Joe N, Dan, Beth, Martha, Ellen, Mike, Becca, Joe W Dave

Joe Nodding
The wisest man we ever knew,
With eyes so kind and a heart so true.
A Durham man, both born and bred,
And a long and joyful life, he led.

Daniel
At university he met grandma Jean,
The best matched pair you’ve ever seen.
They moved to Manchester, set up home,
And built a life all of their own.

Beth
They raised five kids with love and care,
Each one unique, beyond compare.
Kate, Phil, Andy, Mike and John
The pride they felt would carry on.

Martha
They cheered them through both highs and lows,
With patience and love that only grows.
A father firm, but kind and smart,
His handwriting was a work of art!

Ellen
A teacher first, then head with pride,
With grandma always by his side,
When she died, his heart was sore,
He missed her dearly forever more.

Mike
Us grandchildren lit up later days,
He joined in our games in joyful ways.
Great grandchildren were spoilt with love and care,
The only ones allowed to sit in his chair!

Becca
The only person we knew who could actually speak Latin,
And name Roman gods from Poseidon to Saturn.
WW2 battles, the presidents and any historical date,
Kings of old, new and every American State.

Joe Winstone
He loved watching rugby, tennis and cricket,
He cheered all the tries and every wicket,
On the tennis court he ruled, steady and mighty,
He could still thrash us all at nearly ninety!

David
It was always him we’d call for aid,
When our history homework had us afraid.
We weren’t Ox-bridge bound, to his dismay,
But we hope he was proud that we’ve all found our way!

Joe Nodding
He’d spend endless hours in search of his specs,
Writing letters to friends, reading deep into texts.
Then every Sunday morning our family would zoom.
And he’d watch United with us in the afternoon.

Daniel
Grandad was there, come rain or shine,
Cheering us on from the football side-line.
He’d ride my hoverboard and take us for lunch,
He’d still spar with me, and I pack a nice punch!

Beth
On behalf of our cousins that cannot be here,
Their love for him was also so clear,
Trips to Australia to spend time together,
He adored seeing them and loved the hot weather!

Martha
Ice creams at Hillary’s were always the best,
Trips into Perth and sometimes some rest,
Beach days at Cottesloe for the win,
Grandma loved the sea, but he’d never swim!

Ellen
Dinners at Danilo’s, Cebo and trips to the park,
Reading stories in bed, playing cards until dark,
Croissants, burnt toast and coffee at Booths,
Cakes and whatever ice cream we’d choose!

Mike
For sixty years living at Tanyard Drive,
Kind neighbours helped his joy survive.
He’d play games of bridge with clever flair,
And tended his garden with loving care.

Весса
At ninety-six, he left this place,
With a peaceful heart and quiet grace.
He loved his family, every one,
A doting daughter and 4 caring sons,
5 children in law, who he said were the best,
Grandchildren, great grandchildren – he truly was
blessed.

Joe Winstone
But, our legend lives on, it doesn’t end,
In every child, in every friend.

David
So here’s to grandad, we wish you were here,
Today we celebrate you, with those you held dear.