Already our happy corner is a changed place. Even small things such is "is it black or green bin day today"? A quick jaunt across the road to see which colour Roy had put out, always provided the correct answer. Now, with this fine spring, how much we miss Roy's company, even if it would have had to have been at a social distance, over a glass of red, then another and invariably finished off with a dram to make sure we found our way home. Roy's intellect was extraordinary. He could talk on any subject. Even when his sight and hearing were failing, he was able to explain in absolute detail, issues such as how Brexit would impact on the Irish border. Hearing him talk of his time in the coal mines with the pit ponies during the war was always fascinating. When the government belatedly recognised the contribution of the Bevin Boys, with typical modesty, Roy absolutely refused to collect his Gong for his service to his country. The first occasion that all might not be well was at the election before Christmas. Roy did not vote, although it had often been our habit to go to the polling station together and have a good laugh and a beer afterwards : Tory v rock hard labour. Roy never missed a vote. Then when he was in hospital after Christmas, his manners and thought for others remained undiminished : apologies and concern that there was not a chair to sit on when we paid our last visit. As if it mattered . Just typical of a fine man we were privileged to know for thirty years and are better people because of that.
J xxx
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