24/04/2026
RIP Astley Grandad, Rip Rap, Dangerous Dave, Withington Golf Club Legend. Different things, to different people. To me, just dad. Decades of comical memories, frustrating moments and intertwined lives. He could be a joy and he could be a pain, and he bloody enjoyed being both of them. It was a rollercoaster ride and I loved him, and I think he loved me, though he never said it. He found emotions, shall we say, unnecessary. I feel very sad that he won’t have more years striding purposefully through South Manchester heading for the bus to his beloved club, Daily Mail under his arm and pot of tea in his sights. I rather imagine he’s already on that Great Golf Course in the sky with a handicap under 10 and unlimited sunshine, happy as Larry without a care in the world.
Strong as an ox despite his frame, wily & tenacious, he beat off prostrate cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, kidney disease, lung cancer and almost beat E.Coli, but when the kind NHS gave him covid, novovirus, MRSA, mouth thrush, a lung infection and a diet of zero calories, well that was a step too far even for him. He did his damndest though, smiling and joking to the end raising his eyebrows and pursing his lips, bravo Dad 👊🏻 I will miss you ###
