Trudi, Tom and I only had the pleasure of knowing Don for 2.5 years, and frequently during that time he was not feeling too well. I was constantly amazed and impressed, though, by his ever-present smile, and the way that, with  a twinkle in his eye, a funny voice, and a funny expression, he could make Tom, my 4-year old boy, break into hysterical laughter. Tom, a boy who is always  initially shy, immediately took to Don, and would frequently ask to go and see him, or to talk their dog, Jack....Don had a very special gift in clicking so  well with children.

Two months ago I had a party for my 40th.  Don, Rosie and Amy came along, and they gave me a set of coasters along with the original artwork..... of course  by Don, in his own inimitable style.  It showed an elderly cockerel clicking  his heels and dancing a jig... the cockerel was because of Kelloggs, my own  cockerel, and his harem of chickens.  Don loved to just stand and watch the  chickens as they went about their business - he also claimed to love the sound  of the crowing first thing in the morning: I hope I believe him!!!

That present was so special.  So much thought, skill, effort and kindness had  gone into its creation.  It's now on my wall and I'm looking at it as I write  this....in a funny way the cockerel looks to me like Don!

Thanks, Don, for the light you brought into our lives.  It was a pleasure to  know you - just wish it could have been for longer.

Andy, Trudi and Tom Ibbs
Manor Barn, Loventor

PS re: Cockerels (or Roosters as Don referred to them).

Unfortunately Kellogs passed on a month or so ago... but we have a new cockerel  - son of Kelloggs.

Bright white, sprightly, glinting eyes, and good with the chicks..... what else could we possibly call our new rooster (and rooster it shall be from now on)..... but Don!