Dearest Paul, you were a wonderful brother-in-law and uncle. I will always remember your wicked sense of humour, laughter and joking around the Christmas table and your kindness and welcoming nature.

We love you and we miss you dearly, Katriona, Toby and Ruby

Katriona Taylor

You were an inspiration dealing with all life threw at you with unfailing charm and good humour
I hope you knew just how loved you were and hope you and Esther are sharing a bench as we will sit at yours

Sally Stones

We met Paul in 1976 on the architecture course at Kingston Poly.
We hung out together in the design studio, camping on field trips, making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday and narrow boating on the canals. We had a lot of fun.
Paul was always kind, funny and a good friend, and we are very sad that he is no longer with us.
Niki & Liz

Niki & Liz Borowiecki

Paul was the kindest sweetest man in the world, I knew him through marriage to Esters Brother, Roger, he remained a close loving part of my family, a friendship that did not waiver even when our family split he kept being a brother in law to me and he was an act that cannot be followed …

Judy Nott

I met Paul just over 17 years ago and we hit it off from the start – he was funny, kind and generous and we became great friends.
When we started our business together, Citygreen, we not only worked hard, but we had a great adventure and loved nothing more than a planning session over lunch! All those who worked with us and joined us for the journey have all gone on to brilliant careers, what an amazing legacy to leave.
When Paul and I had to close Citygreen, I am proud to say that we remained best of friends and supported each other through a difficult time . Paul was a man of great integrity, honesty and a true gentleman. And that is how he will live on in my heart, and in my thoughts.
My love is with Katie, Matt and all of Paul’s family at such a terrible time. I am only sorry that I cannot be there to give my love in person and whilst I am abroad, my heart shall be with you all.
Jenny

Jenny Lancaster

I knew Paul from Swansea, and since I can’t make it to the funeral, paid my respects in what felt like an appropriate way by the sea today. I always think of him – and Esther – as ‘long lost’ relatives of some kind – such a lovely flowing easy connection, so much kindness. I loved Paul’s spirit of positivity right until the end.

I was thinking about this poem as I sent a paper boat out to sea by the lighthouse this morning, feeling sure that Esther’s voice is among the ones shouting welcome…

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, “There, she is gone”

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me — not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, “There, she is gone,”
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”

Holli Yeoman

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