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Eulogy
for
Thomas Anthony Hussey

1st Bn Lancashire Fusiliers
and
3rd
Bn Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

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.”


************************


Mark Hussey
Tom's Son

Our Dad, wasn't just a Dad, he was so much more then that. An adviser and a mentor, someone who guided us and someone to look up too. He was a veteran who stood proud to have served his country, to stand shoulder to shoulder with his brothers in arms.
He was a coach also, not just to his family, but to all who knew him as well. Our Dad wasn't just our Dad, he was like a father to others as well.
Always helped, and always took on ours and other people's problems with no hesitation to help where he could.
Our Dad wasn't just a Dad, he was our hero as well. He was the one who kept us all together, he was the rock within the family that shouldered all the burden.
He was charming and witty and the funniest man I knew. I bet he told a few comics their jokes too, cos he always had us in stitches.
Our Dad was a proud and an amazing man, he loved us all the world. From kids to grandkids and great grandkids, he cherished us all.
But his one true love, was his best friend and soul mate, his queen that meant the world. Our mum ??????
The time they had together was magical and memorable. Big adventures and small adventures and times in Castle Gardens.
This was a love, a partnership that no one can match. The greatest parents you could ever have and that there ever was. They lived for each other, and that will still live on. For the love they shared together will surely never die ??????
Dad you may have gone to heaven after gaining your wings. But we want you to know, our love will surely grow. You will always be in our hearts, and always in our thoughts. The love we had for you will still go on and on for sure.
But rest assured Dad, we will take care of mum now. Always be there for her and help in every way. For it's down to us all now, to keep this bound together.
You see, my Dad wasn't just a Dad. He was so much more then that.
He was also our best friend ????????
Tomorrow we say good bye to you Dad.
May the stars shine brightly in heaven with the Angel they have gained. You are with family and friends up there who have missed you everyday, as we will miss you too.
Give our love to everyone and we will see you again one day. But until that day arrives Dad. Sleep tight and Rest in Peace ??????xxxxxx

 



Yesterday Monday 8th April Norma and Mark Hussey meet John Jones at the Blackpool Arboretum and
Put Tom's flowers from his funeral on our little plot Tom will be getting a stone in there by Veterans week

Tom was very Proud at being pick for the Old Guard on Vesting day 1968 and was one of the last Lancashire Fusilier to wear his primrose hackle on the Last LF parade