October 5, 2008        Penny, Bob, Jack, Joe and Flora German

I first met Nick and Terry at Sheila and Alan’s wedding where Nick and

his band of merry men [FBMM] entranced the congregation with their dancing.

At that time I was of the opinion that I had never met a couple as

close as Sheila and Alan and wasn’t it a good thing that they’d found

each other.  Over the years, I got to know Nick and Terry better and

came to realize that their marriage was the most amazing I had ever

witnessed.  After 20-something years together, you always had to be

careful about taking corners to quickly or you might find them in mid-

snog!

I had two lovely visits with them at Pear Lane, once with Lala and

once with my own family.  Although Nick was working in NY and doing

the commute, when he came home, he was the perfect host.  Where a lot

of people might get home from an arduous trip thinking, oh god!

Houseguests!  He took genuine delight in knowing that others were

having a good time – always.  I think what I remember most about that

time, apart from the laughter, was the way he included our kids in

every conversation and how he spoke to Flora (about 8 at the time) as

an equal, carefully explaining things that needed an explanation yet

allowing her to discover things for herself.

We were posted to Bangkok in 2005 and Alan, Sheila, Nick and Terry

came out to us for Xmas.  It was such a great time and Nick positively

embraced the country and its people.  There was nothing he didn’t

notice – now there was someone who knows how to get the best out of a

trip – especially the big one, life.  My over-riding memory of Nick is

of him and Terry creating dinner in our kitchen in Bangkok.  They had

decided they wanted to cook and when I assured them that it wasn’t

necessary, they looked aghast and declared that it was their favourite

together activity.  They created a fantastic Thai curry and I have

clear memories of the singing coming from the kitchen as they worked

through their repertoire in harmony!  They had such fun and we had

such a great dinner!  I also have to credit him with rescuing my Xmas

dinner with flair and a bit of red wine but that’s another story!

We all miss Nick and I think Flora put it best when she said: “Why do

all the good people die?”.  I send Terry and Thomas all our love and

support as they prepare for the anniversary.  It won’t be easy, but

what a life to celebrate!!

Penny, Bob, Jack, Joe and Flora German