Clive Shrapnell (22 Aug 1953 - 26 Jan 2016)

Clive John Shrapnell, a devoted Grampy to Charlie, Ella and Zach, Father to Joanna and Rob and a friend to so many has passed away at the age of just 62. In early December 2015, Clive was diagnosed with terminal lung and brain Cancer, but remained positive at every stage and showed unbelievable bravery up until his last moments. At the time of passing, Clive was with his daughter Joanna, son Rob and friend for life, Jan.

Clive was the only son of Walter John Shrapnell and Freda Rosalind Shrapnell, and has always lived in and around the Trowbridge area. For most of his working life, Clive was employed in a variety of manufacturing roles, eventually working as a Quality Assurance technician before finally deciding to care for his grandchildren Charlie and Ella. This time has been precious for Joanna and Scott's children, and the many walks to and from school, hours spent reading, playing, walking the family dog Tilly and the numerous movie nights will be sorely missed. Charlie, the oldest of the 3 grandchildren was particularly close to Clive, and was often referred to as Clive’s ‘golden boy’.

From a young age, Clive had a keen interest in football, inspired by his Father's love for the game. He played for several teams in his early years until a knee injury halted his chance of a career in the sport, but he was a dedicated Liverpool supporter and would often talk for hours about his beloved team to whoever would listen.

His eldest child and one of Clive’s best friends, Joanna spent much of her time with Clive putting the world to rights over a cup of tea, discussing the latest chart releases or catching up on the latest TV or movie. Many school holidays were spent having fun with Scott, Charlie and Ella on a day trip or holiday, and Joanna would always seek her Father’s advice when facing challenges either at work or personal. At this time, it is difficult for Joanna to put into words the love she had for her father, but Clive’s endless support to both Joanna and Scott over the last few years will be remembered with great fondness and his daily contact will be forever missed.

For those of you who know Clive well, you will know he could talk for hours and he spent many occasions with Scott, his son-in-law, discussing the finer points of cricket, football and in recent years, even rugby. Scott will miss Clive greatly, in particular, his loyalty and generosity to his family and friends.

It was with great pride that Clive would talk about his son Rob, and the wonderful father and husband he had become in recent years. His love of football transcended to playing football with his son in the garden, his daughter always in goal. But a family holiday where Rob rode his first mototbike meant that Clive's dreams of Robin playing for Liverpool were over. Many Sunday afternoon's were spent in wet and muddy conditions as Clive supported Rob with his keen interest in Motorcross. Clive was one of Robin's biggest fans, and the loudest voice on the side of the racing track would belong to him. Rob met Jen in 2006 and she became an instant part of the family, and in 2013 Clive welcomed his 3rd grandchild Zach who Clive loved spending time with.

Although divorced in the later years of Clive's life, Jan remained one of Clive's closest friends and their life together will always be thought of with great fondness. They have shared many happy times over the last 44 years, but their proudest moments were the births and subsequent memories of watching Joanna and Rob grow into the beautiful people they are today. Some of Jan’s fondest memories revolve around the many dogs Clive and her owned, Casper being his most loved and spoilt. Family holidays were great fun either camping, caravanning and in more recent years, abroad. In recent years, Jan and Clive have enjoyed many family events together, as well as meeting for coffee and a cake or two.

While working in his last place of employment, Clive became good friends with Jamie, and after many welcomed occasions spent together, they became the best of friends. Clive was endlessly in awe of Jamie's positivity, and his family will be forever grateful for the kindness and compassion Jamie provided throughout the last few weeks of Clive's life.

Clive was a kind, generous and humorous man and he will be sorely missed by everyone who loved or knew him, but the family remain grateful that he was once in their lives.

Finally, although the family would like to reply personally to all of the kind messages of sympathy received in our sad loss, there have been so many that would be an overwhelming task. I hope, therefore, that you will accept this last part as our sincere expression of gratitude for your kindness and comfort to us all at the difficult time.

Forever grateful,

Joanna, Rob, Jan, Scott, Jen, Charlie, Ella & Zach.