A Tribute to our Friend Deka...
by Carpe Diem!This is a personal tribute but I think that those of you who know him well will get it...xJ
A TRIBUTE TO OUR FRIEND DEKA
His ridiculous "Admiral's" hat bobbled ungainly on Windermere's waves where he'd dropped it in the wake of Chris' sailing boat Selkie. "Bloody 'ell", exclaimed Deka, "I won't look the part without that!" Amazingly, the hat stayed afloat; our piratical crew were helpless with mirth, but we managed to retrieve it, bedraggled and damp. Quite misshapen, it soon found its way back onto our great friend's mainly hairless head. Thank goodness he wasn't familiar with that biblical phrase -"When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me."
This very kind, patien
Posted on 01/11/17
6 Comment(s)
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on 31/10/17 @ 16:55This very kind, patient, modest gentleman strolled through life, charming ladies and blokes alike. His many Outdoor Duo friends and any newcomers were always assured of a truly warm, generous welcome, as Deka looked out for others with a twinkle in his eye and a ready smile.
I loved his sharp, wicked wit and the continuous banter to which I, and others, responded with relish. Beer, women, the beautiful game, beer, Sheffield Wednesday, roast beef and Yorkshire pud, our loves and losses and, of course, beer, were all discussed at length. Deka's contagious sense of humour always shone through and on post-walk pub gatherings he often held court with quips and funny tales of his days working around the Derbyshire pubs, or when playing in goals for his local team. For me, he was also a big-hearted voice of reason, frequently sprinkling measured wisdom over my more fanciful notions.
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on 31/10/17 @ 16:56Anyone who was there will never forget his long, caring dining-room speech as an organiser of our OD 2016 Christmas Ball. At a previous bash of Clive's, he enthralled and entertained a crowd of us for a good 30 minutes as he tried in vain to comically communicate a charade film title; at least one person left the room, aching from laughing. When I broke my ankle, his kindness in getting me to hospital and then home safely has never been forgotten.
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CDCarpe Diem! on 31/10/17 @ 16:57Deka, you have given us so much friendship and fun. In all the hours and the journeys I enjoyed with you, I never heard you say an unkind word about anyone to their front or behind their back and I love you for that.
So, our precious friend, we will carry on walking for you, goofing about for you, hugging for you, drinking and eating for you. Another beautiful star twinkles down now, watching us from above with undeniable style, grace and panache. This is often said, but this one really will never be forgotten.
Shame that this diamond of a guy still owes me a pint...
JX
Lovely Jonathan x
MaMaz on 01/11/17 @ 16:53True gentleman xx
ruruth on 01/11/17 @ 19:23I didn't know him, but you paint a lovely picture of him with amazing words!
HGHappy Gal on 01/11/17 @ 19:37Back to top
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