Thank you Dad, for being the greatest man in my life. Even though I have been away for many years, I couldn’t have been more blessed with a father like you. You were always there for me and supported me from afar. Whatever I did you never judged and never criticised. On the contrary, when I faltered, you were still there to catch me. I know I caused you worries, I know you suffered because I was not near, because of the choices I made, but you never gave up making your presence felt to me and your grandchildren. Your life has been so amazing — a journey of new beginnings through almost every continent, where you left your mark on people wherever you went. There are so many things I would like to say and I hope you understood how much you mean to me. I wish I could have done more for you. My first conscious memory of you is when we arrived in London, of not remembering who you were, and sitting on your lap as we entered Humber Road for the first time. I remember how you let me comb your hair in any style I wanted and the joy I felt every time you collected me from the childminder after school. I also remember when I entered a competition to win the latest Bee Gees album and how you came home from work that night with it tucked under your arm. Or later, the times you picked me up from parties late at night, how you worried and tried to protect me from harm. What especially sticks in my mind are all those times you listened to my growing up problems over a good dish of prawn curry at one of your favourite Indian restaurants, or when we went to Willesden to buy Indian snacks and sweets — you always knew what our favourites were. At home you were often quiet but always ready to help, always with a listening ear. You fulfilled so many wishes and asked little for yourself, a holy man, the sadhu that fed my soul and guided me in times of doubt, who helped shape my character — an inspiration for everyone. Through your guidance I learnt how important it is to talk to your children and to find out who they really are — let them develop like a rose unfolding its petals, reaching for the sunlight, nurtured by warmth, and tender loving care. And at work, I was so lucky to witness the laughter and fun you brought to your colleagues and friends: always a smile, a dirty joke or two, and a warmth generated all around. I appreciate you for such a lot: your love for children, big and small. I think back to the joy you spread and instilled in every grandchild, how you played with them and made them feel special and worthy of respect; your love of animals, your interest and knowledge of the world, your sportiness, and all matters spiritual. I am so grateful for for all the things you taught me about what life is really about, about making choices and taking responsibility for them, whatever the outcome — doing your best for all those around you whether family, friends or neighbours. You taught us about loyalty, humility, perseverance, and compassion. You were the best example of a true husband, father and friend. Even though you didn’t become a famous footballer, you proved yourself to be the greatest player of life’s game and for that, you will never be forgotten. And now, it’s time for you to take your well-deserved rest on the eternal bench. I wish you could have seen your great grandchildren but it was not to be. Yet, all your grandchildren know how proud you were of them. They carry that in their hearts. Be sure your spirit will live on in every one of them.