For Alan
So much more than a father in law.  When my own father passed away when I was 27, Alan became the father figure in my life. 

In the early days, we used to spend must Thursday evenings playing snooker together in a club in Hatfield.  Surprised we never got into a fight, with Alan commenting on every swear word,  or burps,  coming from the other tables. The highlight of those days for Alan, was a frame against Jimmy White. 

Alan tried to teach me squash, but I think I was a lost cause there. 

We enjoyed playing golf together as partners, but even when we were partnered together as a team, Alan always liked to play for a fiver against me. That fiver changed hands many times. 

Alan loved spending time in Portugal eating at the same restaurants regularly, and playing golf over there. 

Most Sunday evenings, we’d be over at Jill and Alan’s for dinner. In the winter it would be a roast, and in the summer Alan would normally like to have a BBQ.  Alan enjoyed a whisky to start, a carefully selected wine with the meal, followed by a glass of brandy, with a coffee. 

Alan remodelled his home in Elmfield Road, several times. and that often meant me and Ian were brought in to  help him build walls or more often knocking them down. 

When Julia and I bought our house in Bluebridge Road, Alan helped me rewire it. I decided to take the opportunity to install expensive gold speaker wires under the floorboards,  only for Alan to screw right through the wires when he replaced the floorboards.  That was a story that was brought up many many times. 

Alan loved to sing, and we enjoyed rehearsing and performing on stage at Wyllyotts Theatre, with the Potters Bar Theatre Company.    A highlight for Alan, was when he would be on stage with me, Em and Sus. In fiddler on the roof,  guys and dolls.  And Toad of toad hall.  

When I joined  Kestronics over 30 years ago Alan became my boss too.  We enjoyed success in business, and we enjoyed many business trips together.  Visiting France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, America, and Ireland, amongst other countries.  

Alan loved to travel, and he was proud to share with others the countries he visited.  And some that he hadn’t visited.   He had strong political opinions, and he loved discussing European politics with Axel from Rohm or Silvano from 4P in Italy. 

We’ve had lots of lovely messages from customers, suppliers, and ex employees.   Also we’ve had lovely messages from the locals from the Woodman, and the “4 lovely ladies” behind the bar. 

Even yesterday Ali, the barber remembered Alan’s wit.  Alan was in the chair having a shave, and he was joking around saying “ouch you cut me”.   

Alan left a mark with everyone he came in contact with. 

Alan and I shared a love of driving and cars, he enjoyed showing off his MG’s, and later his Mercedes SLK

When Alan’s dementia became worse, I started taking him Singing at Wyllyotts on a Thursday afternoon, and then to the Woodman for a pint, with a whisky chaser. Turned out to be the highlight of his week.  Julia carried on taking him singing until very recently.   Even last week he was able to sing the first Nowell, remembering both the tune and the words.  Such a bizarre illness.  

Father in law, boss, friend, adversary,  sporting partner, business partner, 

I will miss him greatly.