Thursday, December 16, 2021
I met Paul when I joined the civil service in 1985. I was the clerical officer for a project and this was my first full time job. Paul, a Senior Professional and Technical Officer, transferred into the project team a little after I joined. Paul was so kind, practical and supportive and helped me navigate my way into the world of full-time work and the civil service. Paul had this dry sense of humour and would take a pragmatic and down to earth view of life, politics and humanity that really worked for me. We became good pals and remained such. He always remembered my birthday and sent me cards for Christmas and my wedding anniversary and we kept in touch. It was such a shock to hear that Paul had gone because I know that he wasnt ready yet and would have fought with every fibre to stay with us and continue to enjoy and experience life. Paul was often the one behind the camera and I can only find one photo of me and Paul at the moment and it is 30+ years old. It may have been birthday drinks or when I was leaving the team and I don't remember who took the photo but they caught a classic moment of Paul being cheeky and funny and me making a silly face about whatever was being said. I know that Paul and I and everybody else laughed about the pic back then and it has made me smile ever since. I really miss Paul 'Poz' Hanmore. I will miss the conversations, updates and exchanges about life, love, family, politics, travels and music. My sincere condolences to Angela and all of the Hanmore family.