It would seem that the greatest thing my Brother ever did was to leave Huddersfield. Thank you everyone for loving him as much as you did. Drew X

Many tears flow for you, my fatherly friend. You did so much for us when we were young 1976-1992 in Hamilton. I'm sorry I couldn't be there today to farewell you in person. In my sadness I looked for something from you, a memento perhaps, but found nothing. Those things are long gone, just memories now. You were always happy, chipper, kind. Never cross or sad and never a harsh word from you. I had a few tweeny years where I was none of these things back to you, but you never ‘ad a problem wit’any’of it. I remember a lot of your 1970s midlands trade friends from Liverpool, Manchester, Huddersfield. The bbqs, music, funny accents and jokes, soccer matches and good fun times. One built us a dog kennel, You a sheet metal coal bin, I used to hold horse feed for decades. Mick Drake, built to last. You were a great cook. Cooked breakfasts. Sunday roasts, Yorkshire puddings. And so generous, great at spending on the fun things in life. When you adults went out at night you’d shower my brother and I with goodies, lollies and videos for the evening, and take us to dinner after a win at the races. Without fail you really were a good time guy. And I love you for it. You were significant to me all my life. You were always present, and lived happily in the present. We became lifelong friends. In my travels I got to see Yorkshire. I loved the place and the accents, which you never lost. I recognise a Yorkshire accent easily and it reminds me of you, and always will. The guy I grew up with, there for my graduation, my wedding and you’d come visit me wherever town I was living. You’d always call me up to see how y’a going? We last spoke four weeks ago, I’m going to miss you lots. Thank you for being a friend and father and for so many fond memories. The world has lost a little spark without you in it. Love ya lots. Miss you dearly. Maria (Abridged from reading)

To my great friend and brother. Thank you for all the great memories the fun laughter and great company. Through good times and when times got tough , always there . Will be sadly missed but never forgotten . Rest in peace my friend love ya. My condolences to Jan and All the family

Michael was my big brother, my sadness and grief is overwhelming, he's lived most of his magnificent life in New Zealand but we stayed close and on our visits made very welcome by Jan and her lovely family. Life will never be the same. Farewell my darling have a good catch up with those who've gone before you. You'll always stay in my heart with great love and affection

Words cannot say how I am feeling, although we were a long way from New Zealand you were always in my thoughts and my heart. You were my little brother as we were brought up together, me and my parents lived with our grandma and you were always there. We went on holiday together two little ginger kids playing in the sand. Even as teenager's we went out together, at school if you got in trouble I was there to sort you out!! Will miss having our chats on messenger you showing me your tomato's and flowers. No one can take our memories, joined together by blood always love and will miss you forever xxxxx.