Speeches / Recording from Tim's funeral - 28th May 2004

"I just want to say a few words about a very special person.

Today has to be a celebration when we remember the good times and look back with laughter at the memories we all shared.

Tim lived life to the full, always joking, always caring, and always having time for others. Tim was very much a people person. He loved his job and being around so many people. He cared dearly about all the people he worked with and had a special bond with colleagues on the 'Bread and Cake' Department. In fact the only reason some people shopped at Sainsbury's was to see Tim.

He had the charisma that would make you just want to stop and talk to him. Mind you sometimes with customers he was a little bit too truthful. He was working on the 'Beer and Wines Department' when a customer asked him:
"Excuse me, could you recommend a good sherry?"
Tim's reply being: "Do I look like the kind of person who drinks sherry?"
She now shops at Morrisons, but at least he was honest!

Tim was always caring. Danny told me on his first day at work when he was sat on his own in the canteen, nervous, this voice shouted over..."Don't sit on your own mate, come over here with us!". That was Tim, always making friends and thinking of others.

Tim loved so many things in life and got so much out of it. He loved his cats, loved his drinks (Stella and Carling preferably) and he loved his friends and family.

Caroline told me that one of his best days out was going to a Robbie Williams concert at Knebworth last year, and having a few drinks, listening to music and being with his friends.

With Tim there were no heirs and graces. He told it like it was. If he liked you, you knew it and if he didn't he'd tell you. Nothing seemed to bother him. He always looked at the positives. Tim never complained about life and just got on with it. That should be an example to all of us!

The last thing I want to say to Tim is simply:
"Thank you for being you!""