Greg and I were first year roommates and we would lay awake after lights out talking about our far away families. I first met Pony when I got to spend a few days with Greg and his family at their Uplands PMQ before catching the service flight back west.

It seems to me that Jan (of course) ran everything but verified her decisions with a knowing glance towards Pony who would nod agreement and carry on sorting out the room full of boys and getting us all pointed in the right direction. Here was a senior NCM in his element. A quiet, competent leader who made things work, resolved differences, supported his team without raising his voice and always with a dry sense of humour and good natured teasing.

The role model that Pony set during those short stays with Greg’s family was a guidebook. Pony always seemed to be ready to point the way.

Subsequent visits with Pony were always full of humour and cheer and he continued to impress us with his ability to recall trivia, numbers and dates.

Lal and I are sure that whatever team you are leading now will be well looked after.