This man stood tall against the challenge brought by the winds of life, he was a man who knew and loved life's
enthusiasms, its great devotions and enthusiastically spent himself in their cause.
From the OG:
" He made his first birthday cake in the sandpit - and very proud of
it too.."
" Bless his heart, he climbed his first tree that day- with mummy
holding his hand and bum - so, its easy isn't it?"
" Who would have guessed he would end his life - 62 years later,
breaking my heart which does not want to beat any more without
his being there for me. Real love is a precious thing"
The two commemorative photographs accompanying this
message are in 'Albums - Early Years'.
From Michelle, Aidan and Caleigh:
Dear Dad and Grandad,
We would like to let you know that on your birthday we will be
baking you a special cake and will have an extra slice or two in your
honour.
Not a day goes by without us all thinking of you.
The kiddies said the most beautiful prayer for you the other
evening, I hope you enjoyed it because it sure brought tears to my
eyes.
Lots of Love,
Michelle, Aidan and Caleigh
From Annie, Kevin, Jason and Nic:
Hi Dad,
A very difficult message to write as it feels like only yesterday we
had to say goodbye to you. It is as unreal today as it was a year ago.
I miss you so much!
We thought it might be nice to celebrate your birthday at the Hout
Bay Hotel with prawn platters, champagne and good memories! I
have included some pics of the boys and a very special one of them
with Granmum (on Xmas).
Wish you were here to see Jason get to high school! I am so
proud of him ... SACS no less and doing very well. Also included is a
pic of Jason trying desperately to fish (little orphan ‘Annie’, I’m sure
would’ve been your response) ... He sat for hours waiting patiently ...
these are the moments I wish you were here for more than ever, you
could have taught him so much.
Nic, well! He is more like you every day: wicked sense of humour,
very sharp and would give his left arm to be in the bush 24/7!
We all send huge hugs, Dad.
Love Annie, Kevin, Jason and Nic
Milestones & birthdays and special times - one
From Pat:
Hi there Pete,
Normally I would be looking for the perfect card for you and
hoping it would reach you in time...sadly, not any more. We always
had a smirky joke that for 3 months of the year you would only be 10
years older than me, he he and not 11yrs.
I remember some of the gifts as kiddies we were able to buy for
you - squash balls, war comics, Edge, Destroyer and Louis l'amour
soft covers, lures, star sweets, fudge and chamois cloths. I can't
remember you ever being ungrateful or noticing that Philli had
surreptitiously read the comics beforehand!
Good grief, squash balls....maybe you rapidly wrecked them in
your competitive play! So Brother...I think of you so often. You
cannot imagine how much you are missed. 5 is a far nicer number
than 4.
Oh yes...something for you to giggle about... Penny and Steve's
new baby has a really cool name - Ryan *Gunston Bird!
“Happy Birthday”.....much love Cart xx
**
BIRTHDAY - 2008
‘Real love is a precious thing’ - OG
December 2007 - Stuart joins his cousins in London for a short
holiday and vows to return! Photos in Album - Late years -
Second family
January 2008 - Rory flies to London to seek his fortune! He will stay
with Cameron initially. Our congratulations and best wishes for the
future. Many photos coming!
TRAVELLERS - 2007/8
FATHERS DAY - 2007
We love you so much Dad....Lesley
Michelle, Stuart and Brittany
Be kind to thy father, for when thou wert young, Who loved thee so
fondly as he? He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue,
And joined in thy innocent glee."
-- Margaret Courtney
"Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him
father!"
-- Lydia M. Child
© Peter Henry Parker 2019
…Bruce Parker, Pete’s brother
IN YOUR WORDS & PICTURES