I have known Richard and Brenda for nearly 25 years – a quarter of a century! Where have the years gone? Lib has asked me to put a few words down – a few! Impossible but here goes. 

To sum up Brenda - patient, tolerant, (very useful attributes when unblocking Richard’s hearing aids tubes), devourer of books (not forgetting her celebrated excellent BA(Hons) degree) and a fierce lover of her family. And welcoming of friends. 

When my wife (Wendy) was alive, the four of us, and occasionally with other couples, had many a pleasant hour in pubs – eating, drinking and laughing - especially the latter. Brenda, quietly observing, then chucking in the pithy remark or two. 

Then in November 2008 Richard had his stroke which, followed by the process of recovery and eventual settling down, meant that Brenda, as one would expect, got on with it. She enabled Richard to still have a “life” – and the best in the circumstances. 

After Wendy died (2009) the three of us would go away, in Britain, on holidays. So many memories but one really springs to mind. Blakeney promenade on the Norfolk Coast. Richard had his mobility scooter so, metaphorically, he put his foot down, left me and Brenda for dust, and looked over his shoulder with a wide grin on his face. Brenda shrugged and gave me a knowing look as we tried, in vain, to catch him up. Now what did she say to me??  

But the holidays gave time for Brenda and me to be together while Richard had his afternoon kip. We did the Guardian Crossword. A gentle time for a natter, a sharing – how we both felt about our own situations. Precious times. 

In 2013, I left Suffolk and although we three had the holidays and phone calls, I did miss their regular caring and friendly and laughing company. 

I do wish I had known Brenda (and Richard) for far longer than 25 years. I do miss them. 

Pete