Finally
My Dad, the Communist, died at about eight o'clock this morning.
He was a bit of a contradiction. A fervent atheist who lived his life by what most people would term Christian principles: a Communist who abhorred all violence: an anti-monarchist who would, if the Queen had turned up on his doorstep, have invited her in for a cuppa.
Most of all, a very kind man who valued his family above all else.
For anyone who knows him and would like to come, his funeral will be this Friday, 12th December 2008, at 9am (yes, rather too early but the only time we could get) at Lawnswood Crematorium, Leeds.
Of course, the title of this blog remains the same because my Dad will always be in my memories and my thoughts: I'm not going to put it into the past tense. No My Dad Was a Communist, no way.
I'll write more soon.
Meanwhile:
RONALD HARRY BLASS (always Ron or Ronnie, never Ronald)
aka THE COMMUNIST
born 14th September 1923
died 8th December 2008
RIP with lots of love from us all
He was a bit of a contradiction. A fervent atheist who lived his life by what most people would term Christian principles: a Communist who abhorred all violence: an anti-monarchist who would, if the Queen had turned up on his doorstep, have invited her in for a cuppa.
Most of all, a very kind man who valued his family above all else.
For anyone who knows him and would like to come, his funeral will be this Friday, 12th December 2008, at 9am (yes, rather too early but the only time we could get) at Lawnswood Crematorium, Leeds.
Of course, the title of this blog remains the same because my Dad will always be in my memories and my thoughts: I'm not going to put it into the past tense. No My Dad Was a Communist, no way.
I'll write more soon.
Meanwhile:
RONALD HARRY BLASS (always Ron or Ronnie, never Ronald)
aka THE COMMUNIST
born 14th September 1923
died 8th December 2008
RIP with lots of love from us all
posted by Daphne at 3:01 pm
15 Comments:
Thankfully he didn't have time to suffer and of course you all got to say your goodbyes while he could hear you - even though he wasn't aware they were goodbyes. Perfect.
I only got to meet him a few times in the last year but thanks to this blog, I feel I've known him a lot longer.
Thank you for that and as Americans say, I'm so sorry for your loss.
My sincerest condolences Daphne.
From all the anecdotes of him on the blog, you painted a wonderful picture of him that will live on in the collective memory, not just in those that knew him but also in those of us that didn't.
Milo
Daphne, I'm so glad you returned home from America in time to spend some time with your father during his last few days. You made him come alive for your readers on many occasions.
My condolences to you and your family.
Bob Brague
Canton, Georgia, USA
Daphne, I'm so sorry that you have lost your Dad, but as you say he will live on in the memories of all who knew & loved him and also those who met him through your blog. I suspect some of his traits may live on in his daughter too
Hugs
Christine
As has been said already, you have been able to create a fine portrait and tribute to your dad with your posts about him here.
My condolences to you and yours.
hey Sweetie
dont really know what to say
im really sorry, i know you will be upset and if there is anything you or Ollie need then ring me ok
Love Kim
XxX
So sorry, Daphne. I know you will miss him tremendously. It's good that you were able to get back in time to see him and that, in the end, he didn't have to go through long, drawn out suffering.
I'm sorry to hear this, Daphne.
You are in my thoughts.
Julie paradox
I know you don't need my tears but after my long drive home your post has made me weep again.
I am so glad to have been able to spend time with Ronnie in the last couple of weeks. His warmth, wit and generosity of spirit were always present and you are a tremendous credit to him. Through your blog he can never be forgotten, not that he ever would be by anyone who knew him.
My love as always to you and the whole family.
Ruth
So sorry to hear this. I feel like I got to know him a little through your blog, and what an admirable and interesting person he was.
The people's flag is deepest red
It shrouded oft our martyred dead
And ere their limbs grew stiff and cold
Their heart's blood dyed its every fold...
Rest in Peace Mr Blass
Thank you all so much for your comments - they are much appreciated. And, YP, I was amazed when I first heard people singing "O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree how lovely are your branches" to the tune of the Red Flag - - because the words I knew were, of course, the ones that you have quoted.
I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. You are in my thoughts, x
My thoughts and love to you on your sad loss. He may no longer be with you but he certainly is in the hearts and thoughts of all those of us who have read about his life and exploits.
Best Wishes
Oh Daph... I'm so rorry, I only just heard (read).
Big hugs for you all - he sounded like a gentleman.
xxx
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