Grandpa

My father in law died today. He was 90 and managed to fall asleep for the last time in his own bed, having had a glass of his beloved dandelion and burdock at bedtime.

His health was deteriorating quickly so we were about to be faced with some very difficult decisions. If there can be a good death, this was it.

A day of trying to do practical things - all quite difficult at the moment - keeping busy helps.

He worked for British Rail his whole career; he was obsessed with trains and I swear he knew every timetable by heart. Every year he would buy the enormous national book of timetables and pore over it - when the 2020 version arrived last December it carried a note saying it would be the last ever printed version. It’s like they knew!

His other passions included buying wine ( we have brought home about 20 bottles), beer and playing the piano - this is is my little tribute to him.

Derek Coombes 24/12/1929 - 22/4/2020. Sleep well and we will look after the train set x