My Dad described himself as ‘a coiled spring’ - ready to jump in to action to help whenever he was needed; and he was needed.. all the time. Be it saving me as I was falling through the air above a shock bunk bed collapse, my maths homework, coming to my rescue after (quite a few) car breakdowns or the time my tooth fell down the drain (yes he performed plumbing surgery after a busy day at work to retrieve my baby tooth- newly fallen out, so I could keep it) - legend. 


My Dad was hilarious and I will always remember basically all my times with him for this. He had the ability to have me in stitches without really doing much at all; just a facial expression or funny sound. He used this skill at the dinner table frequently just as I would take a mouthful of juice and he was delighted whenever I would spit it out laughing! 
A favourite memory is when my Dad slipped on ice and down a set of stairs as he left a bakery in Holmeschaple, shouting profanities as he went- much to the shock of the staff. We named the event ‘The Manderville Incident’ after the bakery where it occurred and we laugh just as hard at it now. 
In general any time which involved my dad (almost) hurting himself was hilarious; for example when he launched himself off my pogo stick after an over-zealous attempt at a high jump or when he tackled a large needle found within a mattress (if you know, you know).
As an amazing story teller he had us in bits over his various adventures including one of my favourites- when he exited a Polish university after hours via the boiler room and up through a manhole in the carpark! 


My Dad was an incredible public speaker and I think will be remembered by most people I know for his unmatchable Father of the Bride speech at my wedding. I was nervous for how he may embarrass me but after we’d moved past his recollection of me cutting through a live wire and melting a pair of his favourite pliers as a two year old his speech was so original, interesting and funny I was amazed ..and really totally unsurprised. I knew he’d bat it out the park. 


My Dad was the best Papa to my two nephews Zach and Alfie and for 8 months my own daughter Nola. He was very patient, happy to play and loved seeing the kids laughing and thriving. He always loved a big day out where he would lecture on all manner of random things - the history of a hinge or drain cover, a particular rail line or how a certain something was made and how it’s production evolved over time. I didn’t fully appreciate the fount of knowledge he really was whilst I was young however I remember him now as someone who knew something about everything. 


My Dad was a connector of people and thrived in a social situation. He loved 49 Club and Hammerman events and dinners and especially enjoyed it when his family attended with him. He was fortunate to travel widely and made many friends from far and wide. 


I could write a book on my Dad, there’s too much to say. I know over the rest of my time memories will come and I will be able to laugh and enjoy them once again by telling Nola all about them, and all about him. I will miss him so much but can only remember him so very fondly. He was the best.