Edward has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are of weekends spent at Willow Bank with the wider family, where I was always drawn to his epic library. As a young bookworm, I was fascinated by his collection - and it quietly inspired my own love of reading.
I remember when Nannie and Edward moved to Hume Hall Avenue and found the house full of the previous owners’ belongings. In typical Edward fashion, he simply decided it wasn’t a problem - just something to be sorted - and he cracked on and got on with it. Before long, it was done. “There’s no problem that can’t be solved” indeed!
Over the years, there were so many happy times together as a family. Days out with Nannie, Edward and the cousins - trips to the circus and visiting the Heights of Abraham (with Georgina!) stand out as particularly happy memories.
Christmases at Savio House (our “Christmas cottage”) and countless family celebrations were always incredibly special. Edward was a part of all of the happy family times I can remember, including the times spent with Fathers Hugh and Francis, who were such dear friends to him and Nannie. When I was on maternity leave with my youngest son Oliver, I enjoyed weekly cups of tea at their house…although, of course, it wasn’t just a cup of tea. It was a full blown tea ceremony - complete with a tea tray (wheeled in at 11am sharp!), plates of biscuits, fruit cake and a good old chat too.
I remember being given a ‘holiday job’ by Edward when I was around 9. It involved assembling small electrical kits - I loved the responsibility and he paid me very well! Unfortunately, I suspect my wages went on Boyzone memorabilia, but I loved every second of it just the same. I remember being completely fascinated by the games and inventions he created. His sheds were magical places to us kids - stepping inside (on the rare occasions we did so!) was like stepping into Narnia.
More recently, after he was taken seriously ill in Cheadle Hulme, I remember visiting him in hospital and seeing a very different side of Edward. He spoke so thoughtfully about the kindness and support he had received from the local community and became emotional about how much it had meant to him. It was incredibly moving to see him reflect on the experience, and to go on to meet the ex fireman who had saved his life.
Edward’s kindness was something we experienced personally. When my husband Anthony was made redundant while I was pregnant with Josh, Edward took us both out for a meal and immediately offered to fund whatever course Anthony needed to retrain. Thankfully, we didn’t need to take him up on it, but the generosity and immediacy of that offer has stayed with us ever since. Anthony and Edward shared a great relationship and had many happy conversations over the years.
Above all, I will always remember Edward with great fondness - for all of the happy memories, his ingenuity, his quiet determination and especially for the care and devotion he showed to Nannie in her later years. Although I am unable to join the funeral service in person due to some unavoidable work commitments, I will be watching the service online and raising a glass to Edward once more, as we did last weekend together as a family.
Rest in peace Edward.
Julia xx
