Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Uncle Theo was my Father, Dirk's brother. Theo was more than an Uncle to me, after my Dad passed away 16 years ago, he offered to be my "stand in" Dad. He showed love, care & concern for myself, Malcolm and our families. He and Kate travelled to Adelaide for my Dad's funeral in 2007, then stayed a few extra days to help sort out Dad's huge book collection and various Documents. It was a typical show of support and kindness that was a family trait.
Our visit to Theo & Kate in their new home in Berry, a few years ago now, has left me with many happy memories. He proudly showed us around the Naval Base in Nowra, also the huge Naval Aviation Museum, giving a running commentary about both facilities. I would never have guessed he worked in such a high profile job as he was quite humble when away from work, on his trips to Adelaide in his younger years. I have the memories of his stories of his time in the POW camp in Indonesia as a child, how he and his siblings looked after each other and their extremely ill Mother, my Grandmother.
I noticed a number of 'loves' in his life, for God, Kate, his siblings, his extended family, friends, Family History, Travelling the globe, Choral singing, helping people, and finally I can't leave out cakes, pastries and chocolates!
He has left an amazing legacy with the Family History Book that he wrote, painstakingly researched & illustrated with maps. It took huge time and effort to produce it and I am so grateful to have it.
It feels very bittersweet to be saying goodbye today, as in this life there will be no more good advice from Uncle Theo, but to know he is running free with the Angels in Heaven, and our loved ones who beat him to it, is just so wonderful. The following bible verse sums up Uncle Theo's life - 2 Timothy 4: 6 - 8 "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved his appearing"
Love from your niece, Sally Holmes
