The sudden realisation that you have cancer hits you like a sledgehammer. On 9th February after 2 months of tests and all sorts thats what they told me. In more ways than one it's a life-changing moment and your mind goes into overdrive thinking all kinds of worst case scenarios.
Such a loss. My thoughts are with you all. Kim xxx
ReplyDeleteI only just found out about Paul's condition from Clive in the Control Room at Addy Lee, and now he's gone.
ReplyDeleteMay flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, Knoxey.
My condolences to all of you who know and love him.
Nico
Why is it so many good people leave us too early in life. He will be greatly missed. A good man with a big heart and completely devoted to his wife through thick and thin.
ReplyDeleteHe had the will to write his Cancer Blog with determination, guts and humour. I hope it gets published so it may help others. Paul i know how much you loved your music so now you are at "The Great Gig In The Sky" as Pink Floyd once sang. The control room hasn't quite been the same although maybe a bit tidier since there are no chocolate digestive crumbs everywhere. Thanks for everything mate now go and put your feet up and have a good rest in peace....Jen both myself and Denise send our deepest condolences to you and the family and as we say in the jewish religion "I wish you a long life"
Clive and Denise
What are my memories of Paul? To be honest they all make me smile.
ReplyDeletePaul was a giant of a man. He was larger than life, not just in stature but in personality too. He could take charge of a conversation without saying a word and finish one just as easily with a simple look. To be honest when I first met Paul with Jen at Lakeside he scared the bejesus out of me. I saw him walk toward me dressed in his signature black suit and I said quietly to myself “for christ sake Tracey, do not upset this man” LOL However, as soon as they were close enough he gave me a hug which simply said. “How lovely to meet you” I know right then I had been completely wrong about him. I know we would become good friends and He was a complete sweetheart.
I remember Paul phoning me after Jens stroke, worried and afraid of what had just happened he was unashamed of his tears which endeared him even more to me He was an emotional man who laughed and cried in equal amounts. Paul was a real man.
I had the honour of witnessing Paul’s marriage to Jen, a day I have cherished in my memory. It was then I watched him reveal yet another side of his personality. He was flustered, like a school boy on a first date, charming and extremely proud. He was so happy to be marrying Jen it was written all over his face. .
At his best of times I thought of Paul as Rubeus Hagrid the character warmly played by Robbie Coltrane although I know Paul would preferred the to be considered more of a Eddie "Fitz" Fitzgerald from the TV series of Cracker.. and, in his final days, Paul still took on a likeness to a famous character, Uncle Fester. He know this and even though he was as poorly as he was, he could still laugh at himself. Either way , as either character, Paul would always be somebody endearing, warm, and ultimately concerned with the happiness of those who are close to him.
I will always remember Paul, and he will always be here.
as always.. rose :-)