Sidney Albert Mortlock

My Grandad was a good man, and we will miss him dearly.

I believe that he is happy again in the arms of my Grandma, and that they are both looking after my daughter Emma.

This was my dad's Eulogy at his funeral:

"Dad" - By Peter Mortlock 8 January 2009

Dad was born in 1919 and came from a relatively humble background. His father was a dock labourer and he was raised in the East End of London, as were David and I for the first years of our lives.

Remembering Manchester Road, and the Isle of Dogs, it was inconceivable then - with the dark furry things in the cellar, a zinc bath tub in the kitchen and the outside loo - that, however well life would treat us in the future.

Dad was a gifted scholar and was offered a bursary to the Blue Coat School which, unfortunately, he could not take up because of the family's circumstance at the time. He did mention once that this may not have been a bad thing, however, as he wasn't sure how a young fellow in a blue cap and gown, and yellow knee high sock, would have been greeted in the East End in the 1930's.

However, he probably fared better by attending George Green School in Poplar where he met Ruby - our Mum - and started a relationship that endured from Grammar School, through the Second World War and the 59 years of marriage that followed until Mum died in 2004. I believe they knew each-other for over 70 years!

Dad was also a talented artist, as evidence by the still life sketch books that we have seen from his school days and the cartoons that he did to entertain himself and fellow prisoners of war at the time. However, when he expressed an interest in art to his career advisor on leaving school, the closest job he could get was as a clerk in a paint warehouse in Upper Thames Street.

In those days one had little choice but to take what was offered and Dad was later promoted to head office, became editor of the in-house magazine and then took to the road as a sales representative which is how, indirectly, and through his employment with GDS in Henly, that the family moved here to Woodley in 1967 and why we are all in this Church together today.

He served both companies for of 25 years each and it is heartwarming to see several of his GDS colleagues here today.

Dad never got over losing mum and when I have since phoned him twice a week or more from South Africa, he was always convinced that it was still 2004 - the year that Mum passed away.

Mum and Dad provided role models for David, Richard and myself, and for that matter, for many others with whom they came in contact; Honesty, fairness and consideration to all, a sound work ethic, an appreciation for what we have, even when times are difficult, dependability and resilience.

Dad's characteristics were best illustrated by his unending love for Mum, not only through the good years but later when visiting her seven days a week, 52 weeks a year for the last two years of her life.

You may not be aware that he was rescued on several occasions on his way to or from Mum's nursing home in Wokingham - by the AA, the fire service when stranded in floods and by council workers driving snow ploughs.

Literally, I believe that life - as he knew it - began to end when Mum died.

I am proud to have been Dad's son - as are David and Richard - and I am grateful to everyone who came to remember and honour Dad here today.

Dad is together with Mum now and at peace at last.