Martin has been our closest friend since he and Masae arrived from Belgium with Levi's International in 1982. I had the opportunity to work with him for a few years when I was with Business International until we sold BI to Economist. During those years we realized we had a close link through Hugh Parker who Martin worked for after Hugh was first McKinsey Partner to be sent to London to begin McKinsey Europe practice. At end of Hugh's career he was head of BI and I had the privilege of working for him up until we sold BI to Economist in 1986.
In San Francisco we traveled to Sierras with Martin and Masae and think of their Lake Street first home from New Year's Eve of 1985. Six weeks later Tristan was born and I continued commuting to NY BI work. Even with a new son, life then was never as challenging as for Martin, when a few years later with an even longer commute to Asia for investments banks, he faced enormous challenge of all renovation complexities of their Sacramento St. home.
Martin returned from Far East as Gorbachev lost USSR. I think of that in relation to richest aspect of our friendship always being vibrant and, as PJ knows, often passionate discussion of views of world around us. Most were every few weeks beginning with late afternoon gin and tonics at Martin and Masae's wonderful new Marina penthouse, that from deck we could look up to see our home 8 blocks south as well as watch sunset over Golden Gate. Often these exchanges of views extended to dinners at Beresford's or Handeland's.
When Masae called on recent evening, I was hearing words I last heard 30 years ago, when a young nephew of our best man Tom Henry, walked to podium and began eulogy with 'Uncle Tom Died...' And I realized that now all my close pals, back through San Francisco days even before I met PJ or Martin are gone, and there is no one left to talk to here in same way I always did with Martin.
When PJ arrived home the evening of Masae's call, she reminded me that, even though we had dinner with Martin and Masae ,along with Kevin and Lauren just before New Year, it was Tristan who had last contact with Martin. Martin confirmed he could log on to photo site to see pictures of Caroline and Emma. And then I thought how strange the world of connections is. It was a photo of Marvin, an adorable corgi, who was only family member that Tristan and Laura had almost since their 2012 marriage, that announced twins to friends, Marvin' in his Giants bib and two Giants baby girl dresses behind. Guess interesting connect as well as disconnect is that Marvin died, so would never get to know the twins or they Marvin. At least Martin got to see pictures of Caroline and Emma.
Martin was godfather in San Francisco to both Tristan and Kevin. From time both could walk, we recall Martin holding their outstretched arms as they gingerly climbed up his legs to then be flipped over in mid air and land safely, but surprised with feet on floor and security of Martin's hands still holding their arms to ensure that safe landing. As years passed, Martin was always there for birthday dinners and other times to regale them with tales of his school day memories in England.
And now, we all will always dearly miss Martin. But we know a smile will always appear as we reflect on his rich, full, inquisitive and renaissance man life both in San Francisco, as well as through all those wonderful stories of his life and times years before. Some of our photo Memories of Martin are posted on Forever Missed.