The man is a legend in his quiet way
He’s lived a full life – not much to say
His focus was living – his values intense
He did not focus – on rands and cents
His life was his family, his friends and his work
A happy man – a very sharp quirk
His wealth was not material with tangible ends
His wealth was in sharing with family and friends
A sure way to measure a man’s success
Is what he has done – not his possess
Three gentlemen boys and a great wife
A model family – in anyone’s life
This doesn’t happen with a swish of a wand
It takes a good man to create a family bond
And to nurture this and keep this in place
In good times – in bad times – to keep a good face
Together with Ruth – he achieved this with pride
And each of the sons took a good bride
Six grandkids was his doting reward
Children’s stories – his umbilical cord.
At Weston College he made his big mark
A worthy head boy – was no walk in the park
Later claimed the title of Dux – I’m told
By a less naïve friend – a good friend of old
This title’s confusing – that this could be
As Weston had not reached this status – academically
The honour was acclaimed for herding the species
Herding ducks was a subject on which Stick wrote thesis
His passion for living – I knew first hand
Was very intense and most often fanned
By the company he kept – in his younger days
Which often resulted in some wayward ways
It was common in the army to lose a bayonet
A Saracen is different – but not for Stick – and yet
He had the charisma to persuade the powers that be
That this was quite normal – a fete compli
His gift for understatement is known to one and all
I knew bugger nothing – he knew bugger all
When upside sown in a river – on a snowing winter night
In a serious state of shock – and suffering from frostbite
“Keep cool, calm and collected” my advice to him to rule
His reply was typical – “got no problem keeping cool”
I asked him one day – is his name Stick by chance
He answered me swiftly – my wife she calls me Branch
Why three kids and not four – my question if you please
Because every fourth child born is Chinese
Kent, Harley, Taff and girls and all of us who care-
Let’s take this tragic event and make us more aware
Our family and friends are – and this might sound funny
Far more important – than simply making money
Let’s live our lives – get on life’s bus
So what – cheap seats for some of us
Enjoy your family, enjoy your friends
Get on with life – before the bus trip ends
Finally Stick – it’s left for me to say goodbye
Unpleasant task – I’ll try not to cry
We’ve been great mates now for quite a while
Your family – our family and in our style
We’ve enjoyed our association very much
We’ve used each other – often as a crutch
When times were hard you’d pull me through
I’ve tried to do the same for you
You’ve been an inspiration in my life
That’s you together with your wife
The one thing you’ve left us – you can’t take away
The incredible memories that we live with today.
And because I know it would get on your goat
If I ended this poem on a sad note
And as I know you – it’s quite safe to say
That your influence and wisdom will pave the way
For Pat, Ed and I – wherever you are
To join you in St Peters Bar
You owe it to us – for quite some time
Our influence saved you – from a life of crime
But listen my friend – we’re not in a hurry
Give them the menu for our pigtail curry
And when I’m missing a slipper – or can’t find my shoe
I know you too well Stick – I’m going to blame you.
GOD BLESS YOU STICK
Keith Arde