Having worked in publishing for many years in the Gulf, I met Roy through the many functions and official duties where our paths crossed. As the years passed we grew to know each other, despite my complete disinterest in his passion, Scrabble.
After moving to Bahrain in the early Nineties we saw more of each other and realised that we shared a common interest in food and drink. As self-styled gourmets we would meet over lunch to “test the recipes” at the many first class (and second-class) restaurants which then abounded.
From a humble pizza out in the sticks to the highest-aspiring hotels we plied our way. None were more memorable than the countless occasions at the Ramada where that most excellent Chef, James Bill was wont to create dishes especially for Roy. Happy days!
Long after I had moved to Spain, Roy was instrumental in tempting me out of retirement by reselling me on the delights of his beloved Bahrain. Alas it turned out not to be permanent, since my employer was a mere shadow of his famous relations in publishing and dealt with me as slyly and shabbily as he was later to do with Roy.
However, those few months put the clock back and I was once more to share Roy’s avuncular bonhomie and steadfast friendship. Through his wide circle of friends I made other lasting friendships for which I thank him deeply.
Bahrain is much the poorer at his loss. We shall miss him.
His epitaph could well read: “Here lies Roy – a kind man”
John Peers
07 March 2008
After moving to Bahrain in the early Nineties we saw more of each other and realised that we shared a common interest in food and drink. As self-styled gourmets we would meet over lunch to “test the recipes” at the many first class (and second-class) restaurants which then abounded.
From a humble pizza out in the sticks to the highest-aspiring hotels we plied our way. None were more memorable than the countless occasions at the Ramada where that most excellent Chef, James Bill was wont to create dishes especially for Roy. Happy days!
Long after I had moved to Spain, Roy was instrumental in tempting me out of retirement by reselling me on the delights of his beloved Bahrain. Alas it turned out not to be permanent, since my employer was a mere shadow of his famous relations in publishing and dealt with me as slyly and shabbily as he was later to do with Roy.
However, those few months put the clock back and I was once more to share Roy’s avuncular bonhomie and steadfast friendship. Through his wide circle of friends I made other lasting friendships for which I thank him deeply.
Bahrain is much the poorer at his loss. We shall miss him.
His epitaph could well read: “Here lies Roy – a kind man”
John Peers
07 March 2008
2 comments:
Hi John, its heartening to know that so many people remember Roy in exactly the same way (I've always thought the word avuncular was coined for Roy in particular!), and that his kindness has not gone unappreciated the way it felt it had during his life. He was a true bon vivant when it came to all aspects of life wasn't he, bless him! From something that must have seemed as bizarrely arcane to most as Scrabble (through which i had my intro to him), to fine food and drink as you mentioned. We will all really miss him.
Have set up a facebook group to perpetuate his memory as well, hope you can join there :
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=59734763655&ref=mf
Regards,
Nikhil Soneja
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