Hi Kevin It's your Birthday - not sure if you celebrate it up there but just in case you do - Happy Birthday!!! I always like your birthdays and tried my best to come up with surprises and organise something special. I remember driving you to a restaurant letting you get to the entrance and then telling you we were going to Carl's for dinner. You were always game and let me have a laugh - something I truly miss about you. You would have been 66 today and officially a state pensioner!!! Such a shame you're not here to mark such a feat and to celebrate. I shall be bringing you some flowers later on today, hopefully you'll like them, but unfortunately I'll never know. I presume you know your Auntie Margaret died a few weeks ago, she was very ill, bless her. We're (Dirk and I) are going up north to stay at Michael and Kate's and the Hartley gathering, which will be Dirks first is going to be in Morecambe - originally planned so Margaret could be there. I unfortunately missed her funeral as I was on holiday, so at least I'll see Wallace at the gathering. I do so miss you and always will Lots of Love Simon Xxxx

Hi Sweetie It's unbelievable that it's 5 Years today that you officially left us, and not a day goes by where I don't think about you!!! I miss you so much and think I always will. I came to visit you yesterday, (the day you actually died) and I brought some flowers, (specially chosen so the deer wouldn't eat them), I hope you like them? I think of our times together and where / what we might be doing now, but unfortunately we'll never know, but I'm sure we'd still be having fun. Lots of Love as always Simon Xxxxx

Hi Kevin Apologies for not having written for a while but i did come and visit you at the Memorial gardens the other week. The gardens always look so nice, and i hope you're pleased to be there as your final resting place? I hope you're ok and being nice to everyone 'up' there? Marion has now come to join you, we always liked her and i do miss her not being around. Hopefully you're looking down on us all and seeing what we're up to? All is well with me, still holidaying and helping out at the RDA as well as doing my fitness classes which i really enjoy along with Dirk. No doubt you'll have seen that Dirks moved in with me now and I'm so happy that this has happened, as i know you'd be happy for the both of us. We do get on very well just like we did and as naturally as well. I think about you often and smile at the photographs of you around the house, with you smiling for all to see. I miss you so much, +21 years was a long time to be together and then not to have you around anymore, it's still hard at times but new chapters have opened and I'm living happily again rather that just existing, which i know you're be please to hear. You'll always be in my heart, and i shall always think of you and our happy times together. Lots of Love Simon Xxxx

Hi Kevin I hope you're ok and enjoying this nice weather atm? As you'll know Dirk and I went to Costa Rica for 12 nights in March, somewhere we had wanted to go to but unfortunately the Avios flights never worked out for us. We were lucky and got WTP but were upgraded on the way out - something you would have been very pleased with!!! You would have liked Costa Rica it had a good variety of terrains and waterways and lots of wildlife, although known more for the amazing birds. We had nice hotels a couple of which were real WOW ones, another thing you always liked. I just wish you had had the chance to have been there and see everything that we did, it's such a shame!!! Lots of Love Simon Xxxxx

Happy New Year Sweetie Sorry i didn't write to you for Christmas day but it was a bit hectic here!!! I trust you're forgive me for not messaging you? As I'm sure you're aware my mum had a bad fall the week before Christmas and cracked her pelvis and was in hospital for a week, coming home on Boxing Day. So i stayed over at there's looking after my dad. He's quite easy to look after but i missed your support, which i know had you been here i would have had 100%. She's doing well with her mobility and is moving about with a Zimmer frame but I'm sure she's in a lot of pain. My dad was so worried about her when she was in hospital - he clearly loves her so much even after 60 years of marriage. Much the same as i love you and think about you nearly every day. I hope you're enjoying the fireworks and the fact its not too cold out there, just a bit wet. Miss you as much as ever and wish you were still here with me. Lots of Love Simon Xxxxx

Hi Sweetie Happy Birthday!!!! You would have been 65 today, and still as handsome as ever. No doubt there would have been some sort of celebration and family gathering which you would have loved, never being the shy or reserved type, LOL. I came to see you at the Memorial Gardens and brought you some flowers, hopefully ones the deer's don't like? Dirk asked me to say hello from him, which i did when i visited. He had also said he'd come with me, presumably to me support, but days like your Birthday are very personal between us two so i said it'd be fine. I think you'd have liked him, he has many similar traits to you but unfortunately he's not a DIY person lol He's very kind and thoughtful and loves me very much, as i do him, and i know you'd be very happy for us both as i would have been for you if our circumstances had been reversed. We're going up north to stay with Michael & Kate this weekend, so a big step for everyone, but it will be fine. Well i hope you had a good birthday, with everyone you know up there, presumably the wine flowed? Lots of love as always Simon Xxxxxx

Hi Kevin I came for a chat the other day but I'm sure you know that and also to bring you some flowers (unfortunately not your favourite Delphiniums as I had thought - sorry). It's hard to believe that in a few days it will be four years since you left us. Time seems to have gone by so quickly but not the sadness of losing you which will always remain with me. I still smile at your photo and say goodnight before turning my light off but really wishing you'ld just walk though the front door!!! I say your Auntie June a couple of weeks ago, she's naturally struggling with the passing of Jane last year and trying to make sure Daisy is being cared for properly, but she's a fighter and deals with things. She said you'ld be please that she's lost a lot of weight, unfortunately this is down to her now having type 2 diabetes and naturally the diets had to change. She misses you so much and wishes for that support you would have given her. I also saw Fiona today, she has your Churchill dog at home and she says she quite often talks to you through it - which is lovely. Unfortunately she's been very ill and also been told she has type 2 diabetes - so a big change in life style which she's still trying to work out and adjust to. Her spirits seem good and she's positive Enjoy the nice weather that we're due this weekend, such a shame we can't share it together. Lots of Love Simon Xxxx

Hi KH, It's hard to believe but this week would have been 25 Years since we first met back in 1998!! If you hadn't been taken so early from us all, would we still be together? I think yes, why wouldn't we be? We had everything and got on so well. I'm sure you're aware that I've now met a new 'Special Friend'? We met the same week as we did but only a year ago. We get on really well and have lots in common including holidays. Most important is the fact that I'm happy again, and I know that's what you would have wanted for me, as I would have you. I miss you soo much and often think of you and our happy times together. The other day I had a quandary and looked at one of your photos and wondered what you would have said, it made me smile but more importantly it gave me comfort and strength. Lots of Love Simon Xxxx

Happy Christmas Sweetie, Such a shame you’re not here to spend Christmas with me again, you always used to make it special. It’s been a bit better this year, at least Kate & Andy made an effort to come to mums and were actually chatty!!! But not the same without you!!!!!!! I hope you’re doing ok and looking after your M&D as well as other family members? Miss you so much and always will Lots of love Simon😘😘

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!!!! I know you loved your birthday (even though you pretended not to like the fuss), but as you always said ‘birthdays are your special day’ and I know I’m not the only person recognising it would have been your special day!! You'ld have been 64 today and still looking young and handsome, and that’s how I’ll always remember you😘 As you’ll know I’m in Gran Canaria (yep again), and will be going out later to commemorate your day, with some peaceful happy thoughts of you and the many good times we had together. Love and miss you always Simon💋

Hi Kevin, It’s unbelievable but it’s now 3 years since you left us all!! Not a day goes by when I don’t think about you in someway or other:- memories, when I’m tending your garden or just smiling back at you in the many photos I have of you around the house. I miss you so much and what I wouldn’t do to have you and the life we had together back again. Rest in peace Lots of Love Simon Xxxx

Hi Sweetie How are you? No doubt you saw Amy and Dale's wedding last Thursday (9th June) and saw everyone in their best outfits? I'd had my summer suit re tailored and was really pleased with it. I wore one of your ties and your best Rolex Cellini watch and all went perfectly together. Amy looked amazing as you'd expect . It was lovely to see your Auntie Margaret and Uncle Wallace there, she's very frail now but still smiling and happy to see everyone. John (Anne's husband) raised a toast to those no longer with us which included you, your mum and dad and one other who I didn't know, but it was a lovely gesture and nearly brought a tear to my eye as i know you'd have loved to have been there. Lots of Love Simon Xxxxx

Hi Kevin I hope you're alright wherever you are looking down at us all. You'll observe I'm still trying my best to get my life together and to start another chapter but it's far from easy and definitely full of knocks and disappointments. Today I went to Windsor for lunch with two friends (Alan & Jay) that I'd met on holiday in March, so that was lovely and a real positive for me. Paul Carpenter and Bill have been working on the replacement Pagoda being as the second one which you put up quite some years ago had rotted away. They're hoping to finish in the next week or so which will be great and I can then plant a couple of climbers in so they can grow over it like before. I went up to Michaels for Victoria's 30th birthday party which was a really good evening. They've been really good to me, which I know you'd be really pleased about!!! This time I felt much more relaxed staying there, which I suppose is just a time thing as we had always stayed at your mums and obviously not at theirs. Jacob is growing up quite fast now and Sarah has tried to him that I'm a Great Uncle, but the Great bit proved too difficult to understand (which I get) so I'm an Uncle which is lovely!!!! Missing you as much as every and just wishing you were still here Love as always Simon Xxxxxx

Hi Kevin, Although your physical body isn’t with us anymore, I have felt your presence today and I wanted to thank you for that. I just wanted to let you know that I do think about you and the questionable conversations we used to have frequently. It always brings a smile to my face when I think about them, even when no one around us understood what we were on about. I hope you are having fun up in the clouds. Lots of love, Katie x

Merry Christmas Kevin It's the third one you've missed and Christmas just isn't the same without you!!! Up to a few days ago I really thought things were coming together and I was feeling I was in a better place, but Christmas has brought home a cruel reality check!!! It's really brought home how lonely and venerable I still am and I hate it. You used to make Christmas with all the decorations and excitement that you used to create, now that's all gone along with you. Missing you more than ever Lots of Love Simon Xxxxx

Happy birthday Uncle Kevin. Been thinking about you today! Xxx

Hi Sweetie Happy Birthday!!!! It would have been your 63rd today but alas you've not been here for the last 3, not something you're happy about I'm sure. I always used to love trying to create a surprise for you, and you always happily went along with anything I'd organised, apart from your 50th that is LoL what a strop at being 50!!!! I came to visit you today and bring you some flowers - very pink, but easily seen, I hope you like them? The RDA are having their carol concert later today (something we never managed to get to) and I'm doing a reading - wish me luck. Wish you were there with me by my side, as I do every day. Miss you as much as ever Lots of Love Simon Xxxx

Hi Kevin, It’s unbelievable that’s it’s now 2 years since you left us all this evening, (officially tomorrow I know), and at times I still can’t get my head around it, that massive void you have left is still there!!! I’m getting stronger though and things are getting a bit better for me:- more things in the diary and meeting some new people, who you’ld really appreciate are friends and helping me progress in this new chapter of my life. Ultimately though it’s still hard and the pain still raw and I just want you back in my life. Luckily I have many many happy memories of our 21 years together, something no one can take away, and these bring great happiness to me but also a sadness that there are no more to have with you😥 I miss you more than you can imagine and always will do, but I know you’ld want me to be happy, (as I would of you if our roles had been reversed), but it’s so hard getting this new chapter going without you!!! Lots of Love Simon Xxxxx

Hi Kevin I hope your OK and not upsetting anyone?? I came for a chat the other day and to bring you some more flowers. The gardens were looking lovely and the water fountains were on in the lake - a great setting. I had a nice holiday in Sitges, didn't quite go to plan but turned out well in the end. Before I went away Michael and Kate come down for the weekend and that all went very well, I feel much more relaxed with them now which is good and I shall go up and stay for a weekend pre Christmas. I've been quite busy since I got back, Edwards court has finally been let but then the hob went - there's always something, but I'm getting a bit more used to having to sort things out but it's not my strong point and never will be, that was your domain and you did it all so well!!! Emma at the RDA is coaxing me back into instructing which I'm pleased she is doing - I need a bit of encouragement / kick up the backside though. I'm still finding just general chores around the house and garden which you used to do a real strain as its additional time consuming task, so I'm looking for some outside help to ease the stress - all about reducing the suffering. I'm on a bit of a high at the moment, (lots happening), but I know it won't last so I'm please I had booked a few holidays when I was having that real rough patch a couple of months back. I had a communication via LinkedIn from a guy in Thailand, turns out to be a cousin of mine (on my dads side) that had emigrated several decades ago to New Zealand, but now moved again. It was a real surprise and we've been chatting a bit so that's nice. Despite being quite a bit happier at the moment I still miss you so much and basically would do anything to have you back here beside me!!! Lots of Love Simon Xxxxxx

Hi Kevin, I hope you're OK? Just wanted to say I'm missing you more than ever!!!! No doubt you'll have seen I've had a bit of a rough time since returning from holiday in early July!! First the electrics were out at home - cable under the kitchen floor had got 'corroded in the concrete' but I came up with an idea to avoid breaking the floor tiles and Paul C gave me the confidence to stand up to the electric repairers, so all sorted. Then Jason and family have left the flat after 6 years, so I've been really busy trying to sort that out, its been hard work and not something I relish doing (especially without you being there), but I think you'd be please with the end result? I'm trying but it's not easy, still not making much headway with finding new friends - just cannot work out what other peoples agendas are other than winding people up - it's a cruel world out there and I hate it a lot of the time. The garden's looking great, everything is growing well and I've caught up with trying to get things under control. The climbing rose on the patio looked amazing - you'd have loved it. Michael and Kate are coming down next weekend which will be nice and Michaels said he'd like to come and visit you, lets hope the weather's nice. Chat soon, Lots of love. Simon Xxx

Hi Kevin, Been thinking of you a lot recently, as I’m looking at all the diy work that I have to do! You were always the man to call and I loved watching you enjoy yourself doing the job at hand. We have a few things here and there at the yard that could do with repairing and I know that you would jump at the chance of fixing them. I hope you are enjoying yourself in the other world. I’m sure you are keeping yourself and others entertained, as you did with us. Always in my thoughts and I hope I’m not making to much of a fool out of myself for you. But what’s life without a bit of entertainment anyway ;) All the best, Katie

Hi KH, I came for a chat this afternoon, the sun was out and so were many visitors, treating the scattering lawn like a sunbathing area!!! So knowing what you would have done, I told them they were laying on top of people's ashes.... and they took the hint, leaving me in peace to put the flowers I brought for you out on the lawn. My birthday was fine, (the second one you've missed), went out for dinner with Carl, Sandra and Miss Diane which was nice, but nothing is going to replace the fuss you used to make of me on my day. I'm still struggling to find any initiative following this last lockdown, I'm busyish going to organised things but cannot get myself motivated enough to organise anything myself. The loneliness is hitting me harder now than before and despite being busy that void you've left behind still feels massive especially when I come home to an empty house that's lost its love and warmth. I just feel I'm existing with no purpose and I hate it!!!! Hopefully my trip to Gran Canaria next week will help? Love you always Simon Xxxxx

Hi Sweetie, came to see you in the week and bring you some flowers, (carnations as I don't think the deer like them), but also to let you know what's been going on. I'm ok but I found the lockdown very hard especially over winter - you won't believe how I looked forward to playing Uno on Houseparty with Carl, Colin, Dana, Garry, Glo & John every Thursday evening, so I'm so grateful to have been included by them!!!! I'm so unsure what you would have made of all of this, people have acted quite differently to how some would have expected them to and mainly in a positive way, but i think there are many 'issues' under the surface. I think I'm ok but struggled badly at times, it's been so lonely and endless. Now however things are beginning to open up and I've been on a couple of meetup group walks, and the RDA is starting lessons again, so I'm adjusting to being out there again, which I did get a bit anxious about, which shocked me. It's times like that I miss you more than ever, your support and positivity but more than that you being here would just make me more sure of myself. Jim and Di's has new people moved in, that's 2 years since Jim died, so no more additional parking. There's been lots of activity so I'm not actually sure who's living there atm, but hopefully they'll be nice neighbours otherwise I might have to look to you for direction and think what you'd have done - god help them!!! It's Easter but I'm not that interested in chocolate, (much to Linda's disbelieve) but i know you'd have love some Lindor as that was your favourite. It's unbelievable that it's a year since your mum passed away and came to join you, your dad and Angela, i hope you're all getting on ok and looking after each other? I miss you so much, i just want you here!!!! Lots of Love Simon Xxxx

Hi Kevin Came to talk to you today, god it was cold but at least no rain. It's hard to believe that it was this day last year that 4 of us came to where you are now to scatter your ashes!!! Luckily last year there were no other people about, (unlike today), but that still didn't help our nerves and thoughts of was this the right thing to do for you? Well a year on and I'm more convinced than ever that it was totally the right thing to have done, and I'm so so please we did. I hope your pleased with your final resting place and the great views you have? I know I am and every time I come and visit you I just think is there anywhere more perfect a place to rest than where you are, and my answer is no there isn't, and that's why when my time comes I shall be reunited with you on the same lawn. Love as Always Simon Xxxx

Happy Birthday for yesterday Sweetie!!!! Such a shame you weren’t here to enjoy it as I know you would have loved to have celebrated many more than you did😢 As you know I’m still in the Canaries but I went to a nice park and commemorated your birthday there And had a picnic to make it into a bit of an occasion, but it wasn’t the same - sorry. Sandra, Kevin, Hannah and Lucy went to the memorial gardens to ‘see’ you and placed some lovely flowers on the lawn for you to enjoy. I hope you like them and the deer don’t!!! I’ll come and visit you soon. Love and miss you lots, like I could never imagine. Simon😘😘😘

There are so many wonderful tributes, photos and memories here that truly reflect your wonderful personality and some of great things you enjoyed doing the most. You often come into my thoughts and quite often I find myself working on one your many drawings you produced over the years at MBA. During this particularly difficult year, Bill and myself have taken on the challenge to repair your garden pergola which sadly had to be dismounted as the weather has really taken its toll on the framework. We both agreed that this was another Kevin masterpiece, very well thought out and extremely well put together. Rest assured we will do out best to replicate your excellent work and should have it completed by the spring for Simon to enjoy during the warmer months. The gnome you kindly painted for me will take pride of place again under my Christmas tree this weekend. I wish you a very happy birthday for tomorrow and will raise a glass (or two) in your memory. To my sadly missed friend, may you continue to rest in peace. Paul Carpenter

Dear Kevin Simon has created a beautiful tribute to you on this website. It is obvious how much you are loved and missed, especially by Simon. My first memory of you was when I visited your flat in Old Windsor and I admired the beautiful curtains you made. You certainly were very creative and talented. You were also a great cook and I enjoyed dinners at your lovely home. I think you were disappointed that I didn't cook Irish Stew when you came to dinner at mine.... I really enjoyed the Burn's Night, particularly going to the casino afterwards and bringing home some winnings! I'm pleased that Simon has put the photo I took on the gallery, as it brought back happy memories of that night. Simon said to me during the evening that he wished you were more ambitious at Martin Baker, but perhaps you spent your time more wisely, travelling, enjoying life and spending your time with people that were most important to you. I remember when you came to my wedding and you relayed a conversation you had with my mum, when you asked her what she wanted in life. Mum replied that she would like to meet an old man with a very bad cough, before getting a toy boy! I think you were amused and shocked by this reply, but my mum had a wicked sense of humour. I wasn't able to make it to your funeral, as I was spending time with family in Donegal, but my thoughts and prayers were with you that day. Simon was truly blessed and privileged to have you in his life for 21 years; an honest, kind and loving man. May you rest in peace. Sadie x

Hi Kevin Can't believe that it's a year since you were taken from us and your life cut so short. I came to visit you today and brought some flowers, (Delphiniums - your favourite), and told you what a crap year it's been and how my life's been so hard to adjust without you being there, supporting, guiding and giving me the occasional kick up the backside. I'm trying really hard to adapt to make new friend and learn some new skills like bits of DIY and maintenance but for a lay unskilled person it's pretty hard going. The garden is looking fairly good though and I think you'd be pleased with my efforts but it lacs your flair and inspiration which you had buckets of. I'm missing you as much as ever and think I always will, you were quite a character but a very caring person and someone I loved so very much - just want you back here next to me.... Lots of love Simon Xxxx

Hi Kevin, just been up to stay with Michael & Kate where you'll have seen along with Victoria, Sarah, Harper and Kate's mum Barbara we had your mums ashes scattered on the lawn at Skipton crematorium, on the same plot as your dad was scattered. We all thought it was a nice romantic thought that they were 'together' again:). In the evening Kate cooked for us all including Jacob and Jordan and it was a lovely family gathering. I think you'd be pleased to see me not only invited but happy and comfortable at such an event!! Just such a shame you weren't there at the table with us. I've also brought back the glass 'slippers / boots' you had bought your mum so i have something on display that ties you both together. Lots of Love as Always Simon Xxxx

Hi KH, Came and visited you on Sunday (13.09.20), was a lovely day and your final resting place looked amazing I'm sure you're please with the location and view? I sat on one of the benches to tell you how I'm coping and what I've been up to with my newly discovered Meetup groups and what a godsend they are proving to be!!! Even had a mini break to Bournemouth with one group and really enjoyed it. I had an extra day on my own and whilst sunbathing on the beach I wept tears wishing you were there next to me enjoying the time together as we used to. I miss you so much and think of you everyday, smiling back at your photos. Lots of Love Simon xxx

Hi Uncle Kevin. Not written in a while, been a busy few months and only now having chance to sit and reflect. Just seen Simon’s post about the post mortem, the constant feeling I have is frustration about how cruel it was for you to go so soon. Been sorting grandmas house out finally, found a great Christmas card you and Simon had sent of you both posing as elves! Also found lots of old photos of you with us on Christmas Day about 25 years ago! Looked like you were enjoying playing with the toys as much as we were! Life is strange lately, not sure if that’s down to COVID-19 or the gap that seems to have been left by you and grandma. Sending lots of love from the Harrison clan.

Hi Kevin, received the final Post Mortem Report this week after waiting 9 months - still a massive shock to receive it though!! Natural causes relating to your Arrhythmia condition is the cause given, with everything else saying all good, but then you were very active. So no surprises as expected and it was just bad luck, VERY bad luck that's robbed you of a longer life and me of an amazing partner, so sad!!! I also got your favourite Union Jack jumper returned and hugged it - it was so you, I shall always treasure it. Missing you so much, Lots of Love, Simon Xxx

Hi KH, Came to chat to you yesterday and I brought some pinks (Carnations) as well, I'm presuming you like them as we have them at home in our garden. The gardens were looking amazing yesterday as always. Neil from next door said that they had just put Jim's ashes next to Di's and I saw their plot its on the southern end of the scattering lawn, so right next to you. I'm still doing loads of gardening at home and really appreciating all of the plants and how well planned you have made it!! Such a shame you never cut back the Ivy - not sure when it was last done but it's 2 ft deep on our side - it's taken me ages to sort out. Bill and Linda are coming over to see me tomorrow and I think we'll be coming to say hello to you as well. Missing you so much and appreciating what we had together more than ever!!! Lots of Love Simon Xxxxx

Hi Sweetie, Came to chat to you today (01.06.20) as I'd missed you not making a fuss of me and singing Happy Birthday at every opportunity as you always used to on my special day!! Not your choice for sure!!!, and even in lock down I know you would have made the day very special for me. I'd been dreading this day for a while now and getting quite stressed at the thought of you not being here, but we have some great friends and they made this first birthday without you, extra special and one to remember. It's at times like this I realise how lucky I am to have such friends and despite you not being here I still had a lovely Birthday - so thank you ALL. Love, Simon

Thinking about you today with all that’s going on in the world and wondering what you would make of it all! Hope you and Grandpa have reunited with grandma. The thought that she’s at peace makes me feel happy in difficult times. Love to you all Sarah and the fam xx

Really miss Kevin's quick wit around the yard at South Bucks RDA, we needed a stand to stop a fundraising banner falling over, spoke to Kevin and he custom made us that stand, the banner will never fall over again, it's got clips to hold the feet in place on the base and guide ropes that would hold it in place through a hurricane, the stand will be around long after the banner, Kevin also made us a wooden gate for our riders to use in practice for the regional and national countryside challenge competition, it's got a piece of fence either side of the posts, one with a 90 degree turn in it and a seat that fit's in place for the person operating the gate to rest on, he thought of everything with that engineering mind, it even folds up for easy storage, i'm a qualified carpenter joiner and wood machinist and the quality of his work on this is outstanding, i promise we'll look after it mate in memory of a real good bloke who we really miss around the yard. Alan, Jenny, Joe & Max

Hi Sweetie, I came to chat to you today and bring you some more flowers, I hope you like them? I've tried to get ones those bloody deer won't eat, but who knows? It's impossible to believe that it's six months today, (09.04.20) that you 'officially' left us all, and there's not a day that passes that I don't think about you and want you back, next to me and doing the things we loved. I miss you so much words can't explain. I've been doing lots of gardening and still a lot more to do!!! Apparently you told Aunty June it was a Gin garden - a bit of gardening followed by G&T's, I'm currently thinking maybe too many Gins and not enough gardening Lol Lots of love and hugs Simon Xxx

Hi Kevin, no doubt from where you are you will know that your Mum sadly passed away on Tuesday (24th March), she put on a brave fight and didn't want to leave us. You'd have seen that we made her as comfortable as possible just as you would have and with the support of district nurses and Pendleside Hospice she managed to be cared for at home which is what she would have wanted along with her family by her side. She's now coming to join You, Eric and Angela and for her truly, it will be a better place free from her recent suffering. So look after her and have a great reunion remembering the good times of old, but also to keep a watch on the rest of us as we try to get through yet another body blow. Lots of Love as always Simon Xxxx

Hi Sweetie, It's 5 months since you sadly left us and whilst I'm managing it's not getting much easier. Being busy helps the days pass and you'll have seen I've had another holiday, but so much planning and time to fill because your not here, the void you have left is so big and I miss you so much. I'm trying to be strong and positive but could do with you kicking arse sometimes to keep me going. You're be pleased that our friends and family are still being very supportive as are the ladies at the RDA and all keeping me going. Love as Always Simon Xxx

Hi Kevin, I guess you know we're having some tough times at the moment but we're all sticking together and hopefully doing a good job. If you and dad could give us a hand from where you are- with mum's spirit, it'd be welcome. Keep an eye on the dogs till we get up there Michael x

Hi Uncle Kevin. Just a little note to say I’m thinking of you, you regularly pop into my thoughts. This week it was because I had a flat tyre and I found myself needing to use the portable tyre inflator you got me years ago. Thought it was an odd gift at the time but has proven very handy over the years. 😊 Sending love, Sarah and family xxx

Hi K H, Just to let you know that you made it to the front page of this quarters South Bucks RDA newsletter, even ahead of a piece about Clare Balding's recent visit!!!! Emma wrote some nice words, which she clearly has a skill for and I know you'ld very much appreciate :- "Sad News Last Autumn, Kevin Hartley a valued volunteer died suddenly aged 60years. He had been helping here for approximately 2 years and in that time he did so much to keep the facilities in good repair. He was always willing to help with the riding sessions which he did as required but mainly he spent his time doing maintenance. He is very sadly missed, especially his cheerful disposition and sense of humour. His partner Simon continues to be a volunteer." Lots of love Simon

Hi K H, I set you free today, (Sunday 29th December), at a local spot we both loved to walk around, and I know you'll love the view as you always used to comment on it in the past. I can now come and visit you and reflect on all the great times we had together and replace the flowers I left for you under the tree today. Michael, Kate and Carl were there as well, not just because they wanted to be there but also to supporting me, and I can't thank them enough!!! It was an 'unofficial' release, as I thought you would want to be free and not buried as 'they' insist, but how you would have laughed at the lengths we went through to achieve this happy ending, lets just say we're be eating Pringles for sometime!! Lots of Love Simon

Happy Christmas Sweetie, sorry but no card or present this Year as I know sadly, you're not here to open them. Not you're choice for sure, you'd have loved to have been here for this and many more Christmases. You love Christmas and always made them so special. It's so hard to want to celebrate Christmas without you, you were my Christmases for so many Years!!!! Love as always Simon

Hi Kev, happy birthday. We're thinking about you

Happy Birthday KH, I bought you a card but can’t decide to open it or not. I’m having lunch with your Auntie June, which I know would make you very happy knowing that we’re supporting each other on your special day. We’re going to put some flowers at the place you passed away and sing Happy Birthday to you. I miss you so much, but smile at the memories and your photos which are always smiling back at me. Lots of love Simon Xxx

Happy birthday Uncle Kevin! We’d usually be seeing you soon for the December get together or your birthday meal at Carlos xxx

Kevin was truly one of kind. His sense of humour could always surprise people. His interests were vast and wide & I think most importantly of all, his opinion was clearly that of his own. I will forever miss his stories of travelling the world with Simon. He recanted stories of their holidays with such a passion. He always loved to keep us up to date with where they were going next. Something I think we were all a little jealous of. You are gone Kevin, but you will never be forgotten. Steve Pickett

Not a knight in shining armour but my knight in a bright green jumper... being there. That twinkle in the eye when given a daft puzzle by me and the 'well it was obvious' glint when you managed to come up with the answer to an engineering problem. I will miss being ribbed by you... Theresa

Kevin was a valued and respected volunteer at South Bucks RDA Although he had only been with us a relatively short time he had made a big impression both with the riders and fellow volunteers. He was a good man with a big heart and did so much to improve the lives of everyone here. He is already sadly missed. Di x

When you turned up at the RDA to become a volunteer two years ago, me and Gem were the first ones to greet you. You spoke about your experience with horses and the crazy horse riding safaris in Africa. Little did we know that Simon got more involved with the horses than you did! Thankyou Kevin for everything you did for the RDA and your DIY jobs that still trigger memories when I work around yard. The smile and welcome as you entered the yard at random times of the day, collecting wood for your next project and the laughs we always had. When we heard about the news, every memory came to the surface but those memories were and are all happiness and laughter. It's still hard to imagine that we will never get to share more stories but I know that you will always be part of the South Bucks family. Simon and your families are always in my prayers, sending love and healing. Sophie x

Kevin you were a fabulous friend for 30+ years. Thanks for the adventures we have had and I will remember you on one of our recent trips telling the Italians they cannot make lasagne! Fiona xx

I met Kevin in 1989 at a party, shortly after moving to London from Venezuela. He was friendly, warm and funny. Over the years we kept in touch and saw each other occasionally, it was always fun to go out together in search of chairs in the antique shops for me to upholster. Sadly his life ended suddenly and unexpectedly. We will miss you Kevin

“Oh hellooo!” Is etched in my memory when I think of you. Me and Vix used to belly laugh at you as kids when we would speak to you on the phone. To us you were comical, although maybe unintentionally at times. I’ll never forget the Christmas we spent with you, you collected me and Vix from the train station with a hat on that made you look Russian - but you owned it! As the years have gone by and my family has expanded there seemed to be less time to visit you and I’m saddened that we didn’t come and spend more time with you. Devastated I’ll never see than twinkle again that I saw so many times when you were pulling my leg! Rest well Uncle Kevin, you will be sorely missed by us all xxx

Kevin was my brother. As kids we had a typical relationship- I annoyed him and he wouldn't let me play with him. Then Kevin moved south and we only saw each other a couple of times a year so a relationship was difficult to have. But that changed- gradually, when our dad died suddenly and over the next 11 years we grew closer. At last I had a brother. By visiting Kevin and Simon more I got to see another side of Kevin, the Kevin that all of his friends speak so affectionately about. I will treasure the time I got to spend with Kevin but with great sadness that it is over well before time. Can't believe it. On the up side, we feel closer to you, Simon and you will always be important to us. You're part of the family. Michael

Lovely memories of a lovely man, and so useful when fixing things for us at RDA, Kevin will be missed as friend and an amazing volunteer, making such an impact in just a few years. Much love to Simon. Emma

Kevin many happy memories over 30 years of friendship rest in peace dear friend

Kevin you were a dear and helpful friend to me while I worked at Martin baker I'll never forget the way you brought the light into the sewing room when you came in about work there was always a great smile weather you were in a good or bad mood you never went past me if I was waiting for a lift to work and shopping for material was always fun you will be missed by a lot of people love you and Simon x

Kevin, You were my love, companion, supporter ……. for 21 great years. Thank you so much for that time we shared, which I shall cherish forever as I look back at all we did together. Continually being drawn to your infectious smile as you look back at me from the many amazing memories and photos I have of you. Love Always. Simon Xxx

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Kevin. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.