A letter to Uncle Lez
Uncle, my first faltering steps were taken on the day you married Aunt Audrey. You were a big part of my early life and I have such wonderful memories of you reading your stories to me and Stephen, the trips out when you were in search of a new home, looking for fairy rings in woodlands, watching you paint something amazing, singing, dancing together and our own version of Swan Lake is an ever constant reminder of the actor Dale Bronte, you were a wonderful and generous performer who always encouraged me to pursue  treading the boards when other family members were trying to stop me!            ( Don’t put your daughter on the stage Mrs Worthington).
Not many know this about you and me, but,  we had many personal and private conversations, particularly in my early twenties when I was struggling with personal and professional matters. You always had an ear for me and gave me advice from the heart. We discussed things in life I would not have been able to discuss with many, you were very open and you gave me inspiration to find a creative path in life that I could manage with family commitments. 
Our family history led you, my mom and your sister Nora, Albert, Trevor, Pat and your very talented son,  Stephen,  and me  down different but creative paths. Tom and John had different paths to follow but John and his love of gardening is also very artistic. Whilst I inherited the dance/drama genes, I always envied your artistic talent. You had so much talent and how I would love to be able to paint like you. But, I followed my heart and your advice and in my life I have had success through various theatrical endeavours, I have received many awards  for my work, you inspired me to carry on being me and I did,  ( although your idea that I should become a version of Uke playing Sophie Tucker didn’t work out..but thank you for my first Uke and I am still trying to master it!). My love of dance is well known and you were the only family member that knew what I was up to at one point ! Enough said.
I remember scrumping for apples, jokes, holidays that didn’t always go to plan but we all got there, singing with you and the ladies in my seated exercise sessions have you to blame for my music choices by the way!
Most of all I remember a loving, generous man who always ‘ got me ‘ . Not once did you say anything to me to discourage me, you only ever showed me love, support and understanding. Our health has meant we have not seen each other in later life but, that doesn’t mean you have not been thought about, often and I love you Uncle, as we say our final goodbye ‘  I will add a note by stating you Lez, Dale, Uncle were a star in my life. Thank you. I like to think of you now dancing cheek to cheek with Aunt Audrey and until the time we spirituality dance together again,  bye bye ‘ luv ‘ .
Elaine Rita your loving niece.