My name is Jamie Hodge and I have been a friend and colleague of Patrick since 1986. He was my branch manager at wades of Brighton and I was his sales rep. I recall those days vividly with respect and admiration for a man who always saw the funny side of things but successfully ‘ran a tight ship’. The branch always made a profit under his managership despite the often constraints put upon us from head office. He had a tiring journey commuting from his home on a daily basis but very often would still be found at the branch late into the evening. I would sometimes come into the branch after it had closed and he always had time for a chat ….be it about business or asking me about my latest girlfriend or some other personal matter! Patrick was a very private man completely selfless and a great ambassador for the company. Very often my customers would always ask after him generally with a big smile – such was the personality of the man. I remember we had a company presentation at Portsmouth or it may have been Southampton which Patrick, Ken Charman (area director) and I attended. After the chap gave his spiel the four of us traveled to another venue for lunch in Ken’s car. Patrick and I were sitting in the back and Ken and this other chap with what sounded like a cockney accent were in the front. For whatever reason Patrick and I looked at each other and burst out into giggles like a couple of schoolgirls much to the chagrin of the two in front!! This was very much the pattern of things when Patrick and I attended ‘serious’ Wade events but hopefully was not noticed by those that mattered. I will carry those good times with me always and remember his infectious laugh that for me is his trademark. You are a true gentleman Patrick! Your old friend Jamie