Dear family and friends of Merrow-Smith Blog.

We have lost our dear Dad this week, who passed away in his home in Kings Sutton, on Wednesday 12th March. We are almost at the end of an era and for our immediate family, a chapter on our lives draws to a close.

Although our loss is sudden, I'm sure we all feel a sense of relief that Dad wasn't subjected to a lengthy or debilitating illness.

Our Dad was always, busy and forever active; 'Dad, watcha doin'?' being a familiar cry on a Saturday morning, followed by "I'll tell you what I'm doing," or "What do YOU think I'm doing, I'm frying eggs, that's what I'm doing!" then muttering or cursing and followed by more hammering; he loved his hammer and a box of matches for the ritualistic burning of debris.  I'm somewhat surprised he wasn't found at the bottom of a ladder or tucked away in the garage or a corner of the garden, fixing something. Of course all this was done for Margaret who took great pride in our home - even the bits Dad added on - and the things that made it our home, especially us.

He had slowed down a bit after his dance down the driveway with a wheelie bin in 2010, which led to a spell in the hospital and many months in the "gym", using his very words. We skyped regularly and last week he was still thumping his chest and stretching his arms to show me he was still in good nick. He spent hours commununicating by letter and email although he wasn't one to pick up the phone and call, or indeed carry his phone. Of course I'm sure we all reminded him to do just that, and funnily enough I described graphically to him how I wouldn't want him found dead on the bathroom floor just because he wasn't carrying his phone. But he had had his time, he had his own way of doing things and I can only think his oversight was his wish and way and not his downfall. Sadly he was found on the bathroom floor.

Back to happier times. His life was very full, you can barely imagine. 5 kids, some of whom were a menace, often getting into trouble but thankfully he was always there to bail me out. He enrolled the four boys in the Village Band so he could inspire us and keep an eye on us at the same time. He played drums too, and played soccer much better than any of us and cricket too. He was clerk to the village council for many years, helped to publish the village newspaper and as we grew up and relied less on him, he found an outlet through the Chinnor Operatic Society where he relished being on the stage and  his love of being centre stage and in a group.

He was very close to his family as was our Mum, and we would often visit our aunts, uncles and cousins who were such fun to be around. Our Nana lived around the corner from us for the last years of her life and again he was there for her too. Eventually they would sell the home in Chinnor and move to the Isle of Wight, so Margaret could be close to her two sisters. They spent a few precious years on the island and as always, Dad was quick to form friendships and make the most of good whether, wonderful views and a quieter lifestyle. We would all go down and visit but it seemed that he in particular missed the closeness and buzz of the mainland, eventually persuading Mum to return and settle in Kings Sutton.

So I'm sure word is beginning to get out, and condolences are on there way, but I think don't be too sad, he wouldn't want it that way. Don't mourn for him but rather celebrate his life. In a letter he wrote to me in 2009 he encouraged me to tell you all not to go out and buy a black suite or tie for the funeral and when I took him shopping to buy a suite for Mum's funeral, he choose a nice light colour. So lets acknowledge his achievements and celebrate his life in the next week or two and use the blog to post out favourite tails.

Love to all,

Nic in Singapore