us, not only in our hearts. Speak to you again soon Dad, I hope you are keeping Aunt Ethel on her toes. xxx

This day is remembered and quietly kept No need for reminders we will never forget Deep in our hearts you will always stay Loved and remembered every day No one knows the grief we bear When the family meets and you're not there Wishing today as we wished before That God could have spared you many years more

Doug was a lovely man, with whom I shared many a happy moment chatting about one thing and another. He was always giving me tips about fish which were helpful. I will remember Doug for his sweet nature and caring ways. I know that residents of Coates Lodge that knew him will all send their love to Millie and hope to see her in the lounge as soon as she feels able. l

Although we never met you, our thoughts are with all your family today, who dearly loved you. God Bless Jean amd family