I am sure we all agree that Alan was a very practical man with no time for the fanciful or superficial. He looked reality in the face and had the courage never to shy away from what he saw. We must now do the same in his honour.

This is a dark moment that none of us wants, when we say goodbye to our last physical contact with our dear, dear friend; when we have to face that emotional vacuum in side us left by Alan’s passing. There is no getting away from that.

But things will get better. In time we will fill that vacuum. Later today we will meet in the Hurlingham Yacht Club, so much beloved by Alan, to be positive and help one another weave our many memories of him into our future lives. We will honour him by using his example of a life well lived, to make better use of our own remaining time on Earth. We will honour him by never forgetting.

Even in the darkest times there are moments of good fortune and rays of hope. I was very lucky to spend much of Alan’s last day on Earth with him, in the company of Tamsin and Stephen. It was a busy day in which we played our part in Alan’s move from B Block St Helier’s Hospital to the altogether superior St Raphael’s Hospice. He was undaunted by his plight. He was a pleasure to be with, even there. He was funny. He was more concerned about those around him, than he was for himself. Typical Alan.

I’m sure there are many in this room who take the view that Alan has not passed away, but passed on and that he is looking down and hearing what we say. If that is the case, then I am sure there is no one here more surprised at this than Alan. I very much hope it is true.



If it is, then I like to think that he is where he should be, in the heaven for the courageous and heroic, Valhalla. Gods, being omnipotent, they will have an Amazon account and will have read Alan’s book. So he will be at the top table, where he belongs, in good and respectful company and enjoying the best of fare.

So Alan, just in case you can hear me over the din:

Thank you for showing me better ways to do many practical things. From horticulture to plastering a ceiling, you gave me a good example to follow. Alan was never hasty. I loved working with him.

Thank you in particular for letting me crew on your boat. I always felt safe with him as skipper. He never shouted.

Thank you for your abundant hospitality. You were always good company; never trying to be the centre of events, but always at the centre.

Thank you for your ready forgiveness when I got it wrong, as I did on occasion. Once again, sorry about that.

Above all Alan, thank you for being my friend. We would all say that. You have given Elaine and me so many happy memories. Whilst there is breath in my body you will never be forgotten.