I first met Tim in 1997 as we travelled to the British Open Squash Tournament in Cardiff. We became very close friends, teaming up as doubles partners at are local sports centre until he moved back to North Wales to be with his family. This did not stop us playing each other as I visited him every year and ended up on court each time.
When we first played he beat me 9 – 0, me being a beginner, where as, he had been playing for many years, I said after this first game “I bet you cannot do that again”, where upon he did so for the entire session.
As the years went by, with his help, I improved and was able to beat him on occasions. If either of us took a game of each other at 9 – 0 we always said “I bet you cannot do that again”.
I visited Tim just weeks before he died, and phoning most days. The last time I spoke to Tim, he was pretty much out of it, not speaking or opening his eyes and his wife put the phone to his ear. The last thing I said to him was “I bet you cannot do that again” and his wife shouted out saying “Dave, he is smiling”, this will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Tim, my friend of many years, you will be missed. R.I.P. 2.15am – Sunday 26 April 2020.