Hello All,
Just passing on a message from Al's daughter:-
"Hello, Al’s daughter here, Jo. Al/Doggo etc will hereafter be referred to as Dad.
Thank you all so much for your words. Some made me laugh and some made me cry. Unfortunately I have not inherited his writing talent and my thoughts may be disjointed so please bear with me.
I have learnt more about my Dad in the last week than I did throughout his life. We had a childlike relationship which avoided serious conversation and embarrassing issues, we did not discuss anything even vaguely rude and swearing was taboo. However he did once make a list of nearly 100 words for “pissed”. (I may be exaggerating but I was quite young). Life was based around jokes and silly words and names. My nicknames from Dad varied from Ho, Hoanne and my least favourite, Rattus-Rattus, why??!!??
Anyway, finding out what he has been doing for the last 10? years came initially as a shock followed by amusement. I didn’t realize he had been writing so much, traveling so much, filming so much!! or become so involved in forums, etc. He was very straight laced but now I know not when it came to boobs. I have not read any of his work and don’t know that I want to (definitely not yet anyway)
He also loved cricket. In his day he was 1st XI captain and would open the batting, score 100 not out and then bowl out the opposition too. As the youngsters came on he moved to umpiring but always, and still does have his kit in the car, just in case. His last game was 2 years ago, just about the oldest player I knew, and still got a ridiculous amount of wickets. I was immensely proud.
With regards to his illness, I wasn’t aware of the seriousness. Maybe having already lost my Mum to cancer he wanted to spare my brother and I the pain and hope he recovered so he didn’t let on. About 2 years ago he had an operation but I only know now it was cancer, obviously this came back. Knowing the outcome was inevitable I am now only thankful his pain is over but it came as a massive shock. I visited every day to do what I could and my ignorance meant these visits were easy for both of us. I then saw him off in an ambulance on Wednesday. He had terrible jaundice but still I had no inkling. My intention was to visit on Saturday but Friday evening I had 2 phone calls, the first to tell me how bad he was and may only have a few days and the second 4 hours later to say he had passed away. I am thankful I didn’t have to visit on Saturday knowing it would be to say goodbye.
He leaves his son, Tim, myself (and partner Richard), a fellow cricketer and West Ham fan! and our 2 children.
I loved him so much; I wish we had more hugs. Writing this has helped and may or may not help those who read it.
He was indeed a legend in everything he did.
With much love, Jo
PS.
(My thanks to Brian for the CD containing all the pictures etc)"