“Like a Like a” Man
I first met Clive in 2013 when we become a shared service and worked closely with him in our little Projects office, the dungeon at Sutton and our room at Kingston. Following yet another restructure in 2019, I became his line manager.
At first glance, Clive could appear awkward, stubborn and unapproachable, but he was not. He spoke his mind, and it didn’t matter who you were. He wouldn’t hold back with telling them exactly what was on his mind. This was often very amusing for onlookers. His work ethic though was faultless, he went about things like a dog with a bone and wouldn’t let go until it was done. He was an honest and trustworthy guy that was always very helpful to his colleagues and staff within both authorities.
During the lockdown times, 18 months, wow that long, I only met Clive face to face once. But we had our daily meetings via Google hangouts. He was a proud and private man. He spoke little snippets about his children and grandchildren and wanted to see them but was concerened of Covid. You could see his health was deteriorating but he wanted to focus on work and said minimal about his condition.
So why “Like a Like a” man. Well, in our Project Team it was a phrase he often used to say, in repeating those words and it became our nickname for him (but not to his face, we were too scared). Anyway, Clive, I like a like a the man. He was a good man and I will miss him.
Rest in peace Clive
John Wilson