GHINCH

Posted by Jules on February 6th, 2009

 

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My friend Graham Harris died last Tuesday.  I met him through this site to which he was a prolific contributor with his witty, cynical remarks and colourful stories.  We started “dating” as we called it – going for lunch in the Auberges around here.  There he would be waiting at the bar, already a beer ahead, in a brightly coloured shirt with GRH embroidered on the pocket.   Last summer he drove me into the Savoie to meet Helena aka The French Mistress with whom he had struck up a friendship over the web.  It was a beautiful day, he was a good driver and one of the funniest car journeys of my life as he told stories of his experiences dating on the internet.  

No one could resist Graham.  He was charming.  He told a good story, he loved women and wine.  He spoke beautiful French.  He had such strong opinions on the content of this blog that I angrily challenged him to start his own.  He was a fine writer, just getting started.  Once or twice we swore at each other but then very soon we would be laughing.  He loved his Granddaughter Rebecca.  He was kind and generous and if you were his friend he would help you out in any way he could. He was a true gentleman and I am proud that he was my friend.

He had an eye for beauty and if circumstances had been different would have been a great artist.  He took this photograph recently calling it “Goyesque”. 

I sit, for once lost for words fearing I have failed him, not saying enough, not getting the essence of who Graham really was, not doing such a fine man justice.

Order me a glass of wine, I’ll be there shortly but in the meantime, I’ll miss you greatly my friend.

www.ghinch.com

Living in Switzerland, My Writing Life 6 Comments

Sally Philpot said,

February 6, 2009 @ 9:50 am

Im sorry to hear the sad news of the death of your friend Graham. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but read and enjoyed all his comments, especially the banter between him and the other visitors to your site. Big Hug and make that two glasses of wine. Sx.

Diana said,

February 7, 2009 @ 6:19 am

Dear Jules,

What ghastly news. I am so sorry for you – it is awful to lose a friend and so suddenly. I also enjoyed Graham’s comments and his blog. Your eulogy is very touching and he would be so proud to read it. I am sure he knew just how much you appreciated him and treasured his friendship.

Another reminder to us all just how short life is and that we need to get out and “Find the Fun” while we can. Maybe we could make that a BOTTLE of wine? xx

Nadia said,

February 7, 2009 @ 11:09 pm

Dear Jules,

I’ve been off-line for the last week, and just read your last two posts… I’m so sad for you, and for all of us, that he’s gone.

I don’t think Graham greeted every day with wonder, I think he greeted it with a naughty cynical view that, lucky for us who read his blog or his comments here, he shared expansively. Even though I disagreed with many things he said, I enjoyed his writing and the courage he showed in expressing his opinions with no regard for PC-ness and no hypocrisy. At last someone who really didn’t give a damn!

Thanks, Jules, for organising that lunch, for adding me to one of your “dates”… I had such a lovely time, and I was so looking forward to the next one.

He’ll be missed, I think by more people than he could have imagined. And I’m sure he’s somewhere up there, still reading your blog, thinking up a pithy, self-deprecating comment he could have added…

xxxNadia

Trevor Duncombe said,

February 27, 2009 @ 2:44 am

I congratulate on your kind words about my dear ccusin Graham. I probably knew Graham for longer than anybody, I have photos at home where my sister and I were pride of place at his christening. Over the years I always kept in touch wth Graham either through visits or telephone. He was a good mate as well as a cousin and we shared so many confidences.
I am deeply shocked at his passing as I had spoken with him on the Sunday prior to his operation and I can still distinctly remember him saying to me ” at least I’m not going to die….”
Unfortunately I was not able to attend the funeral as I left for a months holiday in Florida on Feb. 5th. Since being in Florida I keep seeing lots of those big Chevrolet cars that Graham drove and it makes me think of him more.
All that you say of him is right, he was a super bloke with a fantastic sense of humour.
I will miss him so much.

Elna/Ellie Goldsworthy said,

February 27, 2009 @ 5:20 pm

Trevor– I met you way back in 1975-1978 when you came to visit Gray and Ruth. “eard it” was the pass word for quite sometime after you visited. I still can’t quite fathom that Gray is not with us making jokes and mocking leaders. I loved his Idi Amin. I keep checking his blog — not sure what I expect to appear. All of his USA friends miss him too.

Trevor Duncombe said,

March 7, 2009 @ 7:46 pm

I note that Ellie Goldsworhty made reference to me on 27 Feb. Could you please provide me with Ellies e-mail address so that I can contact her and reminisce about Graham and Ruth. I remember Ellie well and her husband Jim. Much water has passed under the bridge since then.

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