It is still too early to fully comprehend the impact of losing Paul from every day life. I still keep going to ring him and I still expect and hope to bump into him as I go about my day. I only had the privilege of meeting Paul last year but in the 9 months since barely a day has gone by when we haven't had some form of contact. Paul was a man who lived by his principles and was a fantastic leader of people. He was a man I respected and looked up to and has been a huge support to me from day one. I count myself extremely fortunate to be have been considered as one of his friends. People think that finding good friends is one of the toughest things you can do in life but the last few days has taught me that losing good friends is even tougher. Paul made a bigger impact on me in 9 months than a lot of my friends have in the last 20 years - he was just that kind of guy. My only regret is that I wish I had spent less time working with him and more time socialising with him but I was convinced we would have plenty of time for all the jolly stuff further down the line...
Paul had his priorities absolutely right - he loved his job and all the stuff that went with it but he managed to balance it all with his home life too. He was always going to nice places with his beloved Nicki and he was always planning his next week away in the sun. For a big guy Paul was a complete softie when it came to his wife. She was the love of his life and he didn't care who knew it. I used to comment on the pretty ladies as we walked down the street but Paul would just laugh and tell me that I would grow out of it one day! He knew that Nicki was his soulmate and that there was no-one on this planet who came even close to her.
The world is definitely a poorer place without Paul in it but I take a crumb of comfort knowing that he will be looking down making sure I am behaving myself. He will never be forgotten and he will always be talked about by people with smiles on their faces as they remind each other of things he used to say and do. The people that knew him for all of his 46 short years are the lucky ones as they will have a plethora of great memories to reminisce about. I have got enough to put a smile on my face and I am sure I will pick up a few more stories when everyone gathers to give him a damn good send off at his farewell party.
Paul, thanks for everything mate - I am really going to miss you.
Gary
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