Rest in Peace

Today was my stepdad Tony's funeral.

My sister decided she wanted to go early to say her goodbyes and view the body; I didn't think this was a good idea, but she was adamant.

I was worried that she might be distressed by the sight of him laid out (as she's never seen a body before) and that that would be her lasting memory of him. It was for this reason I chose not to see my Grandma when she died, but I guess everyone is different.
I told her this and said would she not prefer to remember him as he was, but she said it was closure and also she wanted to leave him a letter and one of Theo's toys in the coffin.

We went in together to see him; he looked so peaceful. It's been quite a few years since I've seen him but he hadn't changed a bit. I thanked him for being a great stepdad before we said our last goodbyes.

His wife June, had put a packet of cigarettes in his hand; she said why not, as he loved to smoke!

The service at the crematorium was as lovely as a funeral service can be; just close family and friends.
They recounted tales of his practical jokes, how he loved his holidays and gadgets and what an all round nice guy he was.

It was a long running joke when Tony was married to Mum (she was/is a rotten cook and burns everything) that she was trying to save money on his cremation by doing him on the inside before he died! We had a little chuckle about that today.
We also remembered how he was notoriously tight, but always had pockets full of change; we used to trick him into doing handstands so we could grab the change!

June gave my sister some photos after the service today; this was one of them, and it's just how I remember Tony.

So farewell Tony, you're in a world with no pain or suffering now; just don't play too many jokes on the angels or they might send you downstairs!