It was a spring day in 1962 that an exceedingly large person entered Car No. 12 at Boston Lodge Halt on the Ffestiniog Railway. We introduced ourselves as we chuffed up the line, and proceeded to chat animatedly for the rest of the journey. In all subjects we discussed we found ourselves matched in interests. He was animated, and even laughed at my jokes (so he was polite too!)  Travelling together on trains in Britain or abroad became something that we 'did' regularly. This process went on two or three times each year for 60 years. Alas it is discontinued - such a pleasurable tradition, and one that I will never forget.  He explained much - he also asked much. I needed engineering explaining (he knew), he wanted marketing explained, or at the very least commented upon. In all those years, we never lost touch. I was host to many secrets - but unless they were kept secret, what was the point of being told them?  I 'know' Adrian, we exchanged confessions about or problems; he would grant absolution, as of course he very much needed it in return! He never welcomed the news that he was not 'invisible', as 'Adrian Watchers' could penetrate him - he listened carefully, said 'Mmmm' and we moved on.

As a friend he was constant, but if you stayed the course then you had to be prepared to accept some pretty robust and candid comments.  If you offered them back, especially over items involving emotion or empathy, he could be genuinely surprised, and become rather thoughtful, as if you had just zipped up together items that were hitherto impenetrable. Adrian could make and take very hard decisions, as a one-way ticket to Switzerland demonstrates. He was masterful in managing his decline. There wasn't a word in anger against the ruling of fate - he just included his findings in 'the plan'.

Sixty years is a long time. I'm so sorry he's not there any more. He was a privilege to know; I personally grieve for him - but he wouldn't approve. I bet the Great Railway in the Sky will run far better now.