Victor Lynn Richards

Victor Lynn Richards..
My Father and best friend.. Died suddenly at the age of 66..

Dad originally from the West Midlands but spent most of his married life in Porthcawl, South Wales. Married to Norma at an early age and had four children together. We moved to Crawley, West Sussex in 1982 as Dad was a ground Engineer for British Airtours and took a transfer, subsequently he worked for BA until he took early retirement. Mum Died suddenly 4yrs ago, Dad found her in kitchen. She had a heart attack suddenly... Mum and Dad had been together for over 40yrs and he was devastated to say the least, as all the family were.

Dad lived round the corner from me and we saw each other every day, whether it was just for a chat or going for lunch together, even my friends loved Dad. We were very close and had such a special bond. He wasnt just my Father but my Best Friend, i would confide in him, look to him for advice, and had many a good time together over a few drinks and generally having Father and Daughter time. My Sister, Debbie lives in Wales and they too were very close, chatting on the phone most days and visiting whenever she could, as she is married and has a full time job.

Dad was everything you would want from a Father, kind, considerate, loving, strong. Life had not been easy for him, Mum had suffered for 30years with depression but he was always there for her, completely selfless and understanding, never moaned just took it all in his stride.

Dad had heart surgery in January 2007, such a shock to us all as he was so fit. He made a full recovery the Doctors couldnt believe how quick he had recovered, he gained his strength and was back on his feet in no time. Then in May 2007, i picked him up from the airport as he had been on holiday to his apartment in Spain. He loved it there and was contemplating moving there maybe in a few years. He'd had a black out whilst in Spain and knocked his head, he didnt tell us until i saw him as he knew we would worry. I took him to hospital with my Neice Kayleigh as we were both very worried when we knew what had happened. He spent a week in hospital having tests etc, they thought initially he'd had a very minor heart attack, but later could not detect anything on the tests. Then on the Wednesday he contracted a severe sickness and diarrohea bug, so violently. He was still mobile but looking back that made him weaker. He was still laughing and making jokes though, typical Dad! Debbie my Sister came down the following weekend from Wales as we were going to have a family bbq to welcome him home.

We had a call on Sunday the 27th May at 10.30am from the hospital. Debbie and me were sitting on the sofa in my house and i was just about to ring the hospital to see how he was as i always did every morning before i visited. The hospital called and said he'd gone into Cardiac Arrest and to get there as soon as possible. It was a complete blur... how was this happening!! My Neice, Debbie's Daughter was staying at Dads with her Fiance Adam, i called her immediately and told her to get to the hospital as soon as poss, and told her why...We rushed up there, in our pajamas, frantic with worry. Kayl and Adam behind us in the car. When we arrived at the hopsital running, we were taken into a room... Our worst nightmare had come true, he'd gone before we got there. We just couldnt take it in, he'd Died, suddenly. I remember screaming at the nurse saying No and crying uncontrollably, we all were..

A big void has been left in my life, Dad was my rock. He was my all, i miss him so much, i feel empty without him, i would do anything to have him back for just one minute, we all would. I miss him sitting on my chair and chatting, going to the club with his Friends and having a laugh, just talking about nothing and everything. He's left four children, and five grandchildren now, Seb was born on the 17th May but he never got to see him. He would be so proud of his grandchildren, Kayleigh his eldest is at Uni in Brighton and lives with me, she's just passed her exams and is going to be a Doctor next year, he will be there in spirit when she graduates, im sure of that smiling down on her.. Sam, Kayleigh's younger Sister, is growing up so fast into a beautiful young woman, he loved his family so much.

I think of you every minute Dad, i try so hard to be strong and make you proud, i know you wouldnt want any of us being miserable without you but it is so hard. Your family are looking after each other though, we learnt that from you i think. You taught me so many things Dad, and although it hurts so much that your not here, i was so lucky and blessed to have you as my Father. I love you so much and i hope you know that, we all do. I hope with my heart that your with Mum, send all my love to her, and Nan. The Angels have gained another Angel now. Your Sharon xx

I would like to say sincerely, thank you to everyone who has lit candles for my Dad and who has taken time to visit him.... It really does mean so much to me and all the family. Bless you all xx