My Uncle

The last time I saw my Uncle Barry was at my sister's wedding in September 2008. He arrived with my aunt and cousin to a house of chaos. As chief bridesmaid I was fussing over the bride and ensuring the other bridesmaids were in order. Barry was unaffected by the rather stressy household and had a giggle at my disorganised state of putting clothes into my overnight bag literally as he was placing it in the boot of his car to take to the hotel. Later when my cousin Adam was joking about and winding me up, Barry told him off and sent him to do a job for me. Barry was very traditional in ensuring the men in the family looked after the ladies.

Barry always had a very caring nature. I remember on my grandparents golden wedding anniversary, Barry spent the whole day slaving away in the kitchen to put on a fantastic spread for us all. As a fantastic cook Barry really had gone to town with the food and I know I went back for numerous helpings!

As a fantastic Maths teacher I know I will not be the only person who feels they should thank Barry for their GCSE Maths. On a number of trips to see the family I would pack my Maths homework or revision and get Barry to talk me through it and explain all the stuff I was struggling on. I was always predicted a D in Maths and it was a shock to everyone when I breezed it with a B.

Barry's death devastated my family and he is sadly missed by us all. I will never forget the phone call on 26th January 2009 to say Barry had suffered a heart attack. At only 52 years old and with no signs of being unwell it was such a total shock. We spent the next 20 hours wishing and hoping but on the 27th January Barry passed away. He left behind his wife Carol and son Adam, both of whom he loved to bits.

I read at Barry's funeral. The crematorium was packed and it really brought home how many lives he had touched. As I looked out into the congregation I saw so much sadness as I read the following words:

REMEMBER me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you plann'd:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,

Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.