Such a gift to have Chris as next-door neighbour for over 15 years, as a friend with an ever-open door, as a source of information on the Close and community, as a helpful gardener and handyman, for his extraordinary musical talents, his knowledge and interest in history, sharing of books and DVDs, drinks and meals, his humour, sometimes quite sharp, joie de vivre, his 'breaking and entering' skills when our children forgot their keys to our flat (the quick twist and bend of a metal coathanger inserted through the lock, no problem - though we have changed the system since!), his organisation of the Chestnut Lawn party including his generalship of the tent erection army. Such a tragedy for such zest for and interest in life to be struck down. He didnt accept his fate though he faced it courageously: ' this is a bummer and I cant do anything about it' .