Sun 13 Apr 2014 In: Hall of Fame View at Wayback View at NDHA
Charles and David I met Charles at St Thomas's Hospital in London in June 1984 and where he was working at the time, and I sought treatment for a skin condition that came and went. We knew I was an allergic to something I was eating, the problem was what. A few weeks later Charles asked me if I would join him for dinner at Roy's Restaurant on the Fulham Road, a place that became a favourite haunt of ours. I was just 19 at the time and well this year would have been 30 years of knowing this beautiful and kind hearted man. Over the coming weeks our relationship grew and we became partners. Charles was my first love and we eventually decided to live together, being a wonderful and very special time in my life and one I have always held dear to my heart. We travelled extensively and from our home my company Scheduled Air Travel was started, this giving us the opportunity to travel even more. We shared a love of fine art, antiques and buildings, while the theatre was always something Charles adored. My parents got to know him and our life together was for this young gay man perfect. Throughout our 30 years of knowing each other we have always stayed in touch and shared in each other’s lives, partners and travels. I visited him in California then with my current partner, and Hong Kong where I finally got to meet Charles’ partner and the love of his life Dougie. Our friendship has stood the test of time and just two weeks ago Charles visited Whitianga along with his brother Bruce and sister in law Kay, who after having known of for so many years we finally met. My father and his wife were staying here from the UK and were reunited with Charles after many years. We all had a wonderful evening and meal together and my partner and I made plans to visit Hong Kong later this year and keep in touch with Bruce and Kay. Charles always said I would love New Zealand and was so delighted when I broke the news in 2006 that I was moving from the UK; he laughed and said "we may just make a Kiwi of you yet Davypops" Well today I'm not a Kiwi but proud to be a New Zealander gaining my Citizenship in 2012. Charlespops you were a true friend to me over so many years and I can't believe you are gone. The world was a much more special place with you here. You have sadly been taken from us to early but at peace you will look down us all and radiate the world with that wonderful smile. David Hall - 13th April 2014