Thank you everyone for gathering today to remember and say fair well to my dad Tommy Devaney.

With me, he leaves his beloved partner June, my brother and sisters Jason, Kelly, Claire and Jasmine, daughter in laws Sam and Claire. Grandchildren, Madison, Tommy, Keenan, Libby, Jason, Anne Marie, Jack, Ellie, Josh, Bailey, kaitlin, Kelsey, Callum, Ellie, Kyle, Chloe, Lois and Ollie and Great Grandchildren Grayson, laila, Ronnie and Bonnie.

He now gets to reunite with those who left and he promised to meet again especially those who left us too soon Riley and Sarah.

He, along with his brothers Brian and Pat grew up in Canterbury, Bradford with my grandad and grandma Nelly. If you take him for his word he lived at number 10 Melba Mansions. If you go by the Great British road atlas it was 10 Melba Road. He loved a story or two depending on if you caught him in the morning or afternoon.

He recalled fond memories of his time living there and would tell me stories around Canterbury with his brothers or getting piggy backs to school from Brian Harrison.

He initially worked as a Printers Engineer and then onto the buses, which is a job he enjoyed. When we lived at Turnhill Grove, he'd pick me up from home on occasions in the bus.

He later settled in Wyke on Summer Hall Ing, where he met and became close friends with Stuart, Keith and Sue. Stories of them and my dad were fond memories he liked to recall.

He worked as a builder for a while and did some bits on the side with Stuart and Keith. He always managed to be there when I was young and kept a good relationship with my mum. He would take me, my brother and sister out for day trips and extended an arm to my cousins as well.

He loved his pets and had many in Wyke. His dogs Butch and later Ruth, racing pigeons and chickens.

When he moved to Woodlands Court he made the snooker club on Barry Street his local, this is where he met June who at the time ran Mr B's over the road. Their relationship blossomed. Both taking each others families in with open arms. June cared and loved my dad deeply. Through the toughest times their love never wavering for each other.

As time went on he'd spend his time in various watering holes depending on if he was barred or whether it was a dear do. He'd often spend time in the Harp, Star and Lloyds with his pal past and present most notably for me Leo and Sweeney. He was well liked and made time for anyone willing to listen to a tale or two.

Before he stopped driving, Jason spent too long keeping his car on the road. Allowing him to take June on Kamikaze trips too and from work with many insightful conversations about the highway code.

In his latter years he wrestled with illness. Bella by his side, in a dog bag, his little dog bestowed with the heart of a lion managed to still get out, but for only 2 pints!

He was a strong character with a sense of humor and a big heart. It was the latter that found him struggle with profound loss that weighed heavy. The loss of his parents, siblings, my son Riley and June's daughter Sarah had a lasting effect. It showed, not overtly but in his own way, family meant everything to him.

I know there are many tales to tell but I'll leave with the two things he always asked me. Who loves ya? and how long for? The reply always had to be, you dad, forever.