Book of remembrance wording

[TellySavalashairbrush]

Mine is an unusual dilemma . I only found out a few years ago that the man I thought was a close friend of the family was in fact my birth father. In hindsight it was clear he wanted a relationship with me as a child, but this was prevented to an extent by my mum. He died when I was 11.
I know where he was cremated and would like to place an entry for him in the book of remembrance. He had no other children and was a widow before I was born so it would not cause upset to anyone. My mum and the man I thought was my dad died years ago.
what could I write as an entry under his name? Didn’t want to just put dates, but also can’t be too sentimental as it would feel strange- although I desperately wish I could have built a proper relationship with him while he was alive.

You could just right a simple message about never being forgotten and you hope he's at peace?

The message is from you to your dad so it's how you feel. No-one else will know the circumstances so write how/what you feel.

Thank you for your response. I suppose I’m concerned it has to be as certain ‘textbook’ message that fits in with others in the book. It’s tricky to express my feelings as my relationship with my dad only became apparent a long time after he’d passed.

In loving memory of a man who died before I was old enough to realise how special he was to me. Rest in peace, Dad.

Oh that's so simple and lovely. Thank you!