Thank you for visiting my dad Aidan's tribute fund page. How often can you say you know a true gentleman? Well my dad Aidan really was. Aidan Alphonsus Howlett was born in Dublin on the 30th November 1952, and so began the life of a man that people were proud to have called their husband, dad, father-in-law, grandad, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. The youngest of 14 children and referred to as the ‘babbie’ by his elder brothers and sisters, he was destined to be special from the very beginning. Aidan grew up in Newton-le-Willows with the sizable Howlett clan and then moved to Golborne in Wigan, before finally settling in Clockface, St. Helens in his late twenties. Although Aidan lived nearly all of his life in England, he was very proud of his Irish roots. He loved to celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a Guinness or two, especially if it was poured ‘just right’. Sometimes a silly hat would appear and more often than not a mixture of both good and bad Irish jokes would be told. Although he didn’t have an Irish accent, he was often guilty of magically producing an Irish accent when he was in the company of his brothers and sisters. Aidan was a gentle, family man who only ever wanted the simple pleasures out of life. He was married to his devoted wife Pauline for 37 happy years. A loving father to his son Simon and daughter Nicola. A caring Father-in-Law to both Lian and Gary. A proud grandad at the time of his death to a then 1 year old Phoebe (or 'little angel' as he would often call her) who is now 4. The thought of not seeing his granddaughter Phoebe grow up as his illness took hold was a thought which brought a tear to his eyes on what turned out to be the last time he would see her. Aidan now has a 2 year old grandson 'Noah Aidan' who was in 'mummys tummy' at the time of his death and mummys tummy now has Aidan's 3rd grandchild on the way! Aidan worked all of his adult life to provide for his family, holding down more than one job when his children were babies. 25 years of Aidan’s working life were spent as an electrician on street lighting for St. Helens Council. When out on the streets of St. Helens Aidan would more often than not send his work mates up the ‘cherry picker’ because he wasn’t a fan of heights! But it was his last job before ill health at Haydock Heating and Plumbing that he found his second family. Aidan didn’t have expensive tastes or live a flashy lifestyle…the Hyundai car he kept for 14 years was evidence of that. He loved a ‘buy-one-get-one-free’ at Morrison’s, especially if it was on sweets and chocolate. He loved walking his daughter Nicola’s dog Lilly. Luxury, to Aidan, was having his immediate family round for a chicken Rogan Josh or roast dinner on a Sunday afternoon. The last 3 years of Aidan’s life were a struggle. He had to fight day and night to do what we all take for granted….breathe….as he underwent treatment for Pulmonary Fibrosis. Unfortunately, Aidan was rejected for a lung transplant, as it would have been too dangerous to operate on him. Despite Aidan’s condition, he would never let it get him down. On the good days, he would be thankful that it was a good day and on the bad days he would say there is always someone else who is worse off than him. Sadly Aidan caught pneumonia and died aged 57 in Whiston Hospital on Thursday 7th October 2010 surrounded by his immediate family. Ever the gentleman, and as he had always wished, Aidan was able to donate his eyes after death which helped 4 people to see. Aidan is greatly missed by everyone who knew him and especially his loved ones. So, until we meet again dear Aidan, good night and god bless. Coast to Coast 2011: On the 24-26th June 2011 I, Simon Howlett, took on a 155 mile coast to coast cycle challenge from Whitehaven to Sunderland in memory of my dear dad. It was an amazing and very emotional experience to personally do something in his memory. I would like to thank everyone who kindly donated to the BLF in the memory of my dad. Hopefully the wonderful people that dedicate their lives to researching cures and treatment for lung disease will one day help others suffering like my dad to continue their lives in good health.