A tribute to my Dear Friend Larry On Saturday, 12th October we spoke and I tried calling again at Brenda’s request, but that day you were taken to hospital and very quickly went through various crises at Whipps Cross and St. Bart’s hospitals. Fr Martin in his homily informed us that you clasped his hands and it was at that moment you felt reconciled and ready to meet Our Lord. You had joked that if you had dementia to put a pillow over your head! So as you hoped, and possibly prayed for a quick exit, after a short period of suffering you were taken from us. As you said to Our Lady the words: “pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen” for the grace of a peaceful passing, I believe you were granted this and you are now with the multitude of the Holy Souls. During the Mass at Communion something very unusual occurred, the sun shone brightly for a few minutes and then faded. I am sure you were looking down, saw that the service was very special with all your family, friends and others who only knew you as “Larry”. The multitude present were a sincere credit to you. Your wishes were all fulfilled with the beautiful Mass, attendance, the burial with your loved ones present and all those that came to the wake to celebrate your life. They were not kept WAITING but had plenty to eat and drink just as you planned! Even in death, the donations and messages being received are a legacy you have left us to aspire to. Please continue to comfort and guide your family, and us from above. Help us, as you always did, when we organise the School reunion we had planned for next year. Goodbye for the time being, my dear friend. You will be sadly missed but not forgotten. Greg Carvalho.