My dad. A heart that reached out far and wide and one who cared deeply about people's well being. A rare gift. Even when you weren’t at your best you still had time to think of others and reach out even if they'd forgotten or failed to take the time out for you. You always made people feel important and never for a second would you ignore anyone. You would always go out of your way for everyone at all times.

You were my mentor, my life coach and my encyclopaedia to turn to. You taught me that intelligence isn't just about knowledge, that it is kindness, curiosity, dignity, resilience, generosity, common decency, common courtesy, common sense and so much more. You were a great business mind and my sounding board to bounce off business ideas. I will miss talking to you till 1am when we would wrack our brains out discussing, analysing and debating the rough world and society we live in today. It was never enough when mum would come and scream at us and tell us to shut up because she couldn't get to sleep since we were so loud, we still had to continue even if it meant talking in a quieter tone. There is nobody better to take your place.

You showed me everything in life and made sure my eyes are always wide open, reading in between the lines, not always taking things at face value, thinking outside the box and taking nothing for granted. At the same time you showed me the finer things in life- how to appreciate stylish clothes, exquisite food and good furniture. I like how you always took pride in your appearance even being picky with the pyjamas you would wear. You were always on my case to hunt down the latest caviar shampoo or rejuvenating spray mist to make you glow. I know who I get this from.

You always had the adventurous daredevil streak in you which you passed on to me through your love of theme parks and travelling. You were the hardest working man I know and every chance you got you took us on an adventure. You threw me in the deep end of the pool and taught me how to ride a bike without stabilisers - always making me overcome my fears quickly. In your last few days with us you prepared me once again to overcome my fears and to grab every opportunity I can. When I told you about my new business idea you told me to ‘Go for it...follow your instincts!’. You have given me the determination and courage to set off on my bike once again through the adventurous journey that is life without you my stabiliser.

You are a tough act to follow. A man with extraordinary strength. In your final days even when you were unable to speak you repeatedly said the word ‘home’. This was your goal. You are an exceptional fighter and a hero who fought right through the end. Your strong presence at home always being on top of everyone and giving us that nudge will be greatly missed. Even though you aren’t home with us we feel your strength and fighting spirit inside of us. You raised us to be soldiers made of steel and staying down is never an option, we always have to get back up on our feet.

I want to thank my aunty Anju for giving him the greatest gift a sister could ever give. You gave him life. And I want to thank the woman who cared for him more than anyone in the entire world- my mum. You sacrificed yourself to the point of exhaustion and held yourself together to care for my dad. The strength you had to care for him as well as for us for 365 days every year is unfathomable. You are the best mum and wife bar none.