Joe came into our lives 35 years ago. My mam asked me, along with my husband Mick and daughter Lynsey to meet with her and Joe in London.
 
I could immediately see how happy she was. She asked me there and then for my blessing ,which I gave with no hesitation upon seeing how happy she was.
 
Throughout the years we shared many happy family gatherings and holidays with mam and Joe, and of course their beautiful wedding day.
 
After emigrating to Canada we came back to visit Joe and Mam each year, staying with them in their tiny bungalow. Mick and I would sleep on the pull out bed in the front room. We will forever remember Joes collection of many ticking clocks. Joe always made us feel welcome and never wanted us to leave.
 
Joe was a caring man who loved his family. I will be forever grateful for the way he looked after my mam during her illness. He cared for her lovingly and tirelessly and cried at the thought she may have to go into a home. Joe was a proud man, he loved my mam and wanted to take care of her in her final days. It was heartbreaking to hear the sadness in his voice telling me he could no longer give her the care she needed due to the rapid progress of her dementia.
 
I will miss Joe, the thoughtful stuff like still sending us birthday and Christmas cards, even after mam’s passing when we went to visit he would have bars of galaxy chocolate for me and liquorice allsorts for Mick. I will miss our regular telephone conversations and his gratitude for me calling him. Mick will even miss his regular comment on how badly Newcastle United were doing. 
 
We dearly loved him. Rest in peace Joe.
 
Kath, Mick, Lynsey, Adam, Amy and Georgia.