George Henry Harwood

George Henry Harwood
Passed away at home on 31.08.2005, aged 78
My dad worked as a signalman on the railway for 40+years.
He was born in Cathays, Cardiff, and lived in Llanrummney, Cathays, and Whitchurch.
He was the second child of three, and had two sisters, Joan (the eldest) and Amy (the youngest).
He was married to my mum, Peggy, who together had three daughters, Susan, Maureen and myself Yvonne
My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which was controlled for many years, then became terminal in late 2004.

My father worked very hard to support his family. He was very serious and strict, but gentle and kind too. He endured a lot of pressure from his mother (when she was alive), which over time caused him, his mum and sisters to stop contact, which I know made him very sad.

My relationship with my dad was not always good, and at times we did not speak, but I always loved him, and I hope he knows that now. I am a parent myself and it can be very difficult to do the right thing sometimes, and relationships can become strained. As I got older, I got on much better with my dad, and over time he was more relaxed.

I did not see him when he passed away, but the last time I saw him, I knew I could not deal with seeing him again as he was, in so much pain and helpless, and somehow I knew it would be the last time I would see him. I said goodbye to him in hospital, and he opened his eyes and looked at me, with tears. I am not sure if he heard me, or understood what I was saying, but I feel he did. I think that was the one time in his life that he really knew I loved him.

I want to remember my dad when he was joking or moaning (as he would), with that little smile, and grin, a cheeky smile. I wish he had not had so much pressure when he was younger, as this did affect him when dealing with emotions, but I loved him dearly and want the world to know that.

Dad, I miss you, love you and wish I could see you to tell you, but I know you are with me every day, and hear what I say in my thoughts. You are greatly missed by your Grandsons, Leon, Curtis and Jordan. You always made them smile, even when you were trying to be serious, and I know you watch over them and protect them. Love you lots, Yvonne