My dear friends,

Im writing this at 10:40 pm after getting home from work in a local hospital. My Dad had left a message on the machine. Alf passed away at about midday today. His family and wife, my sister Jill, were with him.

I am deeply moved by the many expressions of support here. You have collectively shown the kind of loving concern for Alf (and me) that I would equate with a healthy local fellowship. It seems almost irrelevant that I haven't personally met any of you and probably never will. From the bottom of my heart I thank you on behalf of myself and my family. We can only hope and trust our heavenly Father that, in some way we cannot understand, Alf has had every opportunity and then some, because of our seeking the Lord for him in the last 24 hrs, to receive His grace while he could.

Jill is holding up bravely (I called her after speaking briefly to Dad) but for sure some very difficult, challenging times are ahead for her. My wife left our marraige about 20 months ago after nearly 10 years together and I find I still grieve every day for what has been lost. Jill and Alf have had 18 very happy years together.

Again thanks so much to all. I plan to take Pat Marr's advice above and print this thread off when its done, for my own edification and I hope as a morsel of comfort for my sister. God bless you all. And may I say, God bless the forum.

John Shackleton