Just over 20 years ago I decided I needed a new hobby and as I always loved being under the water I decided to join a dive club.   Neil Knopka did my try dive and I officially became a member in 2002.  Boggie was one of the trainers and I remember thinking that most of the lectures where on the number of ways you could die diving!!   Boggie lived close to me in Brockley and he quickly became my lift for dive trips, much to Steve Colthurst’s annoyance, as I had taken his ride!!  We did a number of trips that year, mainly to Stoney Cove, where I did my open water training. My first sea dives where in Swanage, and due to the bad weather, were two 30 minute dives under Swanage pier with Boggie.  The only memorable parts of the dives were the large number of spider crabs, the terrible visibility and that one of the crabs was wearing what looked like toilet paper on its shell.  Also, that as we left Swanage, I remembered that I had left my qualification book at the dive shop. Boggie should have realised I was trouble then!!  The next trip was up to the Farne Islands in Northumberland, which started my love for this part of the country.  I had organised this trip, as I was not allowed to go on the planned excursion to Wales over the Queen’s Jubilee as I was not experienced enough.  I don’t remember Boggie talking much about the diving on this trip, apart from arriving at the pub and seeing one of regulars lying bleeding outside waiting to be picked up by an ambulance.  Apparently, he had just come back shore from working on a boat and this was not the first time this had happened.

The next dive trip was going to the Red Sea in January of 2003 with Phil Gray, Steve Colthurst and Boggie.  Sleeping arrangements had not been made before the trip and I broached the subject while waiting to board the plane. It was pointed out to me, that as the newest member I got to share with the snorer, which was Phil.  I have to say, Phil was the perfect room companion and would regularly run my bath for me after the day’s diving. From this unpromising start romance blossomed between Boggie and myself.  We tried to keep it very low key but, after our first trip down to dive club on a Tuesday, Sarah Armstrong texted me, wanting to know why I was holding Boggie’s hand under the table!

Our first official date in the UK was going on the first Iraq march in London. We shared similar political views, however, I took Brexit much harder then he did. I have told my family I want ode to joy played at my funeral!!!

We both loved action films, walking and exploring new places. However, Boggie was a much faster walker then I was and he thought nothing of going on a 20 mile walk. He walked most days from our home to his work in East Croydon, when his office moved there.  

He was an ever-willing dive buddy, who was always up for a dive trip, except if it was to an inland lake. He put up sharing with my damp and often smelly diving clothes.  He never managed to get me into a dry suit. He put up with my excess packing and my love of browsing shops for souvenirs.

Over the next 19 years we did countless trips around the coast of this country, included the Scilly Islands, both north and South Ireland, the west coast of Scotland, St Kilda, the Orkneys, the Shetlands, Farne Islands, Swanage, Lyme Regis, Portland, Cornwall and Selsey.

We also ventured abroad to Malta, the Canary Islands, Croatia, Maldives, the Red Sea, Bali and the Caymans, where we got married in 2009 on the beach.  

He was a king of trivial knowledge and the person you wanted on your quiz team.  He loved reading, and his tastes ranged from history, science, biographies to science fiction. His musical tastes also covered a wide genre from classical to ska to punk rock.  His main dance style was the Pogo. He went to see many bands when at university in Coventry.  He loved telling how he saw U2 when they appeared as a back up to the Comsat Angels or when Lemmy from Motörhead invited a group of them back stage for burgers after a show.

In 2014, we adopted Tallulah, a 10 year old Tabby cat. Boggie quickly became her favourite! She has ruled the house every since.

Boggie will remain the love of my life and best thing that has every happened to me. His love for me was unconditional, never faulting, no matter my weight, my mood or how I looked. He was my rock, who kept me grounded and sane. As I told a friend, much to Boggie’s embarrassment, he was my piece of heaven on earth. He was always calm and ever pragmatic right up to the end. He never asked why me and was not bitter.  He dealt with his illness bravely and never complained, even when in pain.  He fought so hard to stay with me and I am grateful I got to tell him how much I loved him and for him to know how much he meant to all his friends.  At this point, I would like to thank all our friends and family for all the love and support they gave us both.  I know this meant a lot to Boggie. I would never have got though this without their love and support.  

I hope I made him half as happy as he made me and I am now counting the days until we are swimming together and exploring the sea around Swanage again. Goodbye, my darling for now.