Hi everyone, thank you for your kindness. It turned out his aorta dissected and he bled into his lung cavity. People say it would've been very quick. I'm grateful for that although the shock of losing him so young hasn't passed yet. He was only 55. Same age as our mum died back in 2001. As his death was unexpected he had to go to the coroner and they told me how he died. I'm hoping his funeral will be this Friday, but it depends what the funeral people say. He had two other "brothers" and one "sister" - that is, people who thought of him and cared about him as if he was their brother. It's good to know so many held him in their hearts. At least he doesn't have to suffer the anguish of me going first. He was always more sensitive and emotional than I am, but I was his older sister and it was my job to keep him safe, eg on the walk to school or at the shops, so I guess I got a little more resilience somehow. He had such a beautiful heart. Anyway, I'll check out of byc for a few more days. Just wanted to acknowledge your kindness.
The hens and chicks are all doing well. So is the cat, although she has started hyperthyroid medication.