Today, his ashes come home.

It was a horrible shock when he died, a little more than a year ago. Cath and I had just arrived in our Black Forest home, coming from Vienna, where we lived. We had to rush to Haworth/Yorkshire to say Goodbye to the most wonderful man and to come together with his wife Margaret and Cathie's brothers, their wives and all those who loved him so much. He was found in his armchair by a neighbour with a half empty night cup in his hand, peacefully passed away.

Dr. Lewis Burton, a Methodist Minister, retired and living close to Margaret who lives in a care home nearby, left us all in great serenity. We cried much and buried him, just before Christmas in 2014. He had such a rich and complete life, that we could accept the heavy loss with less grief. A huge community of family and friends came to bid Lewis farewell. Meanwhile, Cath and I have moved to his house, seeing Margaret as often as we can. When we come together there is a loving thought and mention going to Lewis.

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It took some time to decide what should happen to his ashes. We all want to have Lewis near us as a symbol for love, fatherhood, mindfulness, intelligence. As his son-in-law, I can say that we became friends the very first moment we met.  Our hearts are always filled with sadness and joy when we think of you, dear Lewis. How could we ever forget you. This is why we want to bring your ashes home. We then can stronger feel that you are somehow always present.