I cannot express how difficult this was. Thinking about it, planning it and deciding what to say has absolutely nothing on actually saying it. My brother; Jason, and myself both had our say as well as Father Peter who ran the service but spoke from personal experience because he was both a neighbour and a friend to my Dad over the last four years.
Both myself and my brother struggled to say what we had to say, so I lay it out here formally for all to see what a great Dad my Father was and to make right where we stumbled and spluttered.
Jason
Roy Finkle Gibb, Who was he, past few years he believed he was just making up the numbers filling a gap.
Well to answer you, like I have done so many times in the past , you are anything but filling a gap you are a husband, a Dad, a father, a father in law, a granpa an incredible unc, a uncle, a brother, a friend.
You opened your heart to everyone you met and made an impression on all you have spoken to, and by your passing only now have you left a gap.You taught us to be humble, meticulous and grateful for the lives we lead , to take nothing for granted and never, never hold back.You took me in so many times as the story in the Bible goes when the prodigal son returns your door forever remained open no matter what.
You are someone I could lean on talk to open up and be myself with. And now that you are with God in heaven, your physical presence may have left us but your spirit will forever remain in not only my heart but all those you have left a mark with.
I am just so grateful that you remained with us long enough to see both your sons get married and for that my heart is filled with joy and sadness.An avid rugby and soccer fanatic especially Sunderland who by the way won 4 – 0 over the weekend against West Brom. I am sure my Dad has a huge smile on his face in heaven over that. He got to see the Sharks win the Currie cup and the Springboks win the world cup – twice.Dad I miss you you have only now left a void you had said you had made already.
And I know you can walk, talk and breath properly now and for that I am glad .
Dad I love you and look forward to seeing you again .
And to finish off – as Sean and Julie Jefferys (my cousins) so rightful said – “Every Christmas I promise to eat Brussel Sprouts”
Phillip (Me)
My; Father Roy, was born 27 January 1944 in Sunderland to Charles and Mary Gibb.
For me the best way to honour my Father is to remember him through the family that he has left behind.
My Mother, Elaine, who has held us together while my Dad has not been able and who I think was the best thing to ever happen to him.
My brother, Jason, who has always been close and who my Dad got to see Married just over a week ago.
His brothers, David and Mark, who have always been involved and loving.
But most especially through my Son; Stephen, who I hope to raise like my Dad raised me for I think he did a pretty good job.
Two things that have always stood out for me has been his Intellect and his uncanny ability to solve Cryptic crosswords –
which I have not been able to master – I promise to get Stephen onto those as soon as possible.
Also, his resilient and steadfast Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, in which he never wavered in spite of the physical ailments
that many would be angered at God for. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Dad is in Heaven and that he is there with
a perfect body and not the one he has suffered in these past years.
It is such a blessing that you were able to see both your Sons get Married, got to see pretty much the whole family –
apologies from Sean and Julie. And got to see his Grand Children; Stephen and James, just over a week ago.
Dad I love you and I know that I will see you again, but until then I will remember you.
