My Uncle; My Father.

My father's older brother (my uncle), in a typical pose. He would dress in different outfits simply to have his photo' taken. This I presume was 'Country Gentleman'.

And this is my late father. The photo was taken (before he was married) by his girlfriend at the time; the artist Elizabeth Crowe.

He, and his playboy older brother, were privately educated together in Sussex. But that's where the fraternal bond ends. My father became a reasonably hard-working businessman; his brother a 'Bullingdon' style dandy.

But my father, being a generous and kindly man, took his older brother's wild antics very seriously, and surreptitiously took out insurance policies on his behalf.

My uncle was sent off to the colonies to make his fortune, but illness forced his return (I've mentioned this before). He eventually calmed down and married, but sadly had no children. He bungled on and died in the early 1980's. On behalf of my father, who wasn't well at the time, I was asked to deal with the life-insurance policy, and I forwarded a healthy cheque (with an explanation) to his widow. The cheque was cashed, but we received NO REPLY.

I have always wondered what my uncle would have thought, had he known that his little brother had been so concerned for his (and/or his future widow's) welfare. Generosity is not always rewarded; but being a wastrel often is!

I would like to be more benevolent towards my late uncle, but never having really known him, I'm afraid that's impossible. And as for his widow not even saying 'Thank you'...