31 October, 2007
Samhain Greetings
On the evening that we await the return of lost friends Raincoaster suggested this
I'd add this
I also learnt today of the death of a dear friend of mine, Alan Bruno.
I first met Alan when running a computer shop in town. Alan ran a tailors shop that he and his wife Bet (who died last year) had set up in the late 1950's and even walking into the shop in the late 1990's it still felt like a proper gentleman's outfitters. Alan was a consummate gentleman. He was polite, unbelievably charming and had a heart of gold, albeit one that had been broken by the untimely death of his daughter through medical negligence. Though his heart was broke, his spirit was one of a fiery cynicism for any who hold a position of power simply for the power that it gave, whether they be Doctors, High Court Judges or Senior Military figures. Alan would metaphorically 'tug his forelock', take their money and show his contempt when they were out of earshot. That sounds harsh and to be fair, Alan never took anyone at face value. He could always find the good in people, no matter how wretched or offensive they behaved, and believe me some of his customers where rude beyond belief simply because they were lorded and landed, and he was 'their man' who sorted their suits. Alan was his own man.
I've never met another like Alan, and I doubt I ever will. My thoughts are with Martin his son and the family.
Alan died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday night, and for that I am glad. And even though the atheist in me (and Alan) sneers at this, I hope you and Bet are re-united in a better place. Rest in Peace, Mate. I already miss you. Pop over for a beer tonight eh? ¶ Wednesday, October 31, 2007
I'd add this
I also learnt today of the death of a dear friend of mine, Alan Bruno.
I first met Alan when running a computer shop in town. Alan ran a tailors shop that he and his wife Bet (who died last year) had set up in the late 1950's and even walking into the shop in the late 1990's it still felt like a proper gentleman's outfitters. Alan was a consummate gentleman. He was polite, unbelievably charming and had a heart of gold, albeit one that had been broken by the untimely death of his daughter through medical negligence. Though his heart was broke, his spirit was one of a fiery cynicism for any who hold a position of power simply for the power that it gave, whether they be Doctors, High Court Judges or Senior Military figures. Alan would metaphorically 'tug his forelock', take their money and show his contempt when they were out of earshot. That sounds harsh and to be fair, Alan never took anyone at face value. He could always find the good in people, no matter how wretched or offensive they behaved, and believe me some of his customers where rude beyond belief simply because they were lorded and landed, and he was 'their man' who sorted their suits. Alan was his own man.
I've never met another like Alan, and I doubt I ever will. My thoughts are with Martin his son and the family.
Alan died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday night, and for that I am glad. And even though the atheist in me (and Alan) sneers at this, I hope you and Bet are re-united in a better place. Rest in Peace, Mate. I already miss you. Pop over for a beer tonight eh? ¶ Wednesday, October 31, 2007
