1926 – 2009
Dad and mum were my inspiration for reading and writing science fiction. Mum registered me for the Children’s science fiction book club when I was four, and dad was a scifi mag cover artist – as I mention with an illustration in the previous post.
Seems weird that last week after moving to Peebles, dad only complained of his left leg swelling. Their carpet fitter used his van as an ambulance to take them to Hay Lodge Hospital and then a real ambulance to Borders General in Melrose. While he slipped in and out of consciousness I read to him his favourite Omar Khayyam verses along with For A That by Robbie Burns. Sadly, his renal cancer, which we thought was radiotreated from him last year had returned along with a minor heart attack. He died peacefully on the 8th June – two days ago.
I present the last photo to be taken of him – the day he moved in to Peebles just over a week ago. And one of him and mum taken whebefore they sparked my existence.
-
- William Christopher Nelder
-
- William and Joan Nelder in 1944
My mother died in 1983 but dad married again to Rosemary, who remains in Peebles and hopefully coping well and making new friends. I have a sister, Linda, living in Cheltenham, where the family were brought up after a spell in post-war Germany.
Tags: Bill Nelder, Joan Nelder, Peebles, William Nelder
June 11, 2009 at 12:36 am |
That’s so sad. I’m sorry for your loss, Geoff.
June 11, 2009 at 9:22 am |
I’m so sorry Geoff.
June 11, 2009 at 10:52 am |
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts.
June 11, 2009 at 3:37 pm |
So sorry to hear that, Geoff.
June 11, 2009 at 9:23 pm |
Geoff, sorry to hear of your loss, thinking of you.
June 12, 2009 at 12:19 am |
No wonder you’re so talented, Geoff, with such talented and lovely parents. I’m so sad to hear about your loss. It sounds like your Dad lived a long and full life, and hopefully that will bring you comfort in the days ahead.
June 18, 2009 at 8:00 am |
My heartfelt sorrow to hear of your loss Geoff. You are in my thoughts.
June 19, 2009 at 6:25 pm |
Your dad was clearly a good artist and a brilliant dad. How wonderful to have parents who encouraged you when such a young lad. It sounds like you had a very happy childhood with a great role model. Few people can claim such a close relationship.
Your dad achieved his final home in Peebles — thanks to you. At his age, getting him there was quite an achievement. To be able to look back with no regrets is a wonderful thing. In every respect, your closeness over the years must have given him much comfort.
May golden memories bring peace and – eventually – joy.
June 19, 2009 at 6:46 pm |
Thanks everyone. You are so right, Gladys and I’m glad I have such wise friends as you.
I cycled to Manchester yesterday to help daughter with baby Oliver. such a joy and I’m sure I see my dad in his eyes, especially when he perks up when seeing a shaft of sunlight breaking through the trees.