'Somewhere between sunrise and sunset. I will remember you.' (Sunrise taken in Malta. February 2012.)
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Such sad news of Dave’s passing reached me at far distant shores while my Husband Geoff and myself were away on holiday in Malta recently. Such sad news indeed of which tears were shed. I take comfort that I had the chance to write to Dave in hospital just before our flight departed to Malta. (Thanks to Jen, Angie D and Steve Ransome’s first forum messages) Dave would also have loved the little lens camera cleaning cloth I had enclosed inside his glorious golden sunset boat get well card to brighten and cheer him up. I was comforted in the knowledge that the caring nursing staff made Dave's remaining time more comfortable and dignified. And, that he was not alone.

As I settled down on my seat the train began its fifty minute journey to Birmingham New Street Railway Station. Staring through the window I remembered how Dave was very much on my mind when I knew he was ill in hospital. I knew the seriousness and implications of his Pneumonia. (My Husband fought a very long hard battle for his life, and brought back to life three times, just over two years ago resulting in 6 weeks hospitalisation and 7 months off work) I therefore, was comforted to know my lovely chatty letter enclosed in Dave’s Get Well card sent to the hospital prior to me going to Malta that I was able to thank Dave for all his lovely comments and support which he had given to me personally over the last two years since I joined the Fuji site.

Dave and myself were night owls, like a few others who burn the midnight oil on the Fuji site. Dave and myself always posted our competition entries at about the same time in the early hours of the morning each and every month. I tried to let Dave submit his photo before me as I knew the joy and delight he took in being near the beginning of a new competition theme. It was also then we would have our 'conversations' online and only a few weeks ago we saw the New Year in together when Dave was first to comment on my Spider photo (1/1/12 at 00.46 ) ... 'Very well caught Alison - you not celebrating either?!!' It was to be Dave's last comment on my entries and how I miss seeing his avatar profile picture pop up on the screen and his little 'Like it!!' comment. Dave's last competition entry was the crossroads where he lived for many years.
Somehow posting early in the month now, does not feel the same for me without Dave. I do take some comfort to think that as he sat alone in his home he wasn't lonely as he 'talked' to his many, many Fuji friends like myself and shared his life as we knew it and his passion for photography.

As I gazed through the train window as the train passed Barnt Green nearing my final stop for Redditch, I saw this faded tree in a field (by the Inn we were to later visit and I took this photo) I recalled Dave's message in the forum (August 2011) It was a thread titled 'Ok-Whose nicked it?' when he had posted his 60th consecutive entry for the Energy theme. Who could forget Dave's self portrait photo titled 'No energy left' to which he added his own brand of humour to the caption with 'Never did have a lot though!!' The picture of him slumped in his armchair taken on self timer raised smiles but also many concerns. Dave also loved the scroller but often missed seeing his photos scrolling. I used to leave him a message when he was on it and Steve Ransome used to screen save them for Dave. Dave's self portrait gained 72 likes, 164 varying comments and much to his delight Dave made it on to the Home scrolling Page and he wrote these very words ....' Thanks for the support folks, very much appreciated. I've just checked and it's missing from the scroller - at least it made it though - for the third month running!!'

I strolled to my hotel located by Redditch Railway Station and I sat in my room and continued my journal logging my blogging in memory of Dave. Dave certainly tugged heart strings. His personal photo of his very own hands cupped with a vivid purple border, titled 'No-one to cuddle!!' in the February's 2011 Fuji's 'Love theme' stirred emotions with his poignant image. It reached and touched the hearts of many members on the Fuji Finepix site who 'virtual' hugged him. Jen's comment echoed my own thoughts when Jen wrote... 'What a haunting title. You have been tugging the heart strings with this alright!'

Myself and like many other members, probably echoed what Fujipat wrote.... 'Every month Dave's entry was the first I looked for and he was always able to interpret the subject in his own special way.' (words of Fujipat) It was just like Dave to take something close to his heart and turn it into a meaningful photo that meant the world to him. His entry for the Fuji 'Organic' and 'Home' themes Dave posted views from his window and his Fuji Christmas card entry was one of the wonderful winter Hoar frost on the trees. Dave added this into his caption .. 'I went to Coventry 5 miles away by bus and the trees and fields were like this nearly all the way!!' (Steve mentioned to me an hour before the funeral that Dave had said, and now I've seen Dave's words for myself on his 'Beautiful Morning' Photoblog where Dave wrote......'I can't remember ever seeing such a beautiful display of hoar frost'. Dave also wrote with his humour......'I went on the bus to Coventry – to get a washing bowl etc for my re-fitted kitchen and a pair of trousers –and came back over £200 worse off!!'

I took a closer look at the Bartleet Fountain by the bandstand. The fountain was unveiled in 1883. It stands on a base of Yorkshire stone which supports a shaped basin bearing on it exterior a number of Icanthus leaves. (I could almost hear Dave shouting to me at that point..." photos of leaves ....again!" Dave loved his fountains and it left me wondering if he had ever stood in the same spot as me taking this photo himself.

In Dave's follow up blog Part 2, he wrote.... 'As I managed part 1 easily (Had forgotten that it's much easier than it used to be - only about my second since it changed) I'll do this now - whilst my pork joint is roasting!! As I said in Part I - The focus is a bit "dodgy" on most of these, taken with my S100 FS - which usually takes the better pics.' unquote...Dave always added a touch of his wit in an unwittingly way. Only Dave would write 'whilst my pork joint is roasting!!' So as I was taking photos in Redditch Town centre I thought how much Dave liked to see the flower tubs, street parades, clog dancers, musicians and how he loved taking special events in the street.

I walked back to my hotel room (pictured here) and sat at the desk and gazed into my coffee cup as I recalled reading some comments from Dave dated from the middle parts of 2011 that he posted on the Fuji site. It was now obvious and more noticeable that Dave had become increasingly unwell and became virtually housebound. I had mentioned to Dave that I was thinking about him, to take care, sending him Get well messages like so many did in their comments. I had told Dave a couple of times that I wished I lived closer to him to be able to help with him with his shopping,errands or just sit and talk and chat about photography as I knew he was living alone and experiencing difficulties and frustrations at not being able to get out of his home. I had been housebound for months with illness and knew how it felt within four walls. As I sat alone in my hotel room, I began to feel guilty and wished I had made the trip to see Dave when he was alive.

Next morning I woke with a heavy heart. It was the morning of Dave’s funeral and my personal time to say goodbye to Dave. It was a month to the date since Dave's sad passing. I looked through my hotel window and could see Steve’s 10.22 am morning train arrive. I checked out of my room, handed my room key to reception and a few minutes later greeted Steve at my hotel entrance. We then took a taxi to Redditch Crematorium and as we sat at traffic lights we saw the daffodils (like this one pictured) bursting into life everywhere.

As we were waiting outside the entrance of Redditch Crematorium (which is situated on the northern boundary of the town adjacent to the site of Bordesley Abbey) I took a photograph of this beautiful weeping willow tree. The Crematorium is set in a peaceful location on top of a hill overlooking the Arrow Valley Park and offers serene views of the surrounding Worcestershire countryside from the chapel. The building has been designed to fit into its natural setting and in its design, uses many natural materials such as Welsh grey slate, copper cedar and pine wood. The lofty and spacious chapel is of simple design and from the pews the views through the large chapel window were far reaching the horizons and heavens beyond.

As we prepared to follow into the chapel, I softly touched Dave's coffin and the music began to play and my tears began to trickle.

At the end of the service, the Chapel was filled with the beautiful music from the Military Band and yet another little tear trickled and Steve once again, held my hand. Once outside, I stood alone for a minute with the gentle cool breeze blowing and whispered into the wind to Dave.."Thanks for being part of my life". Then Michael (Dave’s Cousin) suggested a group photo of the seven of us. (Two of Dave's friends had by then quietly left.) I had tried balancing my little pocket camera on the wooden railings on self timer but in the end a stranger took this photo for us instead. (I did mention that I would be posting this photo on the Fuji site.)

Then came the recollection of different stories remembering Dave and as they unfolded, some had us smiling. Michael told me Dave's nickname was 'Penguin' in his younger days but we don’t know why. (Photo I took at The National Memorial Arboretum) I told the story of one of Dave’s photos that he had posted of himself in the 'Remember Remember' Fuji competition of his old photo dated around April 1960 titled 'Remember National Service?' Well, I personally don't remember, as it was literally at the time I was born, but for Dave he wrote in wonderful detail where he got a shock as he had to go on the firing range. Dave wrote in his words ... "The weapon was the Sterling sub-machine gun - the Sgt in charge asked if anyone hadn't fired one before - I replied that I had - 10 rounds - 25 years before (should have only fired five but got five extra as didn't hit anything with the first ones) - then - you can't fire these left-handed can you? (I'm left-handed)!! " unquote. Dave then continued to add ...'I was put on the end of the line and the Sgt kept well out of the way!! It was a good job we didn't have bayonet drill - I've got poor co-ordination so would probably have killed someone!!.'

So Steve and myself boarded the local train back to Birmingham New Street Railway Station. I imagined I had a ticket to ride on a steam train (just like this one I took at the Churnet Valley Railway’s 1940’s weekend) Dave worked on the railways towards the end of steam and loved his trains.

As I travelled on my last train which stopped at my local railway station (pictured here) before catching the bus home, I remembered some had said Dave may not have wished for a fuss. I'm sure he would have appreciated the heartfelt words and endearing touching tributes and messages as Dave did post one of his last messages in January 2012 thanking everyone for caring and the Fuji site kept him going even though he was weakening. The Fuji community certainly do show kindness and respect in times like this. Dave's gallery, hopefully, will stay on the Fuji site and will remain a permanent reminder of a good gentleman and a fine Fuji friend to so many.

Special thanks to Dave's relatives, Michael and Rob for giving their blessing for me to tribute David with this special photoblog. My thanks to Steve Ransome for all his support, Brian, friends, Fuji and to all the Fuji Finepix members for sharing this sentimental journey with me... 'In memory of David Twitty 1939 – 2012 '
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(Please feel welcome to place any personal message below. Thanks. Alison)