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Built like a barn door,and smartly turned out.

His air as he walked,well you knew he had clout.

I remember him first,throwing me in the air.

With his pencil moustache,and Brylcreem in his hair.

He was pre-diagnosis,as strong as an ox.

Then he developed the Parkinson's pox.

Involuntary twitching,slurred speech and convulsions,

To keep well away,my initial compulsions.

The drugs made him dribble, whilst watching the cricket.

Made me wonder if he,was quite the full ticket.

He endured Changi!This seasoned old soldier.

I was wary of him,when I should've been bolder!

Two steps back,for every one forward.

His frustrated face,one could see he was tortured.

Such a dignified man,so patient and kind,

We often played scrabble,to strengthen his mind.

Enduring this illness,he never complained.

30 years in the Army,and very well trained.

Regrets looking back?One of lots,I can think,

I never took him,down the pub for a drink!