You know that friend who has been around just about long enough for you to forget the first time you met? You know the friend who you can go a few months without seeing, and then your phone rings and they're inviting you out? You know the friend who you really can tell ANYTHING to, without fear of them telling anyone else, without fear of judgement... You know the friend who you can always have an adventure with? During the ten years I knew him, Garry became all of those friends to me, and more.
I had met Garry in the early days of my band. A middle aged man, Peter Pan character, with stripes shaved into his hair, a long pointy beard, and an endless supply of sharp suits and Rock'n'Roll memoirs! He had always been there and done that, constantly throwing in stories about "that time I put on a Bow Wow Wow gig in the local park" and "when I was lost in India in the sevs"... He delighted in embarrassing me with his saucy tales and photographs of weekends past! He indulged me in some of my own Rockstar moments, and consistently gave me reviews and critiques on my band's performance and progress, as he followed and promoted us. He had very strong opinions on everything, and would always say it like he saw it. His advice was almost always invaluable, as was his support and coaching in times of self-doubt.
He knew for a few months he was dying, and I got to spend some precious moments with him before he went. I know he knew I loved him, and although it hurts to think I may never see him again, I can still feel what he was, and who he was, and I know my memories of him, and what he left with me will never go away.
Rest peacefully Garry. You made your mark on this world, that's for sure! xxxxx
