R.I.P. William Frank Dunning

Husband of Ronnice Jacqueline Dunning
Father Mark, Vaughan and Laura
Brother of Brian (dec'd), Noel and Margaret

My father died of a lung infection at 5:45pm Western Australian Time. My brother Mark, and Mum had been called in due to his illness, and he passed away as my mother held his hand, and she was talking about where he was born, and his mother.

Dada had a double stroke on his birthday in 2000, and has mostly been in a nursing home ever since. At the time I was over here, and preparing to go overseas to Phuket. My mother would visit him at least twice a week, and has watched the slow further decline of his health.

I was fortunate that last year my trip to Queer Collaborations in Perth provided me with an opportunity to visit my family, including my father. I loved my father, though I knew a long time ago that I could never be the child he expected me to be. Nonetheless, even though he probably didn't understand me, I know that he loved me.

My father...

...grew up on a farm, didn't like eggs but did like marching bands;

...fought in World War II in the Pacific;

...met, fell in love with, and married my mother;

...worked for too many years as a guard on Government Railways;

...and with Mum, raised three children; and

...was loved by us all.

I will miss him.

My brother phoned me tonight, after mum had tried to phone but couldn't get through - I had one phone call all evening before that but it lasted 20 minutes, and over the two times mum tried to call - he's paying for me to fly over for the funeral. I will probably be leaving on Friday, and returning next Thursday. Have a lot to do before I go - must arrange for the pets to be looked after at the very least.

I'll be wearing black tomorrow.