I first met Joe Passey in the 70s when we worked for the same company. As I left one operation, Joe replaced me as manager and we follwed each other around west London for the next few years. Along with Roger James, we became close friends and that friendship lasted until this day.

In the late 70s, Joe and I became housemates in Alperton and I eventually bought the house from a very dodgy landlord. We had great times, visiting the launderette, drinking in the Fox & Goose and best of all, singing along with Colin Hindmarsh, an insane Aussie piano player, at The Rising Sun pub a Sudbury Hill. The pub was always rammed and Colin would soak you with his high-powered water pistol if he didn't think you we singing loud enough. Needless to say, we were always loud!

Sunday lunch was always memorable, I think? Fox & Goose whilst the roast was cooking, lunch with wine followed by sleep, well, for me anyway, lightweight. We also played a lot of Squash at the Harrow leisure centre but never on a Sunday.

During this time, we regularly attended the Middlesex 7s at Twickenham with Pam and Roger James. A great day out, always helped by the wine we managed to smuggle in (se Sarah's story) and the banquet we brought with us. Great memories, great friendships.

When Joe came back from Saudi, he bought the Wincheap guest house in Canterbury and we sometimes stayed, great breakfast, often a team effort with Rog and myself helping.

It is fantastic that Joe and Jan got back together after so many years and their wedding was a picture of happiness. It was a lovely day, the weather was beautiful.

Joe was an ace bloke, a real friend and my biggest regret is that I did not see enough of him in the latter years. Iam so glad that Judy and I managed to spend a few minutes with him before he passed. Sleep well old friend we will miss you but never forget you.

Reedy (& Judy)