Chris Greet bids adieu

and having as much fun in that moment as is possible.

Dad recounted a time when he was on the set of ‘Bridge’ having a drink with Sir Alec Guinness.

Dad: So… Alec… do you think I should do this for a living?

AG: Only if one has a rich uncle dear boy.

Far more amusing and embarrassing stories abound, from all his many friends, now spread across the world. I trust you all meet and reminisce from time to time, especially seeing as Dad now lives in our memories and through stories. Many friends have over the years, shared with me what a great source of joy he was to them. To all his great friends around the world, for those of you who knew and loved him, I would ask you to raise a glass, with us, his family, in wishing him a safe journey home.

Should you find yourself in Nuwara Eliya - kindly pop in visit and please continue to support the Paynter homes, one of Dad’s great passion projects, and maybe, in a quiet moment, high in those misty hills, you might just sense something of him. In the place that was… for Dad… forever Christmas.

As with everything these days, Dad’s final farewell will be governed by COVID. That said, the plan is that we have a Thanksgiving and Memorial for him, sometime in the summer.

The location? Two of Dad’s favourite places - Church and then the pub.

The final goodbye: Son Stephen and daughter-in-law Nicky singing Christmas carols the COVID way through a glass door on Christmas Eve in London

Chris Greet: A portrait by Dominic Sansoni. Courtesy ThreeBlindMen