I regret I couldn't attend the funeral because I would have liked to speak of the virtues of my friend Graeme.
I first met Graeme as a contractor who provides services as a gas engineer – he wanted me to carry out various landlord gas certificates for the properties that he was responsible for. Year after year I did this and gradually I got to know Graeme. Not the first time this has happened, but sometimes clients become friends. Despite originating from distinctly different social backgrounds; we got along very well – we had the same sense of humour, same interests and even he same challenges in life. We would talk for an hour over the phone and still not run out of things to talk about. Those conversations were filled with humour, each of us make the other one laugh. Despite the differences in our origins, I've never felt more connected to a person.
Ultimately, he became a tortured sole. But it is not the suffering itself that defines us, but rather our response to it. I will remember Graeme for the brave soul who navigated adversity with resilience and, despite this, he had the courage to show empathy and love to those who knew him. I will fondly remember Graeme for his humility, kindness and empathy.
I'll always miss you Graeme.
Darryl Oscroft
15/09/2023
