Paul,
I don’t know where to start or what to say to someone who’s played such an influential and positive part in my life. But I have to say something, and start somewhere.
You never told me who I needed to be, you were just there - and never gave up in your support for me.
You never asked me for anything, ever. You always offered your time and the value you placed on family is second to none. The relationship you have as a family has made plenty of others jealous over the years and its a legacy that few can leave behind.
I promise you I’ll keep Alison and the boys safe. You raised Alison to be head strong, like her father - she’s a fighter and the qualities I find so admiring are the ones I find in you. Caring, Driven, Loving.
I thought I had all the time in the world to say thank you for everything you’ve done and I now feel ripped apart knowing I should have said this sooner or the way I would have liked - over time, over a beer and round of golf.
I promise to you that I’ll always put family first and I write this also as a reminder to myself if ever I get distracted in life. There is no single person who’s had such a positive impact on my life (other than Alison of course), than you. I’ve never told you that and I need you to know that.
I always think about the moments we shared. I remember your Global Conference speeches and putting every single presenter to shame - every year without fail. I was always proud watching you and never shied away from letting people know we were related, if they didn’t know already. We’ve lived and worked together for so long, and all of it I was lucky to be a part of. I didn’t just find Alison, I found a family and you, someone I could aspire to be and learn from. I watched you (a lot) and tried really hard to adopt the way you work and go about life.
I’ve always tried to make you proud and love you to pieces. The moments we’ve shared can’t be taken away. I wanted there to be more, even if it’s just listening to HiFi, with a Whisky (not even talking). Nobody can take our rendition of Firestarter away.
I miss you. X
It all comes back to family Steve, and of course Paul was very proud of his family. I never told you this but I remember the day that Paul came and sat by my desk and asked me about you coming to work at Sennheiser. He said his daughter's boyfriend was interested in marketing, "he's a really nice lad", Paul said, "very keen to learn. I thought you might be needing extra help with all of these projects you're bringing in house." And as was so often the case he was right. Paul saw great potential in you and you never ever let him down. I know how much you will miss him, but he'll always be there with you, that little voice inside asking 'what would Paul think?". x