In 2019, I visited with my creative partner, Tetiana, in Ukraine. I wanted to experience what everyday life was like for her there, and was lucky enough to stay for a period of about three months. I had known Tetiana for years by that point but not her family, who still welcomed me—a complete stranger—into their lives with open arms. They really were so very generous and accepting, treating me like I’d always belonged there. I’ll always be grateful for that.
I loved spending time with Tetiana’s family so much that I vowed to myself that I’d return one day. However, there will be one less person to greet me when that day finally comes. Sadly, her Father has just passed away. As you can imagine, Tetiana, and her Mother and Brother, are gutted—so am I, to be honest. Her Father and I often bonded over our shared love of heavy metal. We’d do devil horns as a greeting, and he’d comb through YouTube clips to introduce me to many of his favourite, classic bands.
While I was there, Tetiana and I cobbled together some personalised mugs as a gift to her family—a thank you for allowing me to stay with them. Along with loving all things metal, her Father was also a huge Beatles fan, so I’m sure you can tell what famous photo our own image was aping. The man on the far right there is Tetiana’s Father. He was so fucking cool, and I hope my drawing captures something of his indomitable, adventurous spirit.
Truly, he was a beautiful man, and the world is poorer without him. I miss him greatly.
by TONY SINGLE
© All rights reserved 2025
unbolt me 
Condolences to Tatiana, and to you too. The cup’s cool.
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Thank you, Andy. That means a lot! 🙏
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I am so sorry to hear that, Tony. Please convey my deepest condolences to Tetiana and her remaining family.
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I will Dolly, and thank you. 🙏
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So sorry to hear of his passing. Loss is hard any time of year but especially rough around the holidays. I send hugs and positive vibes to both you and Tatiana and her family at this difficult time. 🫂☮️
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Thank you. So very kind! 🙏
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You are most welcome.
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That is a beautiful tribute to what sounds like a beautiful man
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He really was. We spent a day walking with him through his childhood town. The stories he had… it was a privilege to hear them.
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So sorry to learn of Tatiana’s father passing. We never get too old to love the parents that loved and guided us through our early life and became our lighthouse in the dark moments of our freedom from adult supervision. Blessed be this great man whose example lives on.
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Thank you. Those are very kind words indeed. 🙏
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🙏🕯️🕊️🤍
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Condolences on the loss of Tati’s father, and your friend, Tony. A fitting tribute.
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Thank you, good sir. 🙏
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Tony, I am saddened to read this, and during the holidays, too. *Sighs* My sincerest condolences to Tati, her family, and to you, too. May her father’s spirit live on in each of you, from this day and forevermore. Big hugs to you both from across the miles. 🩵🙏🏾
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Thank you, trE. It really means a lot right now. It will be especially hard for Tati and her family given the ongoing war too. Life can just really feel unfair at times, can’t it? 🙏
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Yeah, it can. But I truly hope something positive is on the horizon very soon for all of you. 🩵💜❤️
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That really is very sweet. Thank you, trE. Let’s hope something positive is on the horizon for all of us.
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Sorry for your and her loss.
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Thank you. 🙏
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