Jonathan Worthington
Celebration of Life - Minister
Thomas Anthony Hussey - or Tom as he preferred - was born in Manchester
on 12 December 1948, one of five children to parents Agnes and Albert.
He attended Chorlton & Medlock School, and from an early age he
lived with his Nan, who he called Katie.
Tom joined the army at the age of 16, by lying about his age to get
in. He joined the Lancashire Fusiliers which eventually merged into
the third Battalion Royal Regiment Fusiliers. But in his heart, he was
always a true Lancashire Fusiliers. Over the 12 years that he served
for Queen and country, Tom worked as an M.T., A driving instructor and
a dog handler - he was also incredibly proud to have played water polo
for his regiment. Tom has also been posted to many different parts of
the world, but his favourite posting was definitely the time that he
spent in Hong Kong.
It was in 1966, the Tom’s life was to suddenly change whilst on
the Isle of Man ferry, on leave. Because it was during this ferry crossing
that he was to meet a beautiful young lady by the name of Norma. They
got talking and arranged to go on a date - which unfortunately, Tom
stood Norma up, as he didn’t have any money for his bus fare. But
thankfully there was a second date, and as they say, this is where it
all began. It was love at first site and they were truly meant for each
other.
Tom and Norma’s relationship went from strength to strength and
in 1969 our happy couple were married in Prestwich, and initially set
up home in married quarters in Gibraltar and later in Colchester. Tom
and Norma were then blessed with a beautiful family with the births
of Paul, Christina, Mark and Kevin. Tom was the most fantastic of fathers,
he was comical, uplifting and fun to be with, he was a rock for the
whole family and someone who his children looked up to as a hero. Despite
being a very busy man, Tom always found time for his children and was
so very encouraging and supportive in all that they did.
On leaving the army in 1975, the family moved up to Blackpool, where
Tom started working as a HGV driver for Blackpool Van Transport, a job
that he enjoyed and later he became their transport manager for many
years.
In the early 1990s, Tom and Norma bought an off-licence which they ran
together, but sadly a year later Tom was involved in a serious road
traffic accident, which resulted in him losing a leg. Thankfully Norma
was there to keep the shop running for the next 12 years with Tom helping
out by doing all of the book work.
In his spare time, Tom loved going to the gym along with his mates,
where they would all meet up for their coffee morning each day. He continued
playing water polo for Blackpool and for Fleetwood as well as coaching
the Fleetwood team. He was well-known for being a very dirty player,
and as a coach he worked his team hard and as a result they all had
a tremendous amount of respect for him.
Tom love doing DIY jobs for his family and friends, and everything he
did he would always leave his unique signature on his work. This would
be in the form of a piece of wallpaper or flooring which had been fitted
upside-down, and he did this to see how long it would take for you to
spot the mistake. Tom was such a very charitable man, and not just with
his time and help for others - but he attended many different events
at which he raised large amounts of money for many different causes.
Tom enjoyed a very good social life he was a member of the Martin and
Highfield social club. He also proudly attended all of the Fusilier
Association gatherings and parades. Tom was an avid reader of military
books both fiction and non-fiction. When it came to watching some TV,
he loved watching sport especially when the rugby was on - he also enjoyed
watching football and was a bit of a Manchester city fan. Tom enjoyed
watching crime dramas like NCIS and Clint Eastwood films, he also liked
his sci-fi, especially Star Trek and Star Wars. Over the years, Tom
and Norma have enjoyed many holidays which have taken them to different
parts of the world, and amongst his favourites were Florida and the
Maldives.
Tom was a true and honest friend to many people, but the most important
thing in his life was always one thing and one thing only, and that
was his family, he was the glue that held this family together. He loved
any family gatherings or get-togethers especially the family Sunday
lunches and their epic barbecues. Tom was a devoted, protective and
ever so proud dad to his children Paul, Christina, Mark and Kevin. He
welcomed Carol, Wendy, Julie and Martin into the family home with open
arms. Tom was always so very close to his sister and brother-in-law’s,
and he enjoyed some very good banter with you all. Tom was so incredibly
proud to be Granddad or grandpa to his grandchildren Cheryl, Ellie,
Jamie, Amy, Elaine, Thomas, Eleanor, Lilia and Evi, and is great-grandchildren
Harvey, Mia, Gracie, Aaron, Lacey-May and Jessica-May. He loved you
all so very much and treasured all of the special times that he was
able to spend with you all. He was loving, caring and kind, a man with
a heart of a lion and a heart of gold.
And as for Norma, well they were much more than just a loving husband
and wife, they were best of friends and soulmates too, and in times
of need they were a rock for each other to lean on. They both shared
an amazing sense of humour - Tom was such a windup merchant - and he
and Norma would literally bounce off each other, the most perfect of
double acts.
The Soldier
The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?”
The soldier squared his shoulders
And said “No, Lord, I guess I ain’t.
Because those who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t I’ll understand.”
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgement of his God.
“Step forward now you soldier,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets.
You’ve done your time in hell.”
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