My father-in-law William White died yesterday.

He'd been ill for a while, so his passing wasn't a big shock - but I haven't had time to come to terms with it yet.

I enjoyed my relationship with him. He was a quiet, gentle person who didn't talk much.

He had a great facility for practical things and was very patient.

Fond memories are of working together making and fixing things.

For example a tool box for the allotment we worked on together, fixing the side gate at our old house, laying a brick wall or rebuilding a low stone wall at our new house.

He shouldered large burdens - working very long hours to support his family, then fighting against renal failure for 20 years.

I'll miss him a great deal.