From Tony Kidd:
They first came to Ardnamurchan in the early 1960s towing a touring caravan with three boys, Richard, Geoff and me Antony, all the way from Newcastle, camping in the sand dunes at Sanna. So began a lifelong love of Western Ardnamurchan. They returned at least once a year for long holidays, moving from Sanna to Achnaha initially with their touring caravan and an assortment of tents (which lasted a varying length of time depending on the storms!), and from the early 1970s they had a static caravan delivered to 'the knoll on the hill'.
They made many friends including the Hendersons, McKinnons, McGillivarys, MacPhails, MacColls, and MacLachlans, and they had many friends who like them made the long journey for the holiday of a lifetime including the Herberts, the Hardys, the Wilkinsons, the Dowers and the Roberts.
Our main pastime whilst on holiday was fishing, and over the years we fished from the rocks and later from our boats the Vera Mary and Sula Bassanna.
Mum and Dad last visited in the early 2000s, but after the untimely death of our eldest brother Richard in 2008 mum's health deteriorated and she became bedridden following a number of strokes. Mum and Dad were devoted to each other, retaining their sense of humour, and they always looked forward to hearing the news from their special place. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in February this year.
Mum passed away in her sleep on Thursday 6th March. Geoff and I decided that it would be better if we told dad ourselves so we set off, Geoff from Mull and me from Kilchoan. Before we reached Gateshead the Nursing Home informed us that Dad had been admitted to hospital and was critically ill.
Dad improved over the next couple of days and we where able to tell him of mum's passing and he told us of his requests for white carnations and Vera Lynn singing "We'll Meet Again" to be played at the service.
Dad passed away that night, five days after mum.
Those of you who remember mum and dad - please raise a glass and share a memory.
I didn't know your parents but they sound lovely people, and I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteExpressing sincere sympathy to all the family. Vee and Dick were two of the most warm and friendly people I remember as a child, and leave behind happy memories of sunny days and laughter at Achnaha, and with my uncle John and aunt Morag (MacGillivary) in Sanna.
ReplyDeleteWith love and prayers.
Hi Antony, sad to hear of your mam and dad's passing. I remenber their good humor and passion for family life and the highlands. This was a touching story. I'll raise a glass to honor them and to you and Geof and your great family
ReplyDeleteFond memories and heartfely sympathy
David Gray