I’ve had a real shock this weekend; a best friend of our family, Terry Howard, died at 70. Anyone that saw me on the Singing Festival scene will know of Gill and Terry, who came to watch competitions and winners’ concerts, shows and every school play. He saw most opening nights of my performances, travelling all over the UK to Waterperry, Glasgow and Llangollen to cheer me on.
Terry was born in Salford and loved football – especially Manchester United Football Club; my family support the blue side of Manchester, so we did not always meet eye to eye on derby days. When he was a youngster, he was able to get into The Hallé and watch the orchestra for free and liked all sorts of music. When we were trying to put the wedding together on a tight budget, Terry and Gill were the first to offer to help make the buttonholes and decorative lightboxes we used in the aisle and on the tables. He helped my Mum make a wooden stand for the cake hoop she created and helped build our wedding arch. Then, on the big day, when a team assembled to dress the wedding venue, he worked tirelessly with a smile until it every last detail met my Mum’s inspections.
A finer family friend we could not have wished. A few moments in pictures in happy remembrance:
Every sympathy, Charlotte, to you and your family, but most of all to Gill.
Thank you Martin, I’m hoping to be able to sing at his ‘celebration of life’ ceremony in Stockport.
Best wishes
Charlotte
May beautiful memories comfort your aching heart… Peace be with you and all those who hold him so dear.
Thank you Annette, Terry was so full of life and plans 💔.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I am sorry for your family’s loss, Charlotte. I hope your memories of Terry help in this difficult time.
Thank you John, its a reminder to treasure people that are around you.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’m so very sorry you lost such a good friend and champion.
Clearly he and his wife have loved you for as long as you have been on the earth – I know you will miss him terribly. I will be thinking of you and your family, wishing you all comfort and grace.
Thank you for your lovely message Sheila it warmed me.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’m so sorry Charlotte. He was such a good friend and a good soul. My greatest sympathy for Gill, you and your family.
Thank you Timothy, it has shaken me as he seemed so fit and well and full of life.
Best wishes
Charlotte
A lovely tribute, Charlotte, and I know it must be hard to lose such an important and close friend. Treasure his memory.
Thank you for your lovely message Noelle, I’m hoping to be capable of singing at his ‘celebration of life’ ceremony.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Thank you all for your kind comments and most of all, thank you Charlotte for such a kind and loving tribute to Terry. He was one of your top fans and loved listening to you sing. My love to you and George 🥰😘😘
I’m so sorry Gill, Tracy let me know the sad news. Thinking of you with much love in your sadness 💜 xx
Call me whenever you need a chat Gill xx. See you soon
Best wishes always
Charlotte x
You wrote a beautiful tribute to your friend Terry, Charlotte. We send our deepest sympathy to all who knew him and loved him. Cherish the memories, he is only a thought away.
Thank you for your lovely message Lavinia.
Best wishes
Charlotte
He sounds like a warm loyal friend. Sorry for your and your families loss.
Thank you for your lovely message Don,
Best wishes
Charlotte
My condolences. I am sure you will miss your friend.
Yes I was due to see him soon at my youngest brother’s wedding in Scotland we will miss him there. Thank you for your message Jovina.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I’m very sorry for yours and your and your family’s loss, Charlotte. I can see why Gill liked this song, your singing is so beautiful! Be safe and well. 🙏🏻🌹🇬🇧
Thank you John, you stay safe and well too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
A sad day 😪 xx
It’s been a real shock Jo, I’m hoping I’m capable of singing at Terry’s ‘celebration of life’ ceremony in Stockport.
Best wishes
Charlotte
I am very sorry about the loss of such a special friend
Thank you Trent.
Best wishes always
Charlotte
I am so sorry about the too early loss of such a special person. Condolences to all who are grieving.
Thank you Cindy, it was far too early he and Gill were to celebrate their 50th Wedding anniversary in June with a super cruise that they were so excited for. 💔
Best wishes
Charlotte
So sorry for your loss, Charlotte.
Thank you 😊
Best wishes
Charlotte
That is devastating news Charlotte. You have written (and sung) a wonderful tribute to someone who was obviously in your corner from the day you were born. We can never have too many supporters.
The last couple of years have not been kind and for people to be taken now it is difficult. Thank you for your message.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sorry about your loss of a special friend of many years. People like him don’t come along every day. I know (and he must have known) that you won’t forget him. My heart-felt condolences, Charlotte.
Thank you for your message, I’m planning a program of songs for his ‘celebration of life’ I hope that I am strong enough on the day to sing them.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Sometimes we have to find that strength and carry on. Grief can have its own time later, when only tears can free us from our ultimate sadnesses.
I’m so sorry for your loss, my dear Charlotte. My thoughts to Gill, you and your family.
thank you for your message Marina.
Best wishes
Charlotte
🙏🤗 Best wishes to you! 😘
My sincere condolences for your too early loss of such a special person, Charlotte. Your photo gallery and choice of video make his place in your life so clear.
Thank you for your kind message Derrick.
Best wishes
Charlotte
What a lovely post in remembrance of your friend. I know the pain that accompanies such a loss and my heart goes out to you. I hope you and your family are staying well.
Thank you GP, it has been an awful week, we were so shocked Terry was one of those men who rarely went to the doctors and always had lots of energy and could fix anything. I’m hoping that I am capable of singing some of his favourite songs at his celebration of life ceremony but I’m going to try to record them too.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Always think of the good times!! All my best.
This is such a lovely tribute to your friend, Charlotte. My deepest condolences to you, your family, and Gill. May these beautiful photos and memories bring comfort to your heart.
Yes the photos all made me smile when my Dad found them for me and now they’re in one place in my memory blog.
Best wishes to you Lauren,
Charlotte
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Thank you Andrea.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Toutes mes condoléances, very sorry for your loss. His family and yours must be devastated. Again my deepest sympathies.
Merci beaucoup, it has been a shock totally out of the blue. Thank you for your kind message.
Best wishes
Charlotte
🤗
Charlotte, What a lovely tribute to Terry our deepest sympathy to Gill and all of their family.
He was in your lives for a very long time, and will be missed by you all.
Thinking of you all 😘😘😢
So sorry for your loss, Charlotte. What a loyal support Terry had given you through your career. I’m sure these photos and all the memories are even more precious now. Thanks for sharing.
So sorry!
I love this song, especially when you sing it, but it never brought me to tears ’til now.
It’s with a heavy heart I wish Gill the best, and condolences. Sympathy to you and all who love close friends and family.
After all, what else do we really have?
Sending love, heartfelt wishes and a million x forever hugs. – Resa