When I think of Gareth, mostly with a smile, a few words come marching into my head .... Giggle, Generosity, Wisdom and red wine. I can hear his giggle as I write .. I can remember walking in to so many get togethers over the years and following the giggle. Gar would always make us welcome and make sure we knew who was who and what was what . I particularly remember at Trinity Road gatherings him hugging Nanny and saying “now Florence”... and giggling while she swatted him away but loving every moment. Like so many have said he was the party. Gareth’s generosity was famous .. not only in things but in his time, words and efforts. I could go on for ages but will reflect on both Shirl and Gar’s love and support to Dave in his troubled times plus their support to Emily when she started work and her new life back in the UK for which I will be eternally grateful. His mantra was don’t talk about it do it. We all know about his wisdom. Knowledge is one thing of which Gar had spoonfuls, but wisdom is another and again he had and shared plenty. Many years ago when Dave and I were blundering, fairly naively, into responsibility especially buying our first home Gar gave us some great advice. He chatted to us informally and gently with the greatest of respect just leaving us some amazing gems of wisdom to pick up and use if we wanted. When we owned our first home Gar and Shirl took the time to come and visit, survey the estate, and were genuinely delighted for us even though we still had a chicken run going through the house at that time they could see what we saw and shared our pleasure. Also the fact that I can still remember some of our conversations after 30 years shows they must have meant a great deal. And last but never least red wine. One of my greatest pleasures in life is a good red wine and one of my favourite drinking partners was Gar .. on the odd occasion in the younger years I got my hands on a good bottle of red, it would be squirrelled away for when we saw Shirl and Gareth, to be enjoyed with a good conversation, some more lively than others that leave us with such happy memories .... I have no words for my sadness that Gareth has left us too early .. and send love and best wishes to Shirley, Rhian, Gemma and Robbie Mandy xxxx