Trawling through family records and recording births, marriages and deaths of distant relatives and ancestors can sometimes distance you from the fact that these were real people, with families and friends that loved them.Today, we buried my uncle, Philip David Hall at Milton Cemetery in Portsmouth. He was aged just 50 and had been unwell for some time, fighting against problems caused by diabetes. His ashes were buried in the same plot as his brother, Martin John Hall who died in 1997, aged just 37.
What can I say about Phil?
Phil was one of the good guys. He had a heart of gold and would, and often did, help others often to his own detriment. Phil had many friends that will remember him for his charitable nature, ready wit and love of bacon butties.
Although I've not seen Phil too often in the last few years, I'll remember him for his influence on my upbringing, taking me on trips around the UK on his deliveries as a van driver and for inspiring my love of snooker.
I'm privileged to have known him.
