My Tribute from the thanksgiving service: GOOD GAME DAD His Adlington family upbringing, before tv, mobile and social media. When you made your own entertainment, to let family time move easier. The cards in hand, the competition, the taste of losing, a desire to win, The easy cross generation banter feeding a wide grin, A keen participant, never short of something to say. Engaging in strategy, friendship, humour and sense of fair play. He loved a game of Bridge, Pit, black mariah or whist Enjoying the battle, in trying to make others stick or twist Always keen to engage in many a board game for quality family time We’d always enjoy his pictionary attempts without breaking into a mime Cheering on Chris Chataway at the White City Stadium in his teens Sparked his pursuit for his own sporting dreams A Cramm & Ovett man rather than Coe. Liked to see new contenders upset the status quo. Would insist Fulham, Leeds, QPR & Southampton were “his team” Or Yorkshire or Essex depending on the dream Would love to see his team victorious and rejoice! Shame, Doncaster Rovers was his real team of choice Tennis The game he committed to the most, to test his nerve Approaching every game with enthusiasm, a cap on his head and a dodgy second serve. He loved to play with a partner, that he’d aim to please, They’d try their hardest, not to be put off by his knobbly knees Shernhall, Whitehall & Buckhurst Hill he was to play Securing lifelong friendships along the way An active member, team player and even club Chairman for many years. Many matches won & lost accompanied by friendly jibes and jeers A passion for walking in dales, forest or fells With friends by his side with a story to tell Wainwright, Munro or walking club Ensured to recharge in a well researched pub. Staying in one place for too long seemed a bit of a bore, A yearn to learn, plan and explore. Macchu Pichu, Costa Rica, The Chinese Wall Galapagus, Fox’s Glacier or Old Faithful. Finding new horizons to experience and excite Filling his (and mum’s) life with memories that delight Inspired by talented piano playing Uncles A mother who loved nothing more than to sing. Music, a lifelong passion, it did bring Loved to immerse himself in an aria, Sonata or symphony At a concert, Royal Festival Hall or in his own company An accomplished pianist in his own right New tunes to practice and research For recitals well received in this very church A rock solid 60 year marriage to mum Provided a strong foundation for the family upon to lean Never a raised voice or a crossed word seen In recent years - he was never happier than when enjoying the interaction with his grandchildren. He loved their zest for life and banter which flies across the table. Particularly in recent months when he was more unstable. I reflect on all the above memories and realise the end result for Dad was never the important thing …It was the journey itself and the joy it could bring Well played Dad! You Win! … Right whose deal?