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Family and friends, this space is dedicated to our incredible Stephen, as a memorial, to share photos, videos and anecdotes of his life with you and us. Please add your own memories and comments, and please correct any dates we might have got wrong - age is a terrible thing!
Family and friends
Joel Myers Aged 1 and looking after my blond look!
Joel Myers Dad, the little whipper snapper at 1
Joel Myers 2 year's old and playing in the garden!
Joel Myers 2 year's old
I have known Stephen since 1946! He was my first cousin - my father's sister's son. I met him shortly after I was born! When I was growing up, my brother Michael and I were part of a large family and I loved our regular weekend get togethers. So it was that I saw Stephen a lot and though he was older than me, I used to love sharing in with his h...
Joel Myers Dad and younger brother Ralph - both looking rather dapper!
Joel Myers school photo at 12 year's old
Joel Myers Dad's barmitzvah party!
Joel Myers Dad, the Barmitzvah Boy!
Joel Myers Dyb, dyb, dyb. Do your best!
Joel Myers Survival scouting at 16 year's old
Joel Myers School snap at 17
Joel Myers Stephen was my oldest friend. His Dad, Leon was my dad, Bernie’s best man in September 1939 and the Myers and Ereira families enjoyed family holidays together, celebrations either in Geary Road – the Myers house or Edgware Road – the Ereira House throughout the 50’s and early 60’s. This included the trip to Playa D’Aro where Stephen can be seen dancing with that attractive Spanish Dancer! Hilda and Leon, Stephen and Ralph were a part of our family. I really got to love and truly value Stephen’s friendship in later years. Time spent together was always such a treat – he was interested and interesting. Conversations flowed so easily and he was a font of so much knowledge. He loved life and gave so much of himself to others. Everyone who met him enjoyed his company and Gordon and I will miss him so much. Judy Smith
Joel Myers Breakfast at Tiffany's
Joel Myers Just going out
Joel Myers What's the news? Inside the house at Dollis Hill
Hilary Rifkind OUR MEMORIES OF STEPHEN I first met Stephen when I started my studies at Newcastle University in September 1962, Stephen having started his Civil Engineering course the previous year, and we enjoyed happy times working together on the University J-Soc Committee. When Marion used to come up to visit Stephen, he always brought her to my family, the Gatoffs, for Friday night dinner, and from those days a warm and close friendship developed. I stayed with them in their first home during the summer of 1965, exploring the city during the day whilst they were working and enjoying being with them both in their leisure time, meeting many members of both their families. After I married Arnold and moved to Scotland in 1968, we were delighted that Stephen and Marion lived not too far away in Whitley Bay and were able to come to stay with us in Edinburgh. I have particular memories of August 1971 when they visited during the Edinburgh Festival, with Nicola and toddler Joel. We didn’t yet have children, but I was pregnant and remember being so impressed with the patience and warm, loving care that Stephen showed to his small children. We enjoyed a wonderful visit to their next home in Milan in May 1973; our elder son Richard was encouraged to take his first steps in their home as he didn’t like crawling on their marble floors!!! Despite long distances, and usually some years between further meetings, I was so grateful that the bonds of our friendship were strong and that whenever we were reunited with Stephen and Marion on our infrequent trips to London, the years between visits just melted away. Arnold and I were very thrilled that they joined us in Edinburgh on 26th August 2018 for our 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration, at which Stephen met up with old friends from Newcastle University days. Fortunately, we visited London in December that year and spent precious time with Stephen and Marion, their friendship having been such a cherished part of my life. Photo: Hilary and Arnold Rifkind's 50th anniversary lunch with dada and some university friends!
I've known Stephen all my life: a 'first cousin once removed' in the confusing Cohen side of the family. Marion and Stephen were among the youngest adults I knew as a child and seemed quite a different generation from my parents – they danced in modern ways and even kissed each other in public. In my memory every Christmas, Pesach and summer holi...
Joel Myers Outside the house in Dollis Hill
Joel Myers Dad's parent's 25th anniversary (Leon and Martle)
Joel Myers The Wedding!!
Joel Myers The young married couple
Joel Myers First car. An Austin A40 Farina - what style!
Joel Myers Maris and Ralph's engagement! Soon to become Mr and Mrs Myers!
Joel Myers Hair by Vidal Sasoon
Joel Myers Nicola just born - auntie Milly, Toby and Nana Martle, dad's mum
Joel Myers Nicola crawling
Joel Myers Whose car is best? Nicola at 11 months with Dad proudly in his MG in North Harrow. No more Austin A40 Farina!
Joel Myers Walk along the beach with auntie Mickey
Joel Myers On the beach with Nicola - getting some peace and quiet before Joel is born!
Joel Myers And along came Joel (at 6 month's old)!
Joel Myers Nicola and Joel has arrived on the scene, aged 1 - dad is still smiling!
Joel Myers 1 year old Joel and Nicola at Vincent Gardens - Nana and Papa's house in London
Joel Myers In the mountains of Northern Italy with Nicola and Joel
Joel Myers On holiday in northern Italy, Rima, with auntie Lynda
Joel Myers Photo 1: Dad in the mountains of Northern Italy Photo 2: On holiday in Northern Italy with friends from Milan - Gay and Lino Moncada, and Marta
We have lots of wonderful memories, as our two families were very close. One of my favourites is from our Milan holiday (we think 1975/6), when we stayed with Marion and Stephen and went up Mont Blanc. The sun and the mountain air was glorious and we all had an amazing time. On coming down the mountain, Stephen insisted I drove in his sports car, s...
Joel Myers True friends make you bricks to remind you what you are supposed to do when playing Bridge Love Bruno & Lilianne Kilshaw
Joel Myers Dad playing chess with Matt Walsh - son of Jackie and Jim
Joel Myers Work holiday with partners and wives of Watson Hawksley
Joel Myers Trying out the beard!
Joel Myers No, its not Pony Express! Holidaying in Greece on one of the islands, perhaps Santorini.
Joel Myers Nicola and Joel on Nana and Papa's terrace
Joel Myers Made partner at Watson Hawksley
Joel Myers Champ, our "terror" (not just fox terrier)!
Joel Myers From: Hana and Ezi Feingold We will never forget the wonderful time we had together, and will continue to keep them in our hearts, as long as we live. Love, Hana and Ezi
Joel Myers Joel at 11 year's old at the Hong Kong Cross-country Championships with trainer, mum!
Theodora Bloom Stephen was head of the Hong Kong office so had a lot of pictures taken with members of staff at the office Christmas party.
Joel Myers Working or walking hot coals?
Joel Myers Working in China
Joel Myers Seeing is believing? Dad running - it's simply astounding!
Joel Myers With Jeremy and Brenda Beecham and Susan Olsburgh
Joel Myers Market with Becca and Ed Rolfes and Jackie Walsh, where Stephen looks sceptical about the use of that gadget (a waffle maker) in Brussels! Photo 2: does he think he's in Aussie-land!
Joel Myers Joel the Barmitzvah boy!
Joel Myers Our Nicola at 18
Joel Myers Trekking in the Himalayas!
Joel Myers Nicola rowing for Hong Kong Island School
Joel Myers Just back from trekking in Nepal - you can tell from the beard!
Joel Myers Off to the Hong Kong Judge's Ball (note a little red spray in the hair!)
Joel Myers Photo 1: Uncle Dave and Nicola taking their places for dinner at the Jumbo Floating Restaurant at Aberdeen Photo 2: with Auntie Hilda
Joel Myers Holidaying in Japan
Joel Myers Work group
Joel Myers Leaving party with cocktails flowing!
Joel Myers Our Hong Kong Lubavitch Rabbi Mordechai and Goldie's wedding in New York
Joel Myers Work dinner, probably with lots and lots of vodka!
Joel Myers From: Jackie and Jim Walsh Stephen was a multi-faceted man: he was essentially a leader not a follower. He had a distinguished career as an engineer and his work led him to write the authoritative book on the lost rivers of London. He was a talented photographer, a fluent Italian speaker and a picker-up of many languages from his wide travels both through his work and with Marion. However, it wasn't all seriousness. Stephen was also the quintessential party animal. He loved to entertain, to cook, to dance, to tell jokes, to dress up in outrageous outfits. And Marion was his perfect partner in crime. Stephen sadly died before his time but he packed his life full to the brim and left memories that made you feel lucky to have known him. Photos: Mallorca with the Walsh and Rolfes families: 1 - Stephen helming Jackie and Jim Walsh's boat 2 and 3: lunchtime!
Joel Myers Friends reunion from Athens (Greece), Becca Rolfes and Jackie Walsh at our home London
Joel Myers At Hanna and Ezi Feingold's home
Theodora Bloom Stephen in very fine shorts instructing a distressingly young Joel in how to use the video camera. Guessing at the date.
Joel Myers Dinner function
Joel Myers Off to a wedding wth Jane Bisset
Joel Myers Yes, he was really relaxing!
Joel Myers Myers and Blooms family reunion at home during the Xmas holidays
Joel Myers Looking rather rough at dinnertime!
Joel Myers Happy 25th Anniversary! Speeches please (what is that shirt!) ...
Joel Myers with Auntie Gill and Uncle Lenny
Joel Myers Graduation day for Joel at the University of Manchester - UMIST
Joel Myers Dad's 50th birthday party
Joel Myers New Year's eve, and a little too "young" to be scouts!
Joel Myers Pinner synagogue
Joel Myers Tucking into a Californian pizza with the Lipmans!
Joel Myers New Year's Eve with the rather rough-looking spaghetti man (Sue Levene and Martin Bancroft awaiting te feast)
Joel Myers And here's our President! The European Water Pollution Control Association (EWPCA)
Joel Myers Dinner with the suoceri (the "in-laws), Sergio and Birgitta
Joel Myers Elsye and Antony's Sultan (and Myers) wedding day! With Papa Leon, Talia, dad, the wedding couple (in case you did'nt notice), Maris, Ralph, mum, Uncle Sam, Amanda, Olivia and me!
Joel Myers On a Princess Cruise
Joel Myers Olivia and Joel, pre-wedding
Joel Myers Olivia and Joel's wedding day! Photo 1: the dreaded wait for Olivia and Sergio (her dad) to arrive (with Auntie Hilda in the background) Photo 2: Still waiting - cousin Jono and Zia Tony (Auntie Antonietta) in the background Photo 3: The deal is done - now it's time for the Brots to take charge of Rome! Photo 4: Time to celebrate, led by cousin Alex (Alessandro il Grande!) Photo 5: enjoying the night-time drinks: Clive Dix, Jane and Simon Bisset, cousin Matthew Bloom, and Judith Barnett. Maris with Raymond and Glenda in the background.
Joel Myers Olivia and mum at the beach
Joel Myers Family get together
Theodora Bloom Rachel's batmitzvah.
Theodora Bloom I think the expression in this photo shows that Marion and Stephen were practicing for being grandparents, in this photo with Alice and Bryan
Joel Myers Nana's 80th birthday
Joel Myers Off to a wedding
Joel Myers Dad and I doing our Kazatzska!
Les Spitz Stephen on Safari
Joel Myers India: leading the World Bank project to give India access to water 24/7
Joel Myers Just about to leave for Talia and David's wedding (Myers to Goldstone!)
Joel Myers Game of cricket? A PUCK (Pinner Alte Cukkers - Pinner Old Men) day out with Hymie Lipman, Roy Levene and Eli Bernstein!!
Joel Myers Hiking (and tasting the local wines) in Umbria, with the Lipmans!
Joel Myers Ich bin ein Berliner: with Vera and Eli Bernstein
Joel Myers Happy 40th Anniversary!! Photo 3: with David Kerr and Michele Dix Photo 4: Cheryl and Michael Goldhill, Brenda Rechtman and Martin Bancroft, and Ronnie Davidson Photo 5: Steve Cohen, Howard Midgen, Eli Bernstein and David Taylor
Joel Myers Domiziano has arrived and having a quick cuddle with his Pops!
Joel Myers Domi (beiboo), in his first year, with his nanny, Paro
Joel Myers Celebrating Mum at 60 by the beach
Joel Myers New Year's Eve party with Judith & Malvern Barnett, Sue and Roy Levene, Martin & Linda Bancroft, and Maud & Howard Midgen!
Joel Myers BBQ time in the garden (once again!)
Joel Myers Happy 1st birthday Domiziano!
Joel Myers At the beach house in Fregene, near Rome, with Domi and his Big Nana!
Joel Myers Luxury picnicking at then Henley Festival with Cynthia and Ivor Zneimer
Joel Myers From Anne & Douglas Kennedy Taken during Stephen and Marion’s holiday to Australia and New Zealand in December 2006 and January 2007. Stephen and Marion planting a tree during their stay at our farm, Yarrabee Park, about 600 kms southwest of Sydney. Friends visiting our farm were invited to plant a native tree during their stay as part of our greening Australia programme. The second photograph is the four of us having lunch at Cottage Point, Sydney. Stephen left us with a copy of the many photographs he took both in Sydney and at Yarrabee Park, these, however, are two of very he did not take!
Joel Myers Little Lavinia has arrived, and her brother, Domi, seems to be ecstatic!
Joel Myers Cornwalling with the Barnetts and Lipmans (at least we can see half of the Lipmans! The other half must have been taking this great photo!)
Joel Myers Domi and Dad in Sicily - after a hard night's ice cream eating!
Joel Myers Off to Barcelona with Hymie and Christine Lipman, in flying style!!! Private plane from Northolt airport, which is under military auspices (this is what Hymie says anyway).
Joel Myers Dad and Domi in Sicily
Jackie Cohen These photos were taken at our wedding where Stephen was our wonderful MC. He approached the task with his customary humour and attention to detail. He even undertook “perambulations” (his term) in order to measure the distance between the tables so he could carry out his duties efficiently! I met Raymond - his cousin in 2005 and Marion and Stephen were the first family members to whom I was introduced. They were lovely to me from day one. I have so many happy memories of the times we spent together.I loved Stephen’s wit, humour, repartee and admired his knowledge, wisdom and tenacity. I have to laugh when I think of our stay in New York. We were staying in the same hotel - different floors - different names - we never found out why and how my nightdress turned up in the Myer’s room! The story gave us hours of hilarity ever since ! I smile when in my minds eye I remember so many happy times spent with Marion and Stephen in Pinner. I see Stephen serving us the most wonderful gourmet meal complete with menus and explanations ; I see Seder nights for about 50 people where Stephen must have spent weeks making complicated models for the kids in order to explain the story; I see him behind the barbecue, resplendent in chefs outfit, completely unfazed by cooking for 30 plus people; I see him at meals out, meals in, at the theatre and at so many other happy occasions. I am one of the newer members of the Myers circle but feel I have known them forever. The word ‘special’ is overused these days but Stephen was a truly special person . I will always be grateful for the kindness he showed me and feel grateful for the privilege of being part of his family .
Joel Myers Walking along Rome with the grand kids - photo taken by the illustrious Hymie Lipman!
Joel Myers Cruising around Norway with the Rechtman, Lipman and Spitz couples (copyright, Hymie Lipman Esq. 2010-2021+)
Joel Myers On holiday near Bagheria with Domi (5 year's old) and Lavinia (3 year's old)
Joel Myers on the London Eye
Les Spitz Stephen with head covering on a camera club weekend in Exmoor.
Nicola Olivestone Stephen was our family “ go to” for MC duties, flooded gardens and eulogies. My grandma always joked that when the time came, she wanted Stephen to deliver her eulogy, in the perfect way that only he could! We were honoured to have Stephen as our MC when we got married in 2011. Stephen left no stone unturned and had the order of the day down to a perfect T, having spent hours on each and every detail. He even bought our post wedding photo shoot to an abrupt end, as we were running behind schedule. I’ll never forget the image of Stephen approaching us in the middle of Hyde park, gavel in hand. Stephen was a true legend, a proper mensch and we miss him very much x
Les Spitz This was another PUCK outing to a Victorian School. Stephen was always up for anything - even six of the best by the "teacher".
Les Spitz Stephen was the chief organiser of a group of oldies known as PUCK (Pinner Alte Cukkers - Pinner Old Men). This was an outing to Wembley Stadium.
Les Spitz A visit to Chelsea Flower show to attend a performance of opera (in the rain!) by Holland Park Opera.
LEWIS WASSERSTEIN Stephen's Camera Club walks were always relaxed and happy affairs - and his narration legendary
Joel Myers Amsterdam with the Lipmans. Of the two photos here, I am not sure what dad is trying to take a photo of, but I think that Hymie captured it better in the 2nd!
Margery Cohen How could I forget the wonderful memories of our holiday in Myanmar in November 2013. - the endless golden pagodas and Stephen showing his prowess on one of the many bells! But best of all the U Bein Teak bridge, silhouetted starkly black against the molten gold of the sky. We sat in silence, watching the sun become a ball of fire and then a huge orange disc, dropping swiftly below the horizon. All beautifully captured by Stephen, with his magical photography skills. Always remembered with love. Margery
Les Spitz At our wedding in Kew Gardens.
Joel Myers From Michele and Clive Dix Happy memories of Stephen at Le Faure, Gensac, France Aug 2014. It was such a wonderful time. Stephen captured everyone as ‘photographer extraordinaire’ for Clive’s 60th but I caught this one of you and him. It is very special. Lots of love Michele and Clive
Joel Myers Viva Italia in Pinner - Bruno Kilshaw at our house in Pinner
steve cohen Stephen was famous for his Pinner Camera Club weekends. He organized each one down to the last detail, and made sure that everyone had a memorable time. These 3 pictures illustrate his character. In the first, he's out on his own - the confident leader. in the second, he's always ready to lend a hand in the third, he's surrounded by his pals, doing what he loved, and what he did so well He was generous, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. We were privileged to have had him as our friend Barbara & Steve
Les Spitz On one of the many camera club weekends organised by Stephen. This one was in Staffordshire.
Joel Myers Attached is a photo from one of our PUCK outings (in the Brick Lane area, I think) As you can see, your father is in the forefront centre of the photo, which summed him up: always in the centre of whatever was happening, and in the forefront of expertly organising whatever was happening. He is, and will continue to be, sadly missed John Rome
Joel Myers Doctor Myers - PhD in Philosophy at the University of Reading
amanda reback We really still cannot believe Stephen, my uncle, is not with us. He was such a force and personality. We enjoyed listening to his stories of his travels and work. He once came to one of my children’s schools to teach them about the water systems he set-up, it was very moving to hear about the ways he had been able to bring water to those in desperate need. Our seders were legendary, the sing-songs, the elaborate games and the whacking each other with spring onions!! these are family traditions that we will always keep. We were so fortunate that we were able to share our family celebrations with you. Stephen, you will always be missed. Amanda, Myles, Cameron, Theo and Amelie
Fond memories of Stephen from our time in Milan and most recently our visit in Jerusalem. A gentle-man.
Elyse Sultan Stephen was my uncle so there are lots of special memories I could share but the most important ones are the ones that impact our lives forever. Without a doubt Stephen has defined Seder nights for my family. The liveliest Seder nights in Pinner, full of fun, singing and the most creative games ever. Seder nights without Stephen won’t be the same but the fun he bought to them will live on forever in my family.
Alan & Brenda Rechtman Dearest Stephen, one in a million. With Marion, we enjoyed many times together including two amazing holidays in South Africa. And Stephen allowed us to arrange these holidays! His friendship will always be treasured. Love Brenda & Alan
Hilary Rifkind We were so happy that Stephen and Marion came to our 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration, where they met up with old friends from the North East. In the second photo Deanna and Clive Vander Velde, who studied with us at Newcastle University, are next to Stephen.
It is with much fondness that we appreciate the short friendship we’ve had with Stephen and Marion. Our pleasure in participating in the camera club weekends away were a treat, so ably organised by Stephen with out us having to lift a finger other than to sign in for the activities he had arranged. One abiding memory is of a walk where everyone e...
I have only the fondest memories of Stephen. Getting to see Marion and Stephen has always been a highlight of our family trips to London. Whenever I was with Stephen and his family there was such a love and appreciation for life and adventure that was contagious. The last time I saw Stephen was December 2019, on a wonderful muddy walk. He led...
David Caiden Vivid memories of a wonderful guy since first we met in the eighties. Just a few very recent shots from Feb 2020 at Gabriella Soames' batmitzvah. We will never forget you Stephen, from Monique, David, Vanessa and Nathaniel.
Stephen, my memories of you go back around sixty years, and over all that time you have been a strong and consistent presence in our family. To describe you as Mum’s cousin is factually correct, but hardy does justice to the bond of friendship and support between our families that lasted throughout your life. Some early highlights that come to min...
Judith and Malvern Barnett In our many years of friendship there are countless stories and wonderful moments. My favourite story from Stephen is about building a Mikva in Hong Kong with the “help” of a visiting rabbi from Australia. However times I heard it it never failed to make me streak with laughter. Another treasured moment is sitting i...
From Jane Bisset I miss you Stephen. So many memories. Your constant efforts to teach me the rituals of Friday night Shabbat! AND I remember trying to talk you and Marion through a Church of England wedding ceremony many years ago....I failed miserably, which made us all laugh!! Much laughter and tears over the years. Rest in Peace dear friend. ...
Our abiding and loving memory of Stephen is of his incredible organisational skills and the amount of time he was prepared to spend with respect to Pinner Camera Club weekends. His attention to detail ensured that the programme was interesting and diverse and suited to all tastes. Our lasting memory will be of Stephen organising the next day's pr...
Sylvia and Ronnie Davidson MEMORIES OF STEPHEN There are 3 pictures of Stephen that we always have in our minds: 1. Stephen standing behind his BBQ with his apron on, cooking for his wonderful Sunday afternoon BBQ’s. 2. Sitting on one particular chair in our lounge – he always seemed to sit in the same chair! 3. Leading us on the tour of the hi...
From: Richard and Sara Beecham (on behalf of Jeremy and Brenda Beecham) Our parents, Jeremy and Brenda Beecham, were great friends of Stephen and Marion over many, many years. They visited them all over the world, wherever Stephen's job took them, and they were always present at the big celebrations as well as visiting Joel in Rome. Our parents al...
Cynthia Zneimer - Memories of a friendship... It was about 1966 when we became neighbours back in the days when you could not eat at the Grimsdyke without a tie and who knew about Prosecco? The goldfish did not last long after you moved away but wherever we or you were our contact and friendship never faltered. We shared so many interesting dive...
From Andy Zneimer: I always looked forward hugely to being in the company of Stephen. It wasn't all that often but it was always such a huge pleasure. There are many glowing words and adjectives that I can think of to describe Stephen but I think these are the best of them - warm, charismatic, humorous and charming. A better narrator of a good sto...
Jenny and Terry Nemko What a wonderful celebration of Stephen’s life. ‘A life well lived’. We joined in late but have hugely enjoyed Stephen’s company and the many fun times together. The tour of the hidden rivers, the PUCK outings, the book launch and most of all the famous annual barbecues. We will always remember Stephen with great affection...
From Maisie and Ian Holland: We really became friends with Stephen and Marion about 7 years ago when we shared the chickens and chicken soup that the shul had sent us when both my mum and Marion’s mother died within a few days of each other. We have very much enjoyed our friendship with Marion and Stephen and were honoured to be invited to the an...
My dearest brother-in-law Stephen who's life was full. He was the most wonderful husband to my sister, a wonderful father to his children and a wonderful grandfather to his grandchildren. He is always in my thoughts and will never be forgotten ❤ Lynda Marks
Eulogy from Ralph, his brother It’s been over a year since we lost Stephen. For most people, a year sounds like a long time, but for me, well, I feel like I have only just lost Stephen, my brother and my friend. Like most brothers, we shared a special bond. We lost our mother at a relatively young age and our childhood was not the easiest, but we...
Joel Myers Eulogy for Dad When people ask if I have any brothers or sisters, it is always with a strong touch of guilt when I sometimes decide not to tell them I had a sister. Talking about her is so deeply personal. It means possibly explaining how she came to die – I don’t want her ever to be just another statistic. With COVID – well, most conversations today still tend to begin or be about it. The numbers - again, I just don’t know when to bring what happened to “my dad” into the conversation and if I should. I am so proud to be my father’s son - but by telling people that he died of this pandemic it feels like reducing his life. His incredible being. No-one wants to be defined by a number – a terrible statistic. In the case of dad – it would have infuriated him. So, what is the measure of a man or woman? How do we know if we have done what we were put on this earth by G-d to achieve? We have no idea. There’s no guidebook to life. We are free to make our mistakes and make our own way. However, I am certain that whatever this measure is, decided by us, by G-d – whatever this purpose on Earth – my father was, simply put, a member of the “greatest of men”. A man who left his mark on the world. I can only aspire to be like him: loved and respected by so many family members, friends and colleagues here and internationally. His mark has travelled and spread worldwide – his humanity and good work are his legacy, bringing water, the source of life, to so many millions of people across India, Africa, South America and Asia. As a husband, loving partner and best of friends to my mum since she was just 15 years’ old – they lived 60 years together, in so many good times, but even terrible hardships that life threw at them. My father and mother are an example of incredible courage - the strongest of will-powers, to go on living life to the full, even when a part of you has died. Dad doted on his little girl, Nicola, and G-d only knows how they both kept it altogether after such a impossible loss. Overcoming even this, each of you here today are a testimony to the rich life they had together. For me - he was my guiding star. Both of us rather hard-headed - in discussions we often didn’t agree – actually, more than a few times I would simply decide to take an opposing side to him, just not to agree. But that was part of who we were together. We loved each other’s company – I needed him – to talk important things over, get guidance, or just to chat and shoot the breeze - and I still need him so very much. How many times we admitted to each other how much the physical distance hurt – it wasn’t very macho, but we simply missed each other, waiting for the next call. Dad, what a huge empty space you have left. He greatly valued being around people. He was a great listener, but at the same time loved telling his adventurous stories of his 40+ working years as he would put it, like Moses in the desert, the “wandering Jew”. Fleeing angry tribes armed with spears in Somalia – earthquakes in Asia, and civil wars in South America – his work kept him busy and on his feet. The moment he arrived in a town or city, he would grab his camera and go walkabout – absorbing characters and smiles on the streets – he needed to be part of the melting pot of cultures, spending hours chatting with locals. In photography he found his most creative side – expressing his thirst for travelling and being part of the world’s people. The 10s of thousands of photos are a wonderful, even if a little daunting, inheritance of his memories of those travels. I never really gave much importance to dad’s work. Actually, it was sometimes an embarrassment to me. I remember in Hong Kong at school, when parents were invited to come to class to give a talk about their jobs. My classmates sat at their desks awaiting my dad to begin - “Hi kids, my name is Stephen, I am Joel’s dad, and waste is our bread and butter!”. He even took our class to a waste plant – a child’s dream daytrip! In hindsight, he was a passionate environmental Engineer, when the word “environment” was not given the same global importance. I first woke up to understanding the impact of dad’s work, when in the late 1980s, working at IBM (introduced by Cynthia’s husband, Ivor), my then boss, John Oakley, a tech guru and my mentor, met by chance with dad. John just stared at him then hugged him, exclaiming “You’re my hero!” Rather surreal - well, apparently, John had seen this documentary on the BBC’s “Panorama” about some chap cleaning up water in Athens – now that was someone John admired – saving the world! In India, dad was known as the “Water God” – a little exaggerated and not very “kosher” for such a humble man, but when you don’t have running water and spend your whole day waiting to fill up the bath with enough water to drink, wash, and cook - you don’t know what time or day that is going to be – you can’t go out to work – your job is waiting for water. Well, then bringing running water to homes across a continent, 24/7 – that’s superpowers! He was a strong leader, but always with great respect, intelligence and compassion, taking decisions alongside his peers. He was tireless in his dedication to family and friends – in his doctorate at the young age of 74 – as an author of two books on the Hidden Rivers of London, at Pinner camera club, in the Jewish community, and the lodge – but, sometimes to the point of obsession, as he always had to have a project to work on (I look to mum for acknowledgment on this one!). An example comes to mind, when, 6 months before getting married to Olivia, which many of you will remember, dad visited Rome. Well, I say visit, but that makes it sound rather relaxing. Dad spent a full 2 weeks going to hotels in the city. He had built up an Excel list for the multitude of British and international guests that would be coming that June to stay at. Usually providing a simple list of hotels would suffice and please guests, but no, for dad each of these hotels had to be scrupulously graded and ranked: for cleanliness, professional services, amenities and so on. A fulltime job that possibly got Tripadvisor started! It reminds me of a great tip he told me once when choosing a room at a hotel. When you go to reception to check-in just tell them “Please don’t give me the first room you were thinking of giving me, just give me the 3rd option!” Dad, you are the noblest of men – a true “mench”. You were swept away from us, but we carry you with us, and I couldn’t be prouder to be your son. Father to me and surrogate father to Olivia, husband to an amazing lady, my mum, brilliant grandfather to Domiziano and Lavinia, closest of brothers to Ralph, uncle and cousin to a wonderful family, and a friend to so very many. You are deeply missed. You promised us a sign. In one of those silly conversations as a family, we each said what sign we would give from the grave. You guaranteed that the heavens would open in the centre of Timbuctoo – it hasn’t happened, but you may still be negotiating with the powers-that-be. So, now, it is your turn – you have done so much for us here – just be in peace and enjoy the company of those that surround you – those lost that have preceded us in the kingdom to come.