David Humphrey was a friend of mine for over 40 years, and I am proud to say my true and good friend.
David was a Hotelier, Chef, Registered Guide on the French and Italian Riviera's. He also held his sea captain's licence and owned a very frighteningly fast speed boat. He spoke excellent Italian and could change from one language to the other in the blink of an eye.
Where David's immediate family were concerned ( Danny, Nicoletta, and Silvana), he would have fought like a lion to defend them. His wider family were also of great importance to him, especially his Mother Winnie, and two sisters Liz and Marilyn, he always spoke of the with great affection, not to mention his various aunts whom he held in great esteem.
There are many stories associated with David, but there are is one that for me that really stand out in my memory.
One day I went to see David and Alf (his father) at the bar they had in San Bartolomeo al Mare. As I walked up David was beaming, he said good news I have got you a job.
I said David I already had a job - he said this is night job as a singer in an open-air night club in the hills - David knew that I occasionally sang some old Italian songs for clients, just as a bit of fun, even though I have a voice like a parrot being strangled.
David said it's easy money 60K lire a night and all the food and wine you can manage. I said, David just one problem, you know how bad my voice is, he said, don't worry about that, the chap who plays the accordion can't play it well, either.
David said, "look, the audience ii German and Austrian, we will wait until they have had too much to drink later in the evening, turn up the amplifiers and you sing a few songs in Italian, they will never know the difference" Well, much to my surprise it all went off well - however, David and Alf had taken seats next to the car park exit - life was never dull when David was around
To use an Italian term for long goodbyes "Addio mi vecchio amico" goodbye old friend
Peter Carrington
26/09/2021
