Big Dan… it must have been a couple of years since I last saw you. And now I won’t see you again… part of me feels deep sadness. Sadness to not have a chance to see you again, sadness to not laugh with you again, not have good chat, be impressed by your immense capacity to listen, your curiosity, your genuine interest in people, your passion when you spoke about your boys, or the way you always asked questions that made everyone feel like they were the most important to you. I am torn between sadness, and the sense of privilege I have to have known you, to have laughed with you, to have learned from you, to have heard you talk about your family with such tender and care. Whether over a pint, a good steak, or simply at work or over our group chats, you were always able to put a smile on our face.

You are leaving an immense hole in many people’s lives. My thoughts go to Jackie, your sons, and all those friends and colleagues who have appreciated you.

We will miss you. But we will forever remember you.