The first time I met you we were all so much younger, your boys were in the infants, my 4 kids a littleolder. I introduced you to a job you could do around your family and knew you would be a success right from the start. With your infectious laugh and unique take on the world you could not fail ti make an impact. I remember all those wonderful times we shared, Practising our presentations infront of each othe and rehearsing for the area meeting (the one where we did a panto) we did such a good job the big boss insisted we all re-inact at the annual meeting.
It was after that weekend when you called me and read out the newspaper article. When people referred to me with a certain nickname after that I remember you immediately. We had so many moments on our car rides to and from the area meetings and how we never had an accident i will never know.
When I hit rocky times on a personal level, Anne you were the one I went to for support. You helped me through some of my darkest times and when I met Mark and introduced him to you and Richard you all hit it off so well. We were thrilled when you both came to our wedding in 1998.
Alas time went by, kids grew up, jobs came and went and Mark and I moved to the Middle East. However in 2008 I celebrated my 50th birthday and you and Richard did not hesitate to join me in my celebrations in Skiathos. When you arrived there it was as though we had just seen each other the week before...nothing had changed...same smile, same fun loving familiarity and it was a testiment to you and Richard how well you got on with everyone. Such lovely easy going and accepting of all.
My sister and her husband struck up a friendship with you and a good time was had by us all. Thank you for helping to make my special time so memorable.
it didn’t end there...I came back to the UK in July 2016 and after 2 months of settling in I came to see you. I enjoyed catching up with you and Richard before heading off to the village to see the fireworks. We promised to continue to see each other regularly. Alas time elepsed life took over and before we knew it another year went by.
One year almost to the day you and Richard came for dinner at my house and My sister and husband were here and so happy to rekindle their aquantance with you both. We had such fun, remembering Skiathos, our time together all those years ago when we worked together and everything else inbetween.
They say that the test of true frienship is that it doesnt matter about time or place because the measure is that when you do see each other that true friends can pick up where they left off.
You and Richard are testiment to that and my life is richer for having had you in it. I am devastated at the thought that we will not get that chance to continue into old age, putting the world to rights and just having a right old laugh at it as we go. Rest in peace my beautiful friend. I will never forget you and will cherish my memories forever until we meet again.
love you
Gina xxxx