. your wonderful sense of humour. I'm sorry I left that out.
Gentle and sensitive yes but with that twinkle in his bright eyes and a wonderful dry sense of humour that many have commented on in the numerous cards and messages and how much they appreciated the good times of laughter and lively discussions with him. 

We also both enjoyed  lively,  exhilarating and sometimes more challenging adventures together, from passing through the Khyber Pass sitting on the top of an old taxi to the bliss of snorkelling in the 2 wonderful bays of Paleokastritsa in Corfu when they were still pristine, pure and almost deserted in 1972.  A stunning site, now identified with Odysseus being washed ashore in Homer's Scheria. Or rather more challenging experiences such as arriving in Dogubeyazit at midnight, after travelling across Lake Van in Eastern Turkey on the night ferry.  In all those afternoons in hospital, I talked to him of these things  and many, many others till his very last day when I had to leave, played his grand children's loving videos they had made for him, including playing the violin and piano that he loved to hear from them, played all his favourite music. 


I always knew and admired Gerry's intelligence, creativity, abilities and calm personality, but was rather surprised that he never expressed any anger, self-pity or railed against why he should be so afflicted with that terrible disease that, slowly at first, and then much more rapidly, stole his very considerable strength, almost super fitness and his many capabilities. Never once  a word of complaint!  Never ' why me?' He could teach us all so much! We just read and researched, always looking for improved ways of coping. 
 
Therefore, with these facts and Gerry's situation in mind, I would like to say a very heartfelt  Thank You to the very many of you who have donated so generously to Parkinson's  in order to help others similarly afflicted.  Thank you on behalf of all who will benefit.  Your generosity  has raised a very considerable amount.  We will post  a separate Thank you message in a few days with the amount raised for research and support.

I would also like to say: Gerry, thank you for your part in creating the wonderful life that the three of us shared together and for the wonderful, full and happy life that you and I shared for 48 years.

So I'll miss him enormously every day and always love him but he taught me so much and it stays with me. So I would quote parts of a poem :


Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

... . you can do what he would want:

          smile,  open your eyes,  love and go on. 

Ealey