Both Helen and I were so saddened to find out that Paul had been taken ill again, and this time there was no going back. When I joined The Band of the Royal Welch Fusiliers (23rd) in Berlin, Paul was my first Bandmaster who instantly stood out as a great man who made sure he gave me all his time, patience, and compassion when others just bullied the new boy. He understood the lad from Bridgend who had only been out of Wales once in his life and gave up the cornet two years before he joined out of necessity. Paul took me under his wing, guiding and teaching me everything he knew, demonstrating instantly, what a great leader and man he was. A father figure, mentor and all-round true gentlemen who was always there for me until the end, Paul will sorely be missed when I need that sound help and advice, which he gave only a week before he passed. No other boss has ever come close to this day, and for me, I doubt anyone ever will. I was so proud then to call him my Bandmaster but even more so to this day, my true friend and mentor. So many have learnt so much from Paul’s sage advice, leadership, and compassion, and I only wish that one day, I will be half the man he was. A true leader, who I will miss dearly.

Both Helen and I wish Karen, Tim, and Nicole our deepest condolences. XXX