Eric was a lovely man, who will be sadly missed. He and my Dad, Roy, were great friends and near neighbours in Reading for most of their lives. They were at school together, made the daily commute to London together, and, in later life, enjoyed nothing more than walking to a local pub for lunch and setting the world to rights. And they almost always disagreed! They were both keen gardeners, and swapped plants and gardening tips for many years - no doubt both claiming to be the most knowledgeable.

Roy was best man at Eric and Eileen’s wedding, and together with Edna (my Mum), the four of them enjoyed socialising and entertaining at home or in one of their favourite pubs.

Roy left us 15 years ago, but we have kept in touch with Eric and Eileen. I would like to offer condolences to Eileen, Philip, Andrew and their families, and raise a glass (of beer of course) to Eric and Roy as two of life’s special people

Jill Barnes