Some of you maybe knew him as Mel Galley from Trapeze or Whitesnake, or even that chap that used to sit in the pub helping to make sure Carling stayed in business, busying himself away at a crossword that was no doubt full of Galleyisms (thanks Bobbit). To us, he was just Dad.

However we knew him doesn't matter, what matters is that we all share that one love of the music he helped to create.

A good (now also sadly departed) friend of mine used to say that you don't write songs, they're already there, just floating in the ether, it's just that some people are lucky to spot them and bring them to reality. He was one of the lucky ones.

We'll never be able to express our thanks and gratitude to everyone of you in person for all the love and support shown over the years and more specifically the last 6 months. I hope this goes some way towards letting you know it means the world to me, my wife Lucy, my brother Lucas and our mums.

One of the only times he ever admitted to being starstruck was when he happend to be in the same Indian restaurant as Spike Milligan. After some Dutch courage he went to Spike's table to ask for his autograph, rather than the usual fumbling for a pen my dad got his prize, a napkin marked with the sauce from Spikes Bombay Potato. Here's one of Spikes that I know would bring a smile to my dads face

Doctor O'Dell fell down a well, and broke his collar bone.
The Doctor should attend the sick,
and leave the well alone.

I'd like to think he's up there now sharing a drink with Lowell George, maybe even still doing the Times crossword, and it's on that note that I'd like everyone to raise a glass to him at the next chance you get, let's do the chap proud. Mine's a Guinness!

Marcus galley

Anyone wanting to pass messages can email them to galley@ntlworld.com or send via my myspace  http://www.myspace.com/galley6572