In 1998 after years of hard work he finally became a man of lesuire, he spent these years being a valued member of his community, he took on the role as caretaker, even though the postion was taken up by his friend, he still insisted on helping. In 1999 he became a Great grandfather for the first time, which was a very proud moment for him and by 2005 his first Great grandson was born. In early 2000 Jean become unwell and Eugene put his spade down for the last time so he could take care of his wife. Eugenes health started to go down hill giving him a number of scares, he was missed diagnoised with cancer and then a stroke between 2007-2008. Tradegy struck Eugene in December 2007 as his wife Jean had a serious heart attack and he had fallen and broke his ribs. They could no longer look after each other and Jean left the marital home, she moved to bristol to be cared for by her daughter Susan and her husband Martyn whilist Eugene stayed in Reading and was helped by his 2 doting grandaughters Sian and Stephanie. Christmas 2007 he spent with his Grandchildren and Great grandchildren this was his last christmas he spent at home. 2008 saw many hospital visits and different doctors and still Eugene couldnt get a correct diagnosies, he was discharged from hospital several times which saw him being admitted again within the week. By October 2008 Eugene took a bad fall and doctors discovered a blood clot on his brain. Eugenes Granddaughter Stephanie was a pillar of strength for him, she went to every doctors appointment and hospital appointment and fought to get Eugene diagnoised, it paid of and he was diagnoised with a degenerative brain disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (psp), which affects eye movement, balance, mobility, speech and swallowing. After many concerns and a lot of careful cosideration from family, doctors and social services it was decided that Eugene needed to be cared for. Stephanie spent several days trying to get Eugene into a good care home where he would be provided the best care possible, once again Stephanies hard work and determination paid of and she found a lovely care home called Arthur Clarke, the staff was fantastic and they found the special man in Eugene that his family dearly loved they grew very fond of him. He spent his days there in the gardens laughing with his Granddaughters and watching his Great grandchildren playing, even though he was ill these moments were very special to him and he cherised every single moment in typical Eugene style. In 2009 his health took a turn for the worst and his care became to intense and he had to be moved to a nursing home called the Hollies this is where he spent his last days. On the 27th of May 2011 at 11:35pm Eugenes Daughter Susan got the dreaded call that Eugene had took a turn for the worst Susan, Stephanie and Sian made the way to the Hollies to spend one last night with Eugene. They took it in turns to hold his hand and Eugene fought with every breath throughout the night. Eugene protected his Grandchildren untill his last breath and waited for them to leave before he peacefully passed away with his loving daughter susan by his side, he passed away at 7:55am on the 28th may 2011 he was a month shy of reaching his 76th birthday. No matter how sick Eugene got he was so brave and never complained once. On his last night we smiled, we laughed and we cried but most of all we shared love that could never be lost even through death.