It is with great sadness that Andrew & I share the news that our father passed away this morning.
As you may know he was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. Thankfully he experienced almost no symptoms or side effects from this or the treatment which has been a huge relief to us all. Early in the year, the doctors ran out of treatment options and in April he collapsed suddenly. Since then he’s been at home and Andrew and I have been looking after him along with a fantastic team of carers. We’ve had many uplifting conversations with him during this time about how much he enjoyed his childhood, friendships, his time in the army, his career and retirement.
The ending was as peaceful as we could possibly have hoped for. Andrew and I were both with him, holding his hands, in his own home just as he wanted. The help we’ve had this last week from the carers, St. Christopher’s Hospice, Marie Curie and the district nurses has been truly amazing, giving him a dignified, peaceful and painless end that we were worried he wouldn’t have.
Over the last few months, Andrew & I have been reflecting on what an outstanding father he has been – the perfect Dad. He adored his seven grandchildren and was immensely proud of them all. His devotion and care for our mother, who has advanced dementia, in recent years is a model of marriage that will remain with us.
We’ll be back in touch when we have made arrangements for the funeral which, due to the current circumstances, will be streamed online so as many of you can join as possible.
David Blacknell
1935 – 2020
