victoria

it deeply hurts me to be saying this, but after a lifelong battle with his inner demons, my lovely dad sadly decided to make the ultimate decision to take his own life last thursday. he peacefully passed away yesterday morning. my life will never be the same. my dad was a lot of things. he was a friend, a confidant, a cheerleader, an advisor, a philanthropist. his voice like a great big warm hug at the end of a long hard day. he listened intently to my every word, problem, achievement and always met each one with a smile. his wisdom, his stories and his way with words crafted my whole artistic identity. i couldn’t make the music i make without him. my dad was my best friend. he will be sorely missed by everyone especially my siblings and i. I can’t even tell you how sad i am, i’m wiping the tears away from my eyes as i write this, but the reason i have decided to post this is that this has just given me the most violent nudge to remind you all (especially men) to fucking talk to each other, man. speak about your feelings, reach out to one another and don’t hold back. be free with your deepest darkest thoughts, speak to people. let them know you’re in pain. we have the opportunity to save a generation and beyond thinking this way. lastly, to my lovely dad. i am so sorry i couldn’t have been your friend growing up. i’m sorry we couldn’t go for a walk or a pint and i couldn’t turn to you and really ask you if everything is okay. let you know it’s alright to chat to me. Tell you all the brilliant things that you are and will become. and just how much you meant to the people who knew you, but i will continue to share your story and let people know just how special you truly were. i will always miss you. whenever anyone asks me “how’d you get that wonderful beard?”, i always say “i don’t know, ask my dad”…. well i guess we will never know now. i love you, dad. may you rest in glorious peace. some turn invisible, but that’s not original. might not be invincible, but you’re still my hero, dad. john winston tompkins - 1948 - 2023 🥺💔