van de Kimmenade William

Gramps' handshake spoke before he did— Firm, steady, warm and true. It let you know you mattered, Before he said a word. His laughter came so easily, With wit both kind and wise. He found the joy in ordinary days And shared it through his smile. Though we must now say goodbye, His love, his hope, and gentle spirit Will never fade away.

Thank you Dad for your love and understanding, your encouragement and empathy, your support and advice. In my heart forever.

It has been a privilege to have Will (Dad) as my father-in-law. The consistent qualities I have observed in the forty nine years I have known him are qualities to which every man should aspire. Will was a man who welcomed everyone and made sure that all the people around him felt included no matter the situation. Everyone was made to feel equally loved and equally important. He always asked how I was, and asked after my family, insisting that I pass on his best wishes accordingly. Will had a mind that was hungry to learn and his breadth of knowledge was astounding, so time spent with him in conversation always left you a more enriched person. The consistency of Will's demeanor whether sitting with one person or in a large gathering shows the strength of a man comfortable in his self with no requirement to be noticed, no need to promote himself above others, which is why he will always be remembered as a man who made you feel loved.

Dad was a man who witnessed more than a century of change, yet the values he lived by remained constant: kindness, integrity, resilience, and love for his family, and always for you Mum. He taught us not only through his words but through the example he set every day. His life was rich in experiences, and his legacy lives on in the lives he touched. Caring for him alongside you and Belinda was one of the greatest honours of my life. It gave us the opportunity to repay, in some small way, the love and care both youself and he had given us throughout the years. We were blessed to be by his side, and I would not have wanted to be anywhere else. Although we miss him deeply, we are comforted by the memories of a life fully lived and by the knowledge that he left this world with dignity, love, and family close at hand. Dad, thank you for your wisdom, your strength, your gentle spirit, and your unconditional love. You gave us so much, and your influence will remain with us always. A man well loved. A father never forgotten. ❤️