I first met you in my late teens when I was working at a furniture shop in Harlow and you and other Firemen from Harlow used to drive the delivery van. You would give me a lift in your white Rover 2000 and talk about the Brigade, even inviting me up to Station 69 Harlow as it was then, so I could experience life on a Fire Station many years later when I joined I transferred to Waltham Abbey and we became neighbours and crew mates. You gave me endless advice over a cuppa and what ever you said would always be right, you had that incredible knack! I remember going to a Brigade funeral once and you were a bit quiet I asked if you were ok and you said "no I'm worried as I always get the giggles at funerals!" I can recall those times when you lost it and the giggling would be uncontrollable and the tears would run down your cheeks! We played in the same football team together, you were a tough player, if the ball went past the opponent certainly didn't! The games of volleyball at work were always competitive, and after you would go home and lay in the bath to try and relieve the stiffness, you still believed we were young! So many memories mate you will be sorely missed, the big man has called you to early but then I guess he needs some advice or a good giggle!! RIP mate and a massive thank you