My dad died on May 8 at 11.45pm. He was 83 years old. He wasn't famous, he wasn't rich and the only ones who will remember him are his wife, Dot, and his family and friends.

He served in the Second World War for his country but never won any medals, nor did he receive any recognition or a war pension.

He worked hard all his life until retirement as a coalman, delivering hundredweight sacks of coal and coke in all weathers and conditions, to provide for his four children and his wife.

He lived in a council house and flat all his life and never received any pension from the company he worked 30 years for.

Dad and Mum lived on their married couple's pension and a small pension Mum received as she worked as well as caring for her family, watching every penny.

He had saved enough money in his bank for his funeral, after a lifetime of work living an ordinary family life without being a burden to the Government.

My mum, at 85, has been left alone in her council flat and all she has is a widow's pension, a small pension in her own right and her memories.

I just hope whomever is in power in the Government continues to provide and do more for people like my dad and his family.

He was proud, noble, independent and loved his country, England. He won't go down in history books or be remembered and mourned by many, but he was my dad and, if the world were filled with more of his kind, what a better, safer place it would be.

Remembrance ever to Cyril George Tanner, 1922-2006, from his ever loving daughter,

-Gill (Little Tassie Devil), New World Avenue, Trevallyn, Tasmania