Laurence, we first met in the bar at Heathrow Airport waiting for the BA flight to Hong Kong, me nursing an orange juice, keen to make a good impression, you not nursing a glass of beer, by now over half consumed. You certainly put me right on that score! Over the years we enjoyed many beers together on police launches, Marine Region messes and ‘Marine Islands’ messes at Tai O, Mui Wo and Cheung Sha HQ when we were both posted on the (then) idyllic Lantau Island. You always were a man of principle, great company and a good friend to so many. I consider myself most fortunate to have been amongst that number. Gone but never forgotten.

Another year has gone by and we miss you as much as ever. Lovely to look at the photos and remember the good old days. xd

Laurence, can't believe it's been a year already mate. You are much missed. Very appropriately we have just been up to London for a RHKP Association event to mark HM's Jubilee and Les and several other of your Marine friends were there too. I'm sure you will raise a glass in the big Mess upstairs. Never forgotten.

Laurence, we fondly remember our time spent together with you. Gone but never forgotten.

Laurence, we fondly remember our time spent together with you. Gone but never forgotten.

Laurence, we worked together during my first year at Government House. You taught me a lot (including regularly admonishing me to "Walk, don't run!" as I skittered along the corridors between offices and the drawing and dining rooms! Living in Hong Kong was an eye-opener for me, but I shall always be grateful for your kindness in making me feel welcome and introducing me to many of your Marine Police colleagues and their families, especially Wally and Michelle. Being Irish, you always were a good story-teller, not least about your early days in Hong Kong (you had arrived "when the trains still ran from Tsim Sha Tsui" and for your 35th birthday, Alison and I arranged for the surprised chefs at Goverment House to bake you a cake in the shape of a train, with the sign on the platform reading "Tsim Sha Tsui Station"!). It remains our regret that we have not yet made it to Wivenhoe and so have not seen you since 1990 - fare thee well and rest in peace. Katie Foot (nee Cooper)

Laurence, you knew too well that life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a handsome and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, WOW WHAT A RIDE! This Laurence you certainly did in style. Thank you for including me in part of that ride, Michelle Murison

R. I. P my friend, thank you for your friendship in Hong Kong and when we moved to Wivenhoe.

My dearest Laurence. Seems like yesterday that we were together. I feel sadness deep in my heart to know you’re not here with us for the rest of our lives. I still remember the first day you warmly received me to Wivenhoe and welcomed me into your home, the beautiful table setting and the most wonderful meal. I knew then, that I was very privileged to meet you. I am thankful for the treasure trove of memories, wonderful times together, many laughters, great conversations, wisdom and advise. I thank you for your support when I was grieving for my parents, and now I know how to be stronger to grief for you. Always in my heart. Silke x

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Laurence. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.