@jcboy,
It was good of you to go, it makes a difference to the family knowing that others cared too about him and gives you a chance to come to terms with to, a sort of closure if you see what I mean - I'm glad you met his family.
Have fun at the partaaaay and yep, looking forward to hearing about Sunday Funday
<best check on the tortoises... might need some TLC - I don't think they and Marco have quite bonded yet!>