I would just like to echo what Helen has said on behalf of the family and thank you all for coming today, I would also like to thank you for everything you have done over the last 3 weeks. 
I would also like to thank both Helen and Gemma for making this process as painless as possible.


My dad was a shy and private man.
He was that private that I need to give you a very brief insight into what an amazing man he really was.
Now I’m not as quiet or shy because I take after my mum, So I’m more than happy to speak on his behalf.

My dad was, along with my brothers my best mate and a giant at a debatable 5 foot 8. 
I guarantee my brothers feel exactly the same way. 
It speaks volumes that my brother Paul made him his best man at his wedding. 

First of all my dad loved our wives like they were his own daughters and he was very proud that we followed in his footsteps by marrying up just like he did with my mum.
I know this because at Pauls wedding last year he said to my mum and I QUOTE. (I’m not going to attempt the northern accent because I sound Norwegian)
“Well ber, I’m happy now that they are all settled and I can relax now”

My dad is easily the most selfless person I have ever met. The man split his fingers and worked through sub zero weather conditions for over 45 years to provide for his family. 
You would be hard pushed to walk around this great town and not see some part of it that he hasn’t had a hand in building.
We have never been a financially rich family but we never went without.
That could’ve been very different due to his skill level, however to some people’s frustration including my own my dad’s only ambition or motivation was to sustain his family and nothing more.
I remember as a child he was that hard working that the first thing he would do when he walked in from work was grab a loaf of bread out of the freezer because he would easily eat three quarters to half a loaf with his tea. That was even covered in real butter.
He was in perfect physical condition and he never put on an ounce of weight. That’s how hard working he was.
Now you all know my dad was self employed but just think about this for a second?
Nobody forced him to work at 7:30 am which was normally 6 days a week and he would never miss a dry weather day if he could help it. 
There was no such thing as a half day Friday beer which is quite rare for a guy in the building trade. Mainly because he wouldn’t go to the pub in his working clothes. 
Until his illness forced his retirement he would still push himself to keep up with my brother who was 30 years his junior.
We are also talking about a father that could only relax and start to enjoy his Christmas at 10 o’clock on Christmas Eve, this was all because the shops were closed and he couldn’t buy anything more.

Two days before he passed away I was on night duty & popped in to check on him at about 3am. Through all the noise from the oxygen machine, fans and air conditioning unit I could see a little glow on his face from his phone.
He hadn’t slept a wink because he was worried that his mask would fall off like it did the night before.
In his normal patter (again northern) he said “alright pet?”
“Can you do me a favour bud?”
My reply was sure Pops what’s up? Thinking he would ask for ice in his drink or a cup of coffee.
He asked “Can you go and check on your Mam please? I think she’s having a nightmare”
I was gobsmacked and felt close to tears.
The man was remarkable! He was sat there struggling to breathe because his body was broken but thinking of my mum having a bad dream. Which wasn’t an odd thing to happen but he was unable to check on her anymore which was killing him while sitting there in the dark.
I later found out that at times he’s picked his mobile phone up and called her from the next room to tell her she was having a bad dream and check if she was ok.
Now my mum was fine, she just had a spot of cramp in her foot.
I reassured him she was ok and agreed to sit and watch him in case his mask came off. He finally relaxed and slept a little.

Another example was at the very end when we all knew he was only hanging around for us and mum.
We all held him, so he knew we were all there. He only gave in when we told him to stop holding on and go to see his parents.
I told him that he didn’t need to worry about my mum because we have her. At that very moment he finally went and was at peace.
Now I could stand here and tell you of all the truly great memories I have as a man and boy but there just isn’t anywhere near enough time.
But you may get those stories a little later when I’m more relaxed. 

My Dad wasn’t perfect though. 
For example:
• He would rinse me for going to Starbucks and paying £4 for two coffees when you can buy a jar instead. I tried to explain about the ambience of a coffee shop but he would look at me silly.
• That man could pick a bad film like nobody I have ever met. He loved a western; unfortunately he loved the spaghetti westerns the ones where a European actor would put make up on to look like a Native American and the really bad B - movies you can only find on the SIFI channel.
He was chuffed when Tony bought him Netflix and Amazon prime for Christmas. My poor suffering mother not so much though. 

OK HIS SINGING! 
If you didn’t know my dad was partially deaf you certainly did when he sang.
My uncle Jim was the only person that ever got him to sing out loud, which Helen has already kindly spoken about. 
I bet Jim still regrets it to this day.

He’s probably not happy this afternoon because he’s had to pop over here for this little service. He would still say we have made far too much of a fuss.
We have more than likely interrupted his corned beef butties during his fishing session or he’s walking his beloved Dogs.
But pops you can get straight back to it in a few moments. We promise we won’t keep you much longer.
All you need to know is the morning he passed away I finally became a man at the age of 39.
I just didn’t need to step up until that day because I always knew my dad was there for me and had my back. There’s only ever been one alpha male in my family and we have been truly spoiled with love and support from both of our parents. 

As a family we are going though the most painful thing we have ever been through, however I have come to the conclusion that it’s the brutal price you pay for being so spoiled with love from a person.

Through this tragedy I finally understand my role in life now.
I have to pass on to my children the love and support that my dad gave me.
As a family we’re feeling a lot pain and sadness right now but it’s nothing compared to the overwhelming pride I have standing here telling you that I’m the son of Stephen John West.

At one point Dad you asked to go into a hospice because you felt you were too much work to look after, however you gave my brothers and I the biggest honour a man could give his sons. You allowed us to give you the care and help you needed at the very end.

I know I will see you again Dad but I have a job to do with my children first.
I will love you and miss you every day of my life. Good bye Pops x