Although I set up this blog to talk about my artwork and artistic endeavours (it’s all me, me, me), I feel that I have to mention another artist, Paul Flack, who’s incredible energy and enthusiasm will be sorely missed by so many.
Unfortunately, Paul died unexpectedly in his sleep, not long after enjoying a night out with friends. Paul was only 47 and his death comes 25 years after that of his father, Dennis, who also died suddenly at home, aged 48. Speaking to the Guardian and referring to Paul’s father, Sylvia Webster (Paul’s godmother) said “Paul had said that when it was his time to go he would like it to be the same”.
I had only known Paul for a few years but he definitely left an impression. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who knew as many people as he did. This was born out by the fact that at his funeral at Epping Methodist Church on Tuesday the building was too small to accommodate the crowd that gathered to pay their last respects.
Paul seemed to be involved with everything – Stone carving, environmental issues, The Friend’s of Swaines Green, the Cooper Hall Trust, the 491 Community Arts Centre, art projects in the Seychelles and parts of Europe. He even created a garden at the 2007 Chelsea Flower Show. But Paul was not just an amazing networker purely to benefit himself – he genuinely loved people and believed in building communities. It’s a shame there aren’t a few more Paul Flacks about.
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