My first 'proper job' was with London Life and in the early days of the company's relocation to Bristol I struck up, what on the face of it was an unlikely friendship with Brendan. A friendship of which I was a beneficiary and one which I greatly valued. Unlikely? Well, we shared very different political views and it was particularly discussing the merits or otherwise of the Falklands War that we first became acquainted. During the time of the merger negotiations in the late 80s and early 90s I spent many hours and days on trains and at meetings with Brendan and although challenging times his spirit and determination were always a feature. On a lighter side who can ever forget his relationship with the train staff on the early train to London and his quest for proper, hot, crisp toast, which was possibly never fulfilled. I have a good memories of a number of social occasions with WBMcB both in and outside work and in particular the evening of the Matthew Ball. Sadly since leaving Bristol I havent had the opportunity to keep up with Brendan, but he has left strong and positive memories and I can only think of him with great warmth and respect and send all his best wishes to Stella and his family for the future.