My dad
was born in Macclesfield Cheshire in 1940. He was the 12th child in the Sherratt family and
was known as the baby of the family.
This was a large family with many stories that could be shared. Although dad loved his family and was
grateful for everyone looking out for him as he grew, he did share with me how
he never appreciated being the last one in the bath water! He truly loved his
family and has always spoken highly of them throughout his life.
Mum
and dad married at the grand old age of 18! They set out on a journey together
that led them to Bournemouth where dad took up an apprenticeship as a plaster
and tiler and mum worked as a shop assistant.
After
2 years they moved back to Leek and I was born.
Dad
was a hard working man, he would often work all day and then take on extra work
in the evenings to ensure our family had a home and our needs were taken care
of. To him, mum and I always
came first.
I
will always remember how much dad loved to help people in anyway that he
could. His biggest problem was
that he could never say no and would often take on to much work. He used his skills in the building
trade time after time helping so many people, most of the time for little
payment. I sometimes used to get a
little angry that he gave so much of his time for little return, but he used to
say it’s okay, it’s how I can give to help others. Early on I realised my dad was a generous big hearted man
who genuinely cared for others.
He
believed in a fair days pay for a days work and would never consider
overcharging people – a rare quality.
Dad took pride in his work and always gave his best (READ CARD).
Dad
lived an uncomplicated life and his contentment with what he had was a real
example to us as a family. You would never hear him saying he wanted the latest
gadget, a better tool, a new car or a bigger house. In fact, he would seek to use whatever he had to save
spending his money. This would
cause him to excel in creativity!
(SHOW BRUSH)
Many
knew him as a friendly guy who took people at face value and he was able to
relate to most people. He could
talk for England and his conversation would go on and on and on, even with a
complete stranger. One time whilst
visiting us for the weekend in MK, Alison had to rescue our postman from him as
he was desperate to get on his way inching his way down the drive with Dad in
close pursuit.
Dad
will be remembered in our family for his famous sayings during our
conversations like ‘a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’ or ‘you can’t
put an old head on young shoulders’. Some sayings I couldn’t work out like ‘six
eggs in a basket don’t make seven’ or ‘a horse for the field and a dog for the
path’. Much of the time he would
get them mixed up and we would just laugh.
Dad
loved a laugh, he was a fun person to be with, young people and children loved
him and he connected with them. He would amuse them and also many of us for
hours with the latest magic trick he had just learned.
Dad
enjoyed his work in the Fire and Rescue service and jumped at the opportunity
to work full-time at Leek Fire Station. He valued his colleagues and the
friendships he made. I know he had
a great friendship with you Joe and that continued after you both served your time
in the Fire Brigade. I always chuckled when he spoke about you because he
always referred to you as his sub-officer right up until he died.
Dad’s
life changed when his grandsons were born. He became a doting grandfather to Wesley and Mitch. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for
the boys. Dad Lived for Alison the
boys and me, and he hated saying goodbye after a weekends visit or a
holiday.
Dad
was key in the helping to renovate four churches here in Leek and also a number
of other churches around the area.
He was passionate about serving the work of the Lord. Look around today, because this is his
handiwork.
My
dad was so proud of me in my pastoral ministry achievements in Milton
Keynes. He kept, saying over and
over, your church is incredible, full of lovely lively people from all around
the world. I believe our church
had a massive impact on my dad’s faith.
He listened intently to the details of my overseas trips and was blown
away by our building project at MKCC and our vision seeking to share the gospel
of Jesus Christ around the world.
In
the last few years his spiritual life and relationship with God
accelerated. We talked a lot about
God’s love and amazing Grace for us.
Dad explained that he often felt like he was not good enough for
God. This is a common feeling with
many, and the truth is that no one can ever be good enough compared to God’s
righteous standards. But thank God
for Jesus! Through His death on the cross he demonstrated his love for us and
paid the price for our sin so that we can be completely forgiven and accepted
into God’s family. God loves us;
he is not angry with us nor does he condemn us whoever we are.
Dad
was diagnosed with lung cancer 2 years ago. He had a choice to give up or to
fight; he chose to fight. Dad drew
strength from his faith in God and his word and together as a family we
supported dad throughout all his treatment. Dad finally passed away peacefully with my mum and myself by
his side at home. I am so proud of
my father.
Dad
was a generous man to me in every way.
For 49 years my dad has had my back, I will miss him. READ card
Mum,
you are doing great and I am so proud of you. The way you have loved and cared for dad is brilliant and
there is nothing more that you could have done for him. Dad leaves a huge hole in your life I know,
but I am there for you, I have got your back. My family are there for you and your friends are there
for you too.
I
want to say a huge thank you to MacMillan and the carers for all the support we
received in these last few months – fantastic. God bless you.
