Growing up as a friend of Christopher from schooldays, I met Stan many times and never knew him to ever get grumpy or angry at anything whatsoever.

One Saturday evening Chris and I were going to Norwich to paint the town red and I was staying over at their home. Just about to leave there and Stan offers to give Chris and I a lift into the city.

Stan and I are already in the car and Chris is locking the kitchen door, but puts the key through the letterbox as he doesn't want to take it incase he loses it. He gets in the car and Stan says "Will you be home late?" and we say "Yes, probably". Stan says "Well we wont be up late so better take a key".

So, Chris then gets out the car and goes back and knocks on the door so Betty can let him in to get his key back.

Stan looks at me and with a confused face says "Is he trying to get into the house? Why doesn't he just use his key?"

I reply "he would but that's what he went back for!". 

It was quiet in the car for the whole journey after that.

It was also the night Chris met Michelle.

Stan, only good thoughts and wishes remain of a warmhearted, kind man. A true gentleman.

Barrie Palmer