Wladek and Paul, soaked to the skin in driving rain, on the links golf course at Dun an Oir near Ballyferriter when we went to stay in my brother in law’s cottage. They could barely see the golf tees for the rain, yet neither of them wanted to stop playing. Afterwards sitting in the cottage with hot tea - the steam rising from the tea and the wet coats as we tried to recreate the family tree from Wladek’s memories.

Then in our house in Exeter, when Wladek stayed to make covers for our sofas. So kind. Each day he sat in the sitting room like Rumplestiltskin at the sewing machine,  sewing the brocade and the bindings for them. Such a labour of love. Afterwards, with the sofas resplendent and complete he said, mildly, “Do you know, about half way through, i thought I wasn’t going to be able to finish this. But I just stuck to it to get it done”.  

So typical of Wladek, so kind, uncomplaining and quietly determined. Rest in Peace.    My thoughts are with you, Michael, Anita, Paul, Halina and Jan. 

xx Hannah xx