i am really shocked and saddened to hear the news. i had known him for probably 7-8 years now. i can't remember how we got introduced, i have a feeling i knew it was him at the bar in his usual place and went over to say hello.

he was always a very social drinker, and chatting to him at the bar as i used to do would inevitably result in having much more to drink than i had planned. he was he would normally talk to anyone at the bar and strike up a conversation. I have listened to many of his stories. he had a lifetime of travel and experiences behind him. trying to actually disengage to leave for your flight was always a struggle. i often planned trips to end up crossing paths in the CCR, and used to arrange my work travel so i ensures i was travelling on a tuesday or thursday - post covid his routine changed to monday and wednesday travel.

he was still working at his age, partly to keep active, but partly because he enjoyed the travel and socialising. heading to the gate with him was a nightmare as he knew everyone on the way, so what would normally be a 5 minute walk would turn in to a 20 minute slow progression. i once did manage to shepherd him onboard at NCL at -25 minutes to go which i thought was a big achievement.

he did used to read FT and often spoke to me about what someone had posted. he didn't want to start posting tho as he knew it would be an obsession and he would constantly be on the forum.

he will be missed a lot, i will miss him.