As I sit here at my desk in a business that Gary created and developed with so much hard work and devotion, I too can’t quite believe that he is no longer with us. I have many happy memories, both inside and outside of work; two trips to the Air Tattoo at Fairford will be among the memories that live longest and clearest; Gary was in his element, proudly displaying the much-loved Ferret and keenly frying bacon on an army issue stove. In typical style all visitors, from elderly former Ferret drivers to over-inquisitive children asking “does it fly?” were treated with equal kindness, friendliness and respect.
Those of us who had the pleasure of working with Gary know that he gained a reputation as an unwitting destroyer of chairs. Without any malice, effort or over-density, when Gary sat on chairs, sooner or later they broke, amid much laughter from the rest of us. It seemed to happen so regularly, and so much to Gary’s obvious delight, that it almost became a party piece. And so, as we all come to terms with our very sad loss this week, chairs everywhere can feel safer. Ephesians 2:6 says, 'And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus’ - it is highly likely that the seat Gary sits on in heaven will have to be replaced on a regular basis...
Echoing some of the comments of others at IFA Systems, who could ask for more than to work with a kind, understanding, entertaining, supportive, clever, mirth-inducing colleague and friend? Gary will indeed be sorely missed.
Matthew Gilder
6th August 2010