"Peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family"

I made the request that there should be no great party for my 70th birthday: I thought it had been granted, until people started to appear after our family lunch. They came and went in dribs and drabs - and over two afternoons - so it wasn't exactly a party: indeed it was the best sort of arrangement in that one could actually talk to one's guests - impossible when one is having to introduce them to each other while also acting as waiter. And the sun shone throughout.