Dave Joseph Tucker

In memory of the best dad any girl could want, Dave Tucker...

Born on 17th September 1963 (along with his twin brother Stephen), passed away on 15th February 2004, aged just 40.

Dave was a talented graphic designer - (the turtle on Turtle Wax was his design) although a lot of his friends knew him as a taxi driver.

Dave took me on as his daughter from the age of 4 when he met my mum, and when they split up he continued to treat me as his daughter, even though some people said he should just forget about me. For this I am forever grateful.

Dave showed me as much love as any biological parent would give their child, and was always there when I needed him, ready to listen and give me a big hug when I needed one. He supported me when I had tough decisions to make, and stood by me in whatever I wanted to do.

On 15th February 2004 Dave passed away in his brother's arms, just 13 days after being diagnosed with cancer.

I was devastated, but looking back, it was for the best, as you weren't in pain anymore. Its such a shame that you couldn't see your little boy, Harrison, one more time before you died, but I'm sure you're watching over him and seeing him grow up...

Margaret was devastated too... I know you had your ups and downs (lots of them - usually your fault..!! haha) but I know that you two would have been together forever, you were perfect together, and I know she misses you so much. Amy and Rob miss you too...

Dave you'll be forever in my heart, there's not a day goes by where I don't think about you. I love you more than words can say. I'll always remember the way you used to mess with my hair to wind me up.. you knew it would make me smile. You always knew how to make me smile...

I love you Dave, and I'll miss you always

Your daughter, Kirsty

xxx

I wrote this for you a couple of years ago. It was on the site that Stephen set up for you that's no longer there.

Awake once more, I lie in the dark
Thinking of you, strings pull at my heart
I love you, I miss you, I want you back here
I wish I could see you, could hold you so near

I don't care what they think, don't care what they say
You were my real Dad in every way
You brought me up, made me who I am
Blood is just science, I don't give a damn

If I was in a mood, you knew what to do
You'd laugh and you'd tease 'til I was laughing too
But when I was down, you were always there
To listen to me, to show me you cared

I find myself thinking about 'way back when'
I'd give my all to have that time again
The time when things were simple - no worry, fear or stress
'cause now without you here with me my life just seems a mess

The day you and my mum split up
My world crashed down, I lost all hope
I couldn't bear seeing you just once a week
For ages I cried myself to sleep

Sundays were just you and me - on our own
We became really close, a bond made of stone
You took me on bike rides, spent days at the park
We'd laugh and we'd play and we'd stay out 'til dark

My world changed again when my brother was born
At first I was jealous - felt left out, alone
Then when I saw him it was love at first sight
I loved him to bits, felt 'high as a kite'

When you and Mags got together, our family grew again
We all got on really well, I was so happy then
Although you both fell out a lot, I knew you'd make it through
Cos as they say 'Love conquers all - it certainly conquered you!

I was devastated when you passed away
There was so much left to do, to say
I felt that I could not go on
Without the Dad I doted upon

I've never felt as sad as this
Your smile, your touch - these things I miss
For months I cried myself to sleep
Praying you'd come back to me

If I didn't have Mags, I don't know what I'd do
She helped me so much, made me pull through
We've cried together when things got bad
We've laughed at the memories of good times we've had

With time the hurt eases, though never goes away
I still have to take things just day by day
I'll never stop loving you, wishing you could be here
But now it's getting easier - I tell myself you're near

I miss you Dave, the hurt is so bad
My life's spent longing for what we once had
No day goes by without thoughts of you
Without thoughts of the Dad that I looked up to

I just want you to know that you're still in my heart
And that when you left here, my world fell apart
But I'm carrying on and I'm pulling through
Just want you to know I'll forever love you

xxxx