Jeffrey Dillon (27 Sep 1947 - 30 Apr 2020)

Dear Grandad,

Yesterday we said goodbye, under very difficult circumstances but we had to do it for you. Whilst yesterday was not anything near what you deserved we will make sure that when we are given then chance to we will give you the send off you deserve with the many more people that loved you.

I’ve been very fortunate to have grown from childhood to adulthood with you in my life, if there’s one thing you taught me it is to always smile, laugh and be happy. That’s how you were, from my earliest memories of you playing games with me in the garden, dragging you round to do all sorts to entertain me you would never get bored of it and would always do it with a smile. To recent years where you’d ask me every question possible about what I’ve been up to, how school was going and how my trips around the world were, you were always interested in finding out more and I could chat with you for hours. It says a lot about how strong you was and your character as even during your hardest times fighting your illness whenever any of us would come to visit you would try your very best chat and get out of the hospital bed, you didn’t have to do that but every time you did it just showed how much you cared about us and I can’t thank you enough for that.

Grandad, you was one the kindest and happiest people I have ever met, I can’t put into words how much you’re going to be missed, things will never be the same without you. I will never forget you and the happiness you brought to all our lives. I will always be thinking of you on special occasions in the future, you might be gone but you will never be forgotten. I will forever miss our chats and your laughter. Thank you for being the best grandfather I could have ever asked for, I will be sure to smile whenever I see a black cab for you.

Life is cruel and you have been taken from us far too soon, but I will not forget the good times, I know you’re no longer suffering and in any pain, you never deserved any of this. Rest easy and forever watch over us as we will always be thinking of you.

Until we one day meet again. Rest easy, we miss you unconditionally already.

Jake xxx

I’ve put off writing this for a while because quite frankly I’ve got no idea how put how I feel into words.
Right from the moment I met you I knew how much of a cheerful, kind and loving character you were. You straight away accepted me as part of your family and treat me as your own.

Losing my own grandad right before my 18th and not being able to spend time with him left me with a big hole in my heart and a lot of grief.
But being able to spend my 21st, Christmas and my first year of uni with you and just being alongside you during your battle with this horrible disease not only allowed me to get to know and make memories with the most incredible person, but it helped me heal from the grief of my own loss too. For that I could never be more grateful.

I always loved hearing how proud you were of me and how much I meant to you, I hope you know just how much you meant to me and how proud I am of you too.
I’m going to miss seeing your messages with endless emoji hearts and kisses at the end.

I am so blessed to have been welcomed into such an amazing family and be part of this journey. It’s very obvious you left a lasting impression with everyone you met.
My only wish is that I could have spent more time with you but I’m glad you’re no longer in pain.

I’m sorry I can’t be there today to wish you goodbye but we’ll give you a proper send off soon when we can all be there.

I’ll miss you Jeff, fly high

All my love,

Ellen x

Jeff words can’t express our sadness when we heard that your fight for life had come to a very sad end after a very long fight with the awful disease of cancer.

We have known you and your family for well over 40 years and have had some lovely times with you all.
We remember you as a very proud family man. Your were very interested in your garden and DIY.
Both were a credit to you. You always had time for a chat and a joke and cared for things.
When you moved to Spain you became the King of the Paella pan, which you excelled at.
We shall remember you with love and found memories.
Our love and thoughts go to Julie, Nicola, Paul their partners and family’s.
Rest in peace. We will meet again.

We were so sad to hear of Jeff's passing. He was truly a lovely man and will be greatly missed by us. Our thoughts are with Julie Nicola and Paul and their families. Jeff will always be in our hearts. Mike and Angela

We will remember Jeff for his lovely smile he was always so happy. He was a kind Loving family man. Always willing to help. Thank you for bringing up such a lovely daughter who is one of my most loyal and precious friends. The last time I saw you was a lovely surprise when Nicola drove you, Julie and Alice to my home. We all had such a nice evening on my balcony joking that the Estuary wasn’t quite the Med! Im so sad for Julie and all The family xx Sending much love and thoughts to you all xx x Rest in Peace Jeff x God Bless xx

Grandad

I’ll never forget you and I’ll always remember the memories we’ve had together as a family. It was always us 6 together, from moving to Spain with each other and spending almost every Christmas together...it will never be the same without you. Although I most likely drove you mad when I was younger you would never tell me off and I’d always come to you when getting up to mischief- some of these times you would actually help me with it 😂 one of these being when you let me drive yours and nans car down the road.. I can remember you telling me to pull over (which I obviously didn’t know how to do!) which then led to me slamming on the brakes and both of us jolting forward😂. You always listened to everything I had to say, especially looking through all my school work or projects to which your reply would always be “that’s bloody brilliant that is”. Equally I loved listening to all your stories about when you worked as a cab driver- I’d asked to hear the same ones over and over. I remember coming to yours and nans house in Spain and me and Jake would walk around the swimming pool with you and attempt to push one another in.. I’m sure me and Jake got you in a few times! When coming to yours and nans I also loved seeing your coin collection in the little plastic holders all the time. I remember once I came to yours I convinced you to help me attempt to climb the mountain in just our flip flops and shorts, you was always up for a challenge with me! I could go on and on about the many moments I will always cherish having with you, big or small. But to wrap this up I just wanted to say you was the best grandad I could have asked for you was so kind and helpful and I’m going to miss you so so much. You never deserved the pain and suffering you went through, but I’m glad your at peace now. But instead of thinking of all the negatives this awful illness caused I will think of the positives. Grandad, over the last couple months you’ve taught me to cherish every moment I spend with family and to try my best at everything I do as you never know what will be around the corner. I know you would have wanted this and you wouldn’t want any of us to be sad for too long. Although you are not here in person I know your presence will always be with us all and you will be watching us from above (probably playing golf or gardening!) and In my hardest times I will think of you and the strength you’ve showed the last few months as well as knowing you will be with me to guide me through it. And “all jokes aside” as you would say you will always be one of the only boys I needed in my life, as you would always tell me, and I’m glad I had you for as long as I did.

Grandad I know you definitely have the biggest throne up there... we will all look after Nan and make sure she is okay, don’t you worry about that.

I love you so much, until we meet again.
Sleep tight grandad.

Love your granddaughter,
Alice xoxoxo❤️❤️❤️

There are no words to express our deep sorrow at the loss of our dear friend Jeff, a good friend who cannot be replaced. So, we will just say thank you Jeff for all the fun and laughter and great adventures we enjoyed together. It has been a real privilege to have known you.
Our thoughts are with Julie and family.
With much love Jan and Len xx

We first met Julie and Jeff whilst living in Spain and continued our friendship after we moved back to the UK although living miles apart.
Jeff was such a lovely “gentleman” with an enormous heart, always ready for a laugh and joke and happy to regale stories of his cabbie days.
Jeff was really one of life’s good guys. Rest in peace Jeff.
Love Lin & Tel xxx

Jeff, A very sad loss to a kind, caring and a truly lovely friend. We had some really good times with
you both when you were in Spain.
Good night god bless “ Little Jeff” as to us you will always be.
Love Pauline and Peter xx

So sorry to hear the very sad news. We didn’t know Jeff and Julie very well but met them on several occasions in Spain and U3A dos. Lovely friendly couple.

Jeff, what an amazing man, so kind, funny and would do absolutely anything for you. We all have very fond memories of your fantastic paella whilst you were living in Spain. You will be missed so very much Jeff, but we, the Gills, feel very honoured to have had you as our friend. RIP Jeff 💙💙💙💙

Deepest sympathy to you Julie, Nicola, Craig, Jake, Alice, Paul, Charlotte, Lucas and Amelia. I always referred to Jeff as my brother-in-law even though he was John's. Remembering the times we spent with you both when we were visiting the UK and when you came over here. Both Jeff and my John had a similar sense of humour so their laughter rang out. Both our daughters were flower girls at Julie and Jeff's wedding. It was a bit cold for us as we had come from sunny Australia to your winter, still it was a lovely day. Cancer is a horrible cruel disease my John passing away in 2015 from his brain cancer. Hold on to your memories as they will get you through the tough times. You know what Julie, I reckon they are both up there talking soccer and having a good old laugh. Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday. Love always Barb, and nieces and nephews and their families in Australia xx

Uncle Jeff

First of all, Thank you for being such a huge part of my childhood, the best friend to my Mum and Dad, and for the best childhood memories. So many that I will always hold on to. You could light up a room instantly with your stories. A very proud family man that I’m always proud to call my Uncle.
You, Aunty Julie, Nic and Paul, Mum, Dad and Claire & myself had the best family holidays altogether. Nevertheless, ALWAYS eventful, from donkey rides up in the mountains and loosing your flip flops, to apartments riddled with creepy crawlies, we always made the most of everything we did, and this was because YOU always made the holidays what they were! The best!
Thank you again for being there for my Mum and Dad, Claire and myself and the love you
continued to show all of our kids whenever we were all together.

The “Bungle Burys” and “Dilly Willys” - always and forever.

Rest in peace Uncle Jeff.
Love always

Dave, Fallon, Taylor & Alfie.

I will always remember Jeffs smile,i never saw him angry. He will be missed very much.With love from his cousen Pam and Mac. xxxx

We met Jeff through Rotary. He was kind, friendly, and helpful always first to volunteer and work harder than he should. He was great company and respected by all. I loved his stories about his customers when cab driving and he always started his stories with “but all jokes aside”. It was a privilege to have known him. Sue and Richard