In 1980 or thereabouts I was 18 and Robert was my boss at C & S Controls in Mitcham. I was hard working, diligent and earnest (!) and Robert was mean and nasty and cruel, as bosses are. When I first met Di she told Robert off immediately, gave me a huge hug and said I looked like Cliff Richard. From that day on I’ve milked every ounce of love and kindness that Di gave in abundance, and always looked forward to seeing her. Our meetings were sporadic as life took us in various directions but I always rejoiced in our reunions, having another big hug and watching smugly as she told Robert off for being so horrid/stupid/etc. What fun she was! I shall sorely miss her smile, her unending sense of fun, her good advice and her love. Her cooking was pretty damned good too!

Despite his misdemeanours Robert is, of course, one of my dearest and most cherished friends of nearly 40 years and I am so saddened by his loss, our loss, the world’s loss. I will miss her very much and when things are bad will try to remember her way of seeing fun and happiness in the smallest of things. God bless you Di, and please keep telling Robert off from your heavenly resting place – he needs a close eye on him as you know xxxxx Steve xxxxx

 PS will try to attach a photo of me looking like Sir Cliff in 1980 for you Di xx