Greatest catch of all was hero Dad

My dad was my hero; he taught me so much, Strong and reliable, with a reassuring touch. He taught me things that I needed to know, Lessons of life that helped me to grow.

He taught me right from doing wrong, To always be honest, try to be strong. He always showed me the proper way, So I’d know how to do it come the right day.

He would show me the deer, rabbits and birds, In the woods out early when no one else stirred. He taught me to fish in the river and park. Out at daybreak, up with the lark.

He helped fix my cars, scooters and bike, Whenever it was needed — that’s what he was like. There at the rescue if the car broke down, Whether miles away or just across town.

Out in all weathers after we’d all gone home,

Working his fingers down to the bone. Never minding the cold or fast-fading light, As long as he fixed it, that was all right.

Helping build fences or knocking down walls, Rubbing down paint or supplying the tools. Mowing the grass or planting a border, Working hard, to get it in order.

Doing the jobs that we all declined — ‘Dad’ll do it, he doesn’t mind.’ Kind and generous he’d always pay. If we tried to chip in, he’d say: ‘Put it away.’

He’d help anyone out whenever he could, With screws and nails or pieces of wood. Helping a neighbour with some difficult job, They came to rely on good old Bob.

He didn’t always get everything right, But then which of us do, try as we might? We all make mistakes and he made his share. And he worried too much, but that’s ’cause he cared.

Hard-working and diligent, above and beyond In an unspoken way we had a close bond. From childhood to adult he was always there, And his passing away doesn’t seem fair.

Quiet and reliable, strong and true, Dad, you’re my hero, and I’ll always miss you.

Ray Reed, Horsham, W. Sussex.