My dad was born on the 23 Sept 1934 in Negri Sembilan. He was the 3rd son in a family of 6. When his father passed away when he was 7 years old, dad when to live in Singapore with his uncle and cousins. He spent the majority of his schooling years in Singapore. He returned to Malaysia in his twenties to work. He had a rich and varied career. Working mostly in managerial post from Federal Paints to Pepsi, PJ Club and lastly Sonali. He had an active social life, and would often be involved in setting up dart tournaments, hockey and cricket games. He met my mum at a wedding of his cousin. My mum worked for his uncle and he set them up, asking my dad to give her a lift to the wedding reception and they begin a 6 year courtship before they got married. I loved hearing them talk about how they met and finally married. It reminded me of an Indian movie, with the romance, parental objections and sneaking around to meet each other. The only thing missing was the singing and dancing. They were married for 40 years. When my mum was taken seriously ill a few months ago, he was heartbroken on hearing the diagnosis. It was the first time I had seen him cry. He loved sports and would watch any sporting event on TV, especially if it was a live event. He played hockey, cricket and darts. When I was a child every Friday night he would go to play darts, I always knew when he was going out. He would slick back his hair, and because I couldn’t bear the thought of him going anywhere without me, I would make him bend down and I would mess up his hair thinking now he will have to stay at home. Daddy and I had a special relationship. We always got along well and had a bond as only a father and daughter could. I was most definitely a daddy’s girl. He was an affectionate, warm and loving father. He was a man of many routines and as a child I was often involved with them. I followed him around like a shadow, and could not bear to let him out of my sight. When I was 16 my mum came traveling to Europe, she was away for about 2 months. Dad and I were in our element, without having my mum around to lay down the rules. All the dishes were piled up and washed once a week. Clothes that were washed were never folded and put away, simply left in a great big heap. While my mum was sending us long letters telling us how much she missed us, we were having a rollicking time. He loved to read and instilled in me early on the joys of reading. He would read all the English newspapers in Malaysia back to front several times over every morning without fail. He took an active interest in what was happening in the world and would often engage me in conversations about politics, sports and social activities. He was very particular about his appearance, everything had to match. He was most particular about his shoes. He always told me that shoes made the man. He always bought a black and a brown pair. They had to be British made and he would polish them religiously every Sunday. He enjoyed a drink and was partial to a can of Guinness or a glass of whisky. He was extremely fussy about his food having being spoilt by his mother and then my mum. If it wasn’t spicy it wasn’t worth eating. He had a great sense of humour and would do all kinds of silly things. I would be sat in the car with him, and he will spot someone walking along. He would then horn and wave at the person, when I asked him who it was he would say that he didn’t know, but now that person will be wondering all day who that handsome man was waving at them. He often said to me when I was growing up that I should become a nun, I think this was to make sure that I was never to far from him. When I came over to England, he would constantly ask my mum what time it was in England and what she thought I would be doing, this would then result in a phone call. He never said much to me over the phone, other that hello, are you okay. He would say to me that he only called to hear my voice. He loved kids, and absolutely adored his two grandsons, Zachary and Xavier. Both boys amused him with their antics. Every conversation I had with him always begun with how are my 2 grandsons. When I went back to Malaysia with Xavier in June, he was so disappointed that Neil and Zachary were not able to come. I knew that one of his last wishes was to see his me, Neil and his grandkids again. In the last 3 years his health steadily deteriorated. His lung condition severely restricted his life, and it frustrated him that he couldn’t do all the things he wanted to. He was an impatient man, and having to do everything at a slow pace was not something that he ever got used to. He really did suffer with his condition. When I called and told him that we receive medical clearance for him to fly over here, he was so excited. Unfortunately dad was only with us here in Huddersfield a few days before he passed away. I realised over the years how fortunate I was to have had him as a father, his love, belief and confidence in me made me the person I am. He always put my happiness and needs before his. I will miss him more than words can ever express, my only consolation is that I know that he is at peace and is not suffering anymore.