I think it must have been 1995 when I first met Paul.
I was told he can be strict and was very nervous.
It was in Milton Keynes where I had met Peter, Natalie, Justin and Kimberley a number of times and over the coming months and years I got used to Uncle Paul turning up, getting comfy and having a nap in front of the telly in Peter and Natalie’s lounge.
 
My first impressions were he always carried himself with air of respect and respect him I did.  It was great to see the pride he had in his restaurant in Harpenden and ensuring food was always to his guest’s liking (and making sure I was always ok).  It was in the restaurant that I began to see and appreciate his sense of humour.
 
I felt I got to know him really well when all the family was gathered for a wedding and had a holiday in Cornwall.  I joined them later for a few days and he and Uncle David taught me card games and had a number of great chats.
 
The happiest I can remember him being was when he came to our house and Christine and Alan brought their firstborns to us at Bracknell.  The smiles and happiness on Paul’s face was truly great to see.
 
We saw him a number of times in recent years in Sandy (although not as much as we would have liked as is always the way).  We continued to have great chats, always felt welcome and enjoyed a number of jokes and enjoyed hearing about what activities he’d been doing.  He'd tell us stories about what he used to do when looking after Chloe or what she was up to now as she grew up.  Simon was always a constant presence in his later life and the bond between them was obvious and lovely to see.
 
He is someone I admired, respected, enjoyed being around, loved and will miss dearly.