Following the recent news of the passing of Alan J. W. Bell, Peter and I thought it only right to honour him in a short video.
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My 92 year-old father has recently been diagnosed with dementia. I know it is easy to say "I knew ..." but he has had cognitive issues for about 2 years. His wife, who is not my mother, refused to acknowledge his problems and his diagnosis was delayed. He is now being well looked after in a care home. If you are not sure, you will not be wasting your doctor's time - early diagnosis does help.
Not to spoil anyone's pre-Christmas, but as I recently mentioned my father's dementia diagnosis, I thought I would add that I was called earlier with the news that he passed away at 5am today, in the care home.
My lasting memories will be of him in his 40s to 50s; If he wasn't fixing his car, he would be helping other people especially the Cubs and Scouts. He drove the minibus for the Scout's camp, got involved in organising all sorts of events, and used whatever influence he had to elicit tombola prizes - he got Parker Knoll to donate a reclining armchair!
There is a photo of Dad when he was doing National Service, next to a huge army truck he was working on. Just over 50 years later at a vintage vehicle event he was reunited with the same vehicle, and got the opportunity to drive it again.
When he was the fleet engineer for a coach firm, he drove their coaches on Silverstone race track for a promotional photo shoot!
He worked in the transport business until he was about 72, eventually retiring to look after his disabled wife.
He was 92, he had a good life and I think he did everything he wanted to. Whilst I am saddened, it is a relief that he does not have to suffer any more.