A NOTE FOR ZACHARY

Your Dad truly was an inspiration to me. He was my boss for nearly 4 years at NatWest and Bankers Trust here in London and I had in fact spoken to him at the end of July 2001 so was lucky enough to catch up with him and hear how happy he was. I’ll try and explain to what your Dad meant to me:

I’ve been working since I was 17 years old. I left college in London and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do so I became a secretary in a consultancy firm. I stayed there for 7 years and then decided that I needed to make a break, take a leap of faith, travel the world on my own and live every day to the fullest. Well, in 1994 I did just that and I had an awesome time. When I came back I started working as a temporary secretary in London and NatWest Markets and that’s where I met your Dad. I think I felt the same way as everyone I know who knew your Dad and that’s that he was really special. Not just because he had a fantastic sense of humour, was willing to take time to listen even though it may not have been a good time, but he just seemed so happy with life and what he was doing and wanted to make sure everyone had that same feeling. I’ve worked for a lot of people who manage to say all the right things, make promises to help you along your career path, but your Dad was unbelievably genuine. Within a year of working for your Dad I was given the opportunity to move onto the first rung of the corporate ladder. This was solely because he made me believe in myself and he wanted to help me achieve everything I ‘thought’ I could do but he ‘knew’ I could do. I would not be in the position I am in today had it not been for your Dad and for that I will be thankful everyday. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed working for someone and being in a team where everyone felt good about what they were doing and every day, even in the smallest way, you were reminded that you had a chance to learn, help others learn and do the best job you could.

Your Dad took great pride in his work and he also took pride in the good work we did; but I can honestly say that I never saw him prouder than when he was talking about your Mum and when he told us that she was pregnant with you. It was clear to all of us that he loved you both more than anything in the world. When I spoke to him in July and asked about your Mum and you, that pride actually sounded even stronger.

Losing your Dad has given all of us who knew and worked for him very sad hearts; but I know that my heart is both sad AND strong. It was made stronger by having the wonderful gift or knowing your Father.

Lots of Love

Paula Gien