6 April 2012, was a surreal day for Alex and I as we spent my birthday having chocolate cake with Uncle Billy at his home. We knew he wasn’t well as old age had finally caught up with him, but he insisted he have some cake with us – as he didn’t want to spoil my day. What he didn’t realise (I think), was that it was one of the best birthdays I have had with the two men I love.

After having his chocolate cake, Uncle Billy became unwell and was admitted to a hospice that afternoon. Sadly today in the early evening, he passed away with Alex and I at his bedside.

I had only just left the hospice after an 18-hour day and night, when I got a call to return. It was not long after I got back that, I held his hand, he opened his eyes and then went to sleep.

I have been one of the most fortunate people, to have had such a wise-man advising and shaping my adult life. He has inspired me, and been a good friend especially since my mum’s death in 2004.

It is well documented in my blogs, my fondness of him.

Our care for each other and respect was mutual and although I will miss him, I am not sad at his passing because he has had a wonderful and rich 98-years life and I was there with him when it mattered.

Saturday night, Uncle Billy said one of the character traits I had was… “you’re a very strong boy”. He thought he was giving me trouble being in the hospice, but he couldn’t have been more wrong.

I feel privileged to have known such a GREAT man, and will keep his wisdom and love close to me for the rest of my life.

I wrote recently, I only hope I turn out as good a man as he was.

This has been a… gone, but NEVER forgotten, ‘View from the Bottom’.

Rest in Peace Uncle Billy, Kevin xxx.

Live Healthy, Laugh Often & Love Yourself!

Published by My Mum. Copyright © Kevin Maxwell Film, Media & Performance 2012.