I had the great pleasure to work with Wayne since 1978 when I joined the GMC.

I think because we were of a similar age , we got on straight away and worked

on so many projects together , mainly at Manchester Airport , we had such a

wonderful working relationship.

We did have some incidents , such as beaching the works Land Rover at

Plank Lane in Leigh.Wayne was the driver , honest , and decided to drive down

a muddy path to exit the site.Sadly , we started to lean at about 45 degrees ,

and then stopped , stuck .We had to get out of the van via the windows ,as the doors

were below the mud !!! We did manage to get a JCB to help us out but it took us

hours to clean it later , so that the boss didn't know anything about it.

I have a favourite memory.

One Christmas , we were having a drink with the rest of the survey section in

a pub in Manchester , to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

After about a hour , Wayne took me to one side , as he didn't want anyone

else to hear what he told me , which was that Gaynor was pregnant.

( Bernie.......that's you....)

I had never seen him so happy or proud and I did feel so honoured to be

told and how happy I was for them both.

A strange memory was at Wayne and Gaynor's wedding reception.

I , along with many of the survey staff , were invited , one of which

was our boss , Harold Beswick.

Now Harold was a 'big cheese' in the Mason's and Wayne informed me

that a few of the other guest's were also in the Mason's , so for about

an hour we watched Harold and these other gentleman intently , trying

to see a 'magic handshake or something ' that we could learn.

Really a sad way to spend time doing on such a special occasion , but

it seemed like the most important thing in the world for both of us.

Wayne's mum stopped all this by getting me to dance with her for the

next hour !!!!

I feel so sad to have lost such a wonderful true friend , a brilliant colleague.

I always hoped to have spent more time with him and the family once he had

retired , but the last year has been a terrible time , with no chance to visit.

Texts are ok , but face to face is always the best and I truly am devastated

that Gaynor , Bernie and Ant have lost such a wonderful Husband and Dad

so early.

I can only send you all my love to all the family.

Sadly missed but will never be forgotten.

RIP Wayne