I lost a colleague of mine this week.

His name was Joe, and I saw him every Tuesday.

Joe hid very little of what he thought – or at least that’s what it seemed like. If he was impressed with you, he said so. If he thought you were an idiot, well….he let you know that too.

But he was kind. And funny. And so remarkably talented that we showed his work alongside the works of past masters – equally.

He was that good.

But for whatever reason that I guess only he knew, he decided to leave us on Thursday – and we all said goodbye today.

It was one of the more difficult memorials I’ve ever been to.

A 21-gun salute. Taps. The exacting motion of a Navy farewell. The many recollections that made you laugh and nod your head. The memories that made you cry and wonder why this had to be so. It has coloured my entire day. I will not forget it easily.

I still don’t know why you left us, Joe.

But I’m glad I knew you. Fair winds, Old Dolphin.