Posts to the tribute of Kenneth Bernard Howard

Some of my fondest childhood memories live on at the old house in Winston Hills—where time seemed to stretch just a little longer. There were endless packets of chippies, Joan’s famous fruit platters laid out like a feast, and long afternoons that melted into evenings spent playing backyard cricket. The bar fridge was always brimming with soft drink, and without fail, the same two VHS tapes would play on an endless loop, as if they too belonged to that place. Pa was the warmest, gentlest soul—a man who carried a quiet kindness and a ready joke, always paired with that familiar chuckle. Whether he was showing me how to build a deck, playing a round of golf, or fixing a bike tyre, he had a way of turning the ordinary into something memorable, something worth holding onto. I’m so grateful you were my Pa. And in more ways than I can put into words, you are the kind of Pa I hope to be one day. I know deep down you will take care of my beloved Theodore and show him your cheeky ways. To Pa! Have a scotch or three old matey.

One of my core memories of Pa is from when I was 3 or 4, he was at our house helping dad build something. I kept getting in the way so he tied me to the trailer, which I thought was hilarious. Being cheeky, I said I needed to go to the toilet, so he untied me. I then continued to get in the way while laughing and saying I didn't actually need to go. He tied me to the trailer again. I then really did need to go, so I told him again, but this time he didn't believe me. I proceeded to wet myself all while crying. I remember him feeling so bad about it and trying to make me feel better. I also remember that being my lesson in the boy who cried wolf. Another favourite memory that comes to mind is when he built us a cubby house for Christmas. When we asked what he was making, he said that it was a landing pad for Santa's sleigh. So magical, and it was the best Christmas present ever! I painted a picture of it, and he had it hanging proudly in his kitchen for years. Pa and nana Joan's house was where we got to have pizza everytime we stayed for dinner, and where I remember watching Lion King for the first time. I am so greatful that he got to meet my son the last time we were visiting, and I will cherish that moment forever. I will miss the warmth he brang, the big hugs, his laugh, and his flat caps. He was the cutest little Pa, just like Maurice from Beauty and the beast. Forever in our thoughts

Pa being in my life just felt like a sure thing - sky's blue, Earth is round, Pa's around to crack a joke and give you a big bear hug. It feels a bit surreal to think he's gone, I don't think my brain has fully caught up yet. If I'm honest, my strongest memories are of running around harassing him and Nan to put Beauty and the Beast on their TV, playing lawn games and having Easter egg hunts in their backyard. And of course, more recent memories made at Christmas with the family, his day-trip to Wollongong with Mum and Dad a few years ago, and the few visits I've been able to squeeze in to see them all in Jervis Bay this past year. When I saw him at Easter, he was his happy, chatty, cheeky self and was clearly adored by the nursing home staff. I'm so grateful I was able to see him then. I'm grateful to the staff who cared for him and for the friends he made in the facility, for brightening his days and keeping him company. I'm so grateful to my parents for being so vigilant about his wellbeing in his last few years. Pa, you are loved, and you will be so missed. Love, Maddie.