Marty and I were very close when we were young playing together every day, as we entered our teens and especially university we grew apart as I left the country. It was in the last 10-15 years that I tried hard to get close to my dear brother again and we did get closer than ever.

Marty was always a happy go-lucky kind of person and rarely complained about anything. He had the kindest soul and his innocence and genuine nature would sometimes ended him up in some trouble. But it was impossible to to get angry with him. Marty often used humor to cheer us up and so the stories chosen are more humorous ones.

Story 1.

I recall one time we were supposed to take a flight and we were running behind on time. Martin was always laid back even in the most pressurizing circumstances and I was always the one that was in a hurry. We casually walked through the airport and I said, “bro, bro, I think we are going to miss our plane ..” .

Marty: “Nah we’ll be fine, they won’t leave without us”

Nigel: “You sure? I travel a lot and I’m pretty sure they won’t wait, really don’t want to get stuck here”

Marty: “It’ll be fine”

As we walked up to the gate, we could see the plane was gone and down the runway.

I was really angry at first, but seeing the gormless look on Martin’s face as the plane pulled away as in shock and disbelief that he genuinely thought they would wait, I couldn’t help but laugh.

We ended sleeping on park benches that night with rats running around us. I was annoyed but thought about the look on his face and the fact we had yet another story to tell, my annoyance quickly faded.

Story 2.

We went to China together many years ago now together with some friends. We went to a restaurant and I had to step out to make a phone call. Marty’s Chinese was not the best but I guess he wanted to show off for his friends (bless him) and when I came back had ordered enough food for 30 people when there were only 5 or 6 of us. Once again the look of shock and disbelief on his face when the food came was just comical. It cost quite a lot of money, but again it was impossible to get mad at him .. all I could do was shake my head and laugh.

 Testimony to his character:

Marty had the kindest heart and would take people in like people take in stray cats and dogs.  He would help with his whole heart without compromise or complaints. For our beloved cousin Melvyn who had been here in London for a few years, Marty offered to enter a same-sex marriage of convenience with him just so he could stay.

Nigel’s Farewell:

My dear baby brother Marty, I don’t think you ever knew how much happiness and what a positive effect you had on me, indeed on all of us, and how much I learned from you over the years. Even though we were so far apart, it felt like you were just close by and it made our time together even more special. We would always end up in stitches laughing, sometimes for no good reason. You were more than just my brother, you were my very best friend. We had so many good times together. Thank you for bringing so much happiness into our lives. We will sorely miss you but are happy you are now at peace. I will always love you and miss you so much little bro.