He was determined during this year to do some of the things on his "bucket list" – a trip to Amsterdam, various trips to his local football team, a great birthday lunch with the whole family in London, a party in one of his local pubs, and the rest.
He has certainly enjoyed and celebrated his year-long birthday.
In one conversation with him, he had one more important adventure he wanted to go on.
Since his youth, he has been a huge fan of Manchester United.
Some readers may groan – but he is a real fan – many a new season shirt was bought, including posters and other Man U items.
He lived through the Sir Alex period when the team seemed to win everything.
In recent years, despite the variable performances of his team, he has stayed loyal.
He also plays regularly in a five-a-side team, keeping fit with many of his contemporaries, many who support the major London teams.
But although seeing his team some years ago with myself and Mum at St Marys in sub-zero temperatures playing Saints – who lost 3-0 – at an FA Cup fixture, he had never seen or been to the "Theatre of Dreams" in Manchester.
So over lunch, one day he confessed his wish during his special birthday year to visit Old Trafford.
On a Sunday afternoon, we travelled to Manchester.
It was cold but clear when we arrived and checked into the hotel next to the stadium.
The bright neon red lettering gleaming in the dark way above us proclaiming the home of "Manchester United".
Below a large open space greeted us – together with a statue of the great man and behind us the trinity.
We went into the city for a meal – had a great curry and a nightcap back at the hotel.
The next day, what the locals described as typical Manchester weather – rain all day – greeted us.
But we went to the Mega Store and then on to the city centre.
It was full of Christmas markets and the Cathedral was a real surprise – beautiful.
We also walked into the old town where a market had been turned into a number of studios for artists and craftspeople and bought a few bits.
It was time to head back to Old Trafford – the match was due to start at 8pm – Man U v Bournemouth.
We had some dinner and then went to find our seats.
We climbed the stairs and walked down into a huge wall of noise. Some 70,000 fans were in full voice.
It was overpowering – the size of the space, the lights, a tribal feeling connecting all the fans.
The Bournemouth fans were in a triangle of space ringed by security.
It was stunning – atmospheric and both intimidating and beautiful at the same time. The rain had also stopped.
The match began. An early goal by the home team got things off to a good start. But it then went off in a seesaw.
One moment Man U were in the lead the next their opponents – some eight goals were scored.
The local fans were a little subdued as a win is what they wanted.
Later in the hotel, there was much discussion about tactics, poor defence and a host of other opinions.
The next day, the newspapers were calling it the best match of the season.
What a match for the birthday boy to witness with his old dad – magical, exciting and moving.
By Yinnon Ezra