Patrick Ettie

1917 - 2006

Dad passed away on May 8th 2006, he died peacefully in the Gosport War Memorial Hospital in the company of his youngest daughter Patsie and his granddaughters Danielle and Victoria.

Dad was a character who, whilst sometimes annoying, was always full of passion and determination.

The poem below is a few words that I added to the order of service to express my feelings about a man that I never really understood as much as perhaps I should have.

I would rather be my father than a thousand other men, at least I’d be remembered should I come this way again.

I would rather be convinced of the strength of being right, than live with the uncertainty in which politics delight.

I would rather have his confidence in my ability and style, even if, behind my back, I’d make my doubters smile.

I would rather part your company with my faculties in place, and leave you, self reliant, with a smile upon my face. 

I would rather be remembered with affection and good humor, that occasionally, recalling me, you’d wish my death a rumour.

I would rather, at my parting, to also show my worth, for asked what he wanted, he answered “Peace on Earth"*

* These really were fathers last words

 

 

Above, the poppies on the British legion wreath reflect in the brass plate of the temporary marker on fathers grave, the family will have a headstone erected in memory of dad, his mother and brother Bill (who's ashes were spread on the grave by his daughter Jackie).

Back in 2001 he extended his range, traveling with a small group of his ex-shipmates, to Hamburg to meet with his former adversaries the survivors of the Bismarck.

This visit was used as the finale of a television film documentary, which was produced by James Cameron, about the fate of both the Hood and the Bismarck.

Dad was pictured as he mingled, deep in thought,with the Bismarck survivors gathered at the Bismarck chapel near Hamburg.

 

 

 

Commenting, Dad described his former adversaries as "a great bunch of Lads!" and got along famously with them, particularly when they bought the beer!

Doug Turtle, a real hero, pictured above joined the honour guard at dads funeral.

After serving with dad during the engagement with the Bismarck, Doug joined the Royal Marines and whilst attached to the American rangers went ashore in the first wave at Omaha beach.

It was an honour to meet him and a pleasure to think that dad had enjoyed such comradeship during his life

 

Above "the Middlecroft" where father drank since 1937 and where in the past decade he found voice and a passion for karaoke

Following fathers death my sister Patsie and her daughters, such shy retiring types, went to this pubs regular Thursday night karaoke session and sang in dad's memory, of course winning that evenings 1st prize.

Dad would be proud of them!

Contact us on e-mail at david@dettie.freeserve.co.uk