Yes I know latterly you chose to be Leon but for the most of the time we have known each other you preferred your middle name, abbreviated rather than Leonard. It's hard not to think of you as Rick.

You have been such an influence on me since I started working in the Rowntree Mackintosh Lab around 1974. As I became active in the union and then the Labour Party, you helped develop my socialist beliefs, lending me the first political book I ever read - John Strachey's "Why you should be a socialist". It's very old but very relevant and I recommend it to anyone who has not come across it.

I have lived in York for many years and it was great to have you and Donna stay with me for a couple of days and do some Yorkshire stuff. Almost every time I returned to Norwich, my spiritual home, you managed to join me and others for a beer (or wine in your case) session. We also managed to fit in a walk or two. Attached are a couple of photos from our coastal walk to Sheringham in 2015. Sadly these activities became beyond you but I did enjoy our chat and cuppa at your home the last time I saw you about 2 years ago. 

Together with Donna, Ruth and Sally, I will miss you. But I do think of you often - it's unavoidable really as my house is adorned with your artwork from small Norfolk watercolours to oil paintings of the places in Gorleston and Yarmouth I grew up in and knew so well. Southwold hangs over my bed, and Gorleston beach in my office.

Adieu my friend.

Karl