On 21st April 2021, Alan Wayne Jebson passed away peacefully at home in West Vancouver, Canada. He is the dearly loved husband of Winnie, much loved father of Samantha & Nicky, father-in-law of Chris and Steve and devoted grandad of Oliver, Amelia, Ellie, Zach and Sam and loving brother of Linda and Julie.
Alan was born on 24th September 1949 in Scissett, Huddersfield, U.K. He started his career as a chartered accountant before joining HSBC in Hong Kong in 1978 with which he had a distinguished career. In addition to serving the HSBC Board, he was also a board director of Vodafone, Experian and Dettwiler.
He moved to Whistler, British Columbia after retirement in 2006. He enjoyed life to the fullest. it was filled with adventures, joy and friendship. He enjoyed travelling, diving, golfing, cricket and soccer. He was a great cook and wine connoisseur. His happiest moment was sitting down with a book, a cigar and a glass of wine in his hands.
He was known for his intelligence, wit, generosity and decency and he will be fondly remembered as the same.
Tributes
Eulogy by Tim Cureton
Alan Jebson
First I feel I should thank Alan - for the opportunity to demonstrate that I am still able to fit into a suit that I wore 30 years ago or more when he was my boss. And at the same time, curse him for the necessity of wearing a suit to honour his memory and his presence on this earth I can hear his mockery as I stand here.
He probably would have hated any eulogy. He disliked “fuss”. HSBC lifers used to recount his night banged up in a cell in Saudi Arabia - for booze or speeding or both. I can't recall. As the bars closed, apparently he heard a familiar HSBC voice cry “Jebson, what are YOU doing here”. He replied “Everyone's got to be somewhere!”. And somewhere is where he is.
But, he isn't here. And we are. And that's the point. This isn't for him. It is for us his friends and others whose lives he touched and in most cases improved. Because we want to honour him; to remember him. To reflect on the fact that - like myself - they would not be where they are today without his help, guidance and intervention on their behalf. We want to say “Thanks Alan, you grumpy old bugger, for living. And we'll miss you”.
At heart Alan was Yorkshireman - he became more of a Yorkshiremen the longer he lived. Like the stoic northern lad he was, he appeared to soldier-on without complaint. In his last months he talked more of his Yorkshire childhood, his upbringing by grandparents and aunts, of small career regrets and his love of bread and dripping. He has passed on, kicked the bucket, pulled his (cricket) stumps. He has gone, as they say in Yorkshire – “up nook, sparrer catchers”.
I am not sure whether Alan believed in an afterlife. Wherever he is travelling now will probably come as something of a surprise. Which he will no doubt greet with his usual phlegmatic calmness. Alan Jebson - Man of Phlegm. As an obituary that would probably make him chuckle. I feel he would not forgive me if I didn't mention his observation at the last sunset that email communication certainly wouldn't cut it where he was going. But that if I WAS to get a Ouija board - get one with “Bugger Off” written on it. Which I took to be an endearment.
So I guess we're all thinking now how sad it is that a man of such warmth and humour, such intelligence and generosity, such capability and accomplishment should be spirited away before he had the full retirement he was due; and before he's managed to drink 3 wine cellars dry of his 100 or so bottles of Chateau Leoville LasCases 1998 or smoke those remaining hundreds of cigars. He was taken far too soon from us. But in that he undoubtedly avoided death from foie-gras poisoning.
Alan was my boss for some 30 years and across as many countries. He was my friend. I'd like to think he considered ME his friend. But with Alan you could never be sure. One never knew. Alan was in many ways an enigma, a contradiction.
After 35 years of knowing him. I feel I NEVER did know the real Alan. Perhaps no-one did, save Winnie his wife of 30 years. I NEVER knew, up until his passing, that his middle name was “Wayne”. “Wayne Jebson”? Really “Wayne”?...I never knew “Wayne” was brought up largely by his grandmother and aunts int' North. I NEVER knew he was a fan of TS Eliot or of Wordsworth. I NEVER knew that HE had ALWAYS known that I grossly inflated my previous salary when he interviewed me for our last job together. Yet he let it ride. That was a measure of the man - an enigma.
“Welcome aboard” said he warmly “Bye the way” he said threateningly. If you succeed just know that I'll take all the credit. If you fail, it'll be All Your Fault”. See! - a contradiction…
Alan was an accountant by trade. An accountant from a small town in North Yorkshire. Yet he became one of the most powerful and influential corporate IT executives in the world with tens of thousands of employees and an annual budget, at the last, of some 6.6 billion - billion - USD.
Alan Jebson - a lover of the finest things in life, good food, good restaurants, cigars, the finest wine - yet a dislike of fuss and vanity, and self-importance and self-promotion; in himself and others. Alan Jebson - a board member of an oft-reviled massive financial organization, yet a humble, and straightforward man with a keen sense of compassion. A decent man. And, as they say up North with "no side" to him.
His many tributes - some of which we will hear today - recall their association with Alan, The most valuable, particularly from “the small folk”, rightly talk of the very human qualities of the man. Others point to the reflected glory of their association, business dealings or “travels with Alan Jebson”. It is little exaggeration to say he touched or affected the lives of hundreds in his employ and with whom he did business. Yet I never heard anything bad said about him - a remarkable accomplishment given that he mixed with the "great and good". Unlike most of these - he WAS both great and good.
It is then the human face of Alan I recall. The face of Alan which he kept largely out of sight – the humble face. His kindness of spirit: his calmness of demeanour; his dislike of flim-flam, pomp and ceremony: his aversion to emotional displays: his sense of social justice, his rather socialist face - not the face of the best things in life; which, undoubtedly he had earned and enjoyed.
Yet Alan thought of himself a realist. He aspired to the facts, to the practical in all things - unencumbered by emotion The Mr. Spock of global banking (tho’ he'd mock me mercilessly for the analogy). He considered that he saw the world as it is. This also made him at times a crusty and irascible old bugger, who could appear unfeeling, cutting of comment, pernicketty and short- tempered. Yet I remember the warmth of his personality, his robust and English sense of humour, his evident enjoyment of good times and good things his moustachioed smile and the twinkle in his Norse blue eyes. It is a measure of the man that even his death was filled with laughter.
Alan seemed to make friends everywhere. Certainly the important liked to polish their own self-esteem by claiming his friendship or acquaintance. He was after all a big cheese, though probably one of the harder sharper-tasting blue-veined varieties. A lover of cheese, he would perhaps appreciate the analogy. He thought of himself as driven by “real-politick” – “Just the facts. Ma'am”. Seeing things as they are. Unaffected by any display of emotion, which he disliked. He thought and described such displays as “too American” - too distant perhaps from what made him what he was, the lad from Huddersfield.
He could appear ruthless. His decisions affected the livelihoods of hundreds if not thousands of employees and contractors around the world. In later years, I think he came to regret the hard decisions that he had to make.
Others - several of whom, rightly, have offered tributes to Alan here today - directly owe their continued comfortable old age to him. I am one of them. It is to their, and to his, credit when they recognise and salute his sense of equanimity and generosity.
The more successful he became - rising to main board member of HSBC, and latterly to the boards of Vodaphone. McDonnell Detweiler (here in Vancouver). Experian and others - the more of a contradiction Alan presented. He enjoyed the things to which success entitled him- the business travel, the clinking glasses, the hobnobbing, the finest restaurants, the meetings, the golf, the golf, and…the golf.
Yet unaccountably he also seemed to greatly enjoy more pedestrian pursuits; cricket (the inner Yorkshiremen perhaps) and supporting Chelsea football club (his major fault) with Winnie (his major virtue). But it seemed to me that he was always happiest in the kitchen. Alan was a superlative and professional level chef; he displayed a knowledgeable and gourmand's care over the preparation of complex dishes, which owed more to Escoffier and La Grand Cuisine de France than to mac & cheese. Alan was one of the quiet greats upon whose shoulders lesser men have wined, dined…attempted to stand…and fallen-over.
To quote Jim Carey “Behind every great man…is a woman rolling her eyes” - a woman often ignored or overlooked.
Winnie, his partner, his wife - the power behind his Game of Thrones. Stalwart and supportive for more than 30 years. Alan and Winnie. Winnie and Alan. House after house. Country after country Michelin-starred restaurant after Michelin-starred restaurant. Thro’ thick and thin, Alan and Winnie - like ham and eggs.
Much of what made Alan the success of who he was is due to Winnie, as much as to his own persona. She has supported, accompanied, challenged, protected, coddled - and I am sure rolled her eyes at Alan throughout the vicissitudes of his career and, almost single-handedly, throughout the challenges of his illness. He lives on in her memories as he was. And in ours.
It will be sometime before he fades from the world.
Thank you.
Tribute by John Bond
Alan was a wonderful man and a superb colleague, he made a huge contribution to HSBC over many years.
I admired him enormously, he was that rare combination of enormous intellect and impeccable decency; he had the ability to explain technology, and many other subjects, to people like me, who knew far less than he did, with clarity and patience. Above all he had integrity in all aspects of life. He was an outstanding Director of Vodafone.
Liz and I feel for you Winnie and want you to know that we will do anything we can to support you, in us you have lifelong friends; although we see each other intermittently, we have always had great respect and affect for you both.
Tribute by Bill Dalton
Alan asked all of us not to be sad. He asked us to celebrate the friendship we enjoyed with him and that is what I intend to do with these words today. This is about the man, the person, the friend, the Alan, I knew for almost 40 years.
We worked together for over 2 decades and I met Alan when he walked into my office at Granville Square in Vancouver in 1982. We had just started Hong Kong bank in Canada and he was there to audit our HUB computer system. Honestly, I wasn’t keen to have someone from Hong Kong poking around the office, but Alan changed that view and quickly.
The young, handsome, very blonde Englishman who arrived at my office made quite an impression. By the time he left Vancouver he had made a major and lasting impact on the fledgling Bank. Alan identified a significant accounting shortcoming which, uncorrected, would likely have led to the loss of the banks license to operate. Many months, much money and effort were required to solve the
problem-- identified by Alan. HSBC Canada owes much to Alan Jebson and, so do I.
Over the years we had many occasions to meet, usually to deal with problems, big problems. No matter how serious the issue or how large or difficult the problem, I never once, not once, saw Alan shout, get overly excited or angry. Alan’s intelligence, his calm, sensible and practical Yorkshire manner were always a large part of the solution to any problem. I learned a great deal from him. He was an inspiring leader who always brought out the best in anyone. He was very highly regarded within HSBC and his wise and carefully considered views were often sought on major Group matters, well outside his specific accountabilities. When there was hard news to deliver, Alan could be counted on to deliver it in the best way possible. When there were big issues to resolve, he was the man to count on. Like the time, in 2003 when there were difficulties with the Household integration. “Let’s send Alan to fix it” -so he and Winnie packed up, headed for the US and, in a short time, things were back on track. Efficiently, effectively and without fuss.
Alan served as an Executive Director of HSBC Group, at the time, the largest and one of the most respected global financial institutions. He is one of a small number to have been so appointed, a richly deserved testament to his many career accomplishments. Sir John Bond, Chairman of the Group at the time, in a recent email said this “he was a huge talent, thoroughly decent and fun; he made a huge contribution to HSBC and Vodafone, apart from all the good times we had outside the office”.
This is the Alan we knew at HSBC and the man I had the honour and pleasure to work with.
And there was an Alan I knew outside the Bank. It wasn’t until the late 90’s that Starr met the man who had made such an impression on me. And her assessment was the just the same as mine, only 20 years later. Alan never changed, never. She was taken, like all of us, with his witty charm, his sophistication, his intelligence and calm, sensible bearing. He was the same courageous, stoic Alan that faced and dealt with the tragedy of ALS. The same Alan we all enjoyed so much being with. Kind, sharing and considerate, and never complaining.
This is the Alan we all knew and regard so highly and respected so much. What fun we all had and how he enjoyed, so unselfishly, sharing his outstanding, treasured wine collection with us.
The two of us were privileged to have enjoyed many trips with Alan and Winnie, he and I smoked many Cohibas after many fine dinners in many exotic places. These were wonderful, unforgettable experiences and, on these occasions, Alan taught us so much about the enjoyment of life. Each delightful dinner, each memorable, long lunch was eagerly anticipated and Alan never disappointed! He never changed from the man we met many years ago. Being with him was like a tonic which renewed your outlook on life. We will forever cherish the friendship we had. Our lives have been much enriched by knowing him.
We shall not forget our friend Alan and we will always remember the happiness being with him brought us and how privileged we were to be part of his life.
May you rest in peace dear friend.
Tribute by David England
I have extremely fond memories of Alan as my boss, my mentor and friend. A few memories come to mind.
At a professional level, I still remember the day the HSBC Board approved my recommendation that there be a separate Head of IT for the Investment Bank – Alan said (to my absolute horror) well you recommended it so you better do it (I had no experience running an IT shop and knew even less about Investment Banking!). Having thrown me off the deep end, he was always there for me and had my back whenever necessary.
I remember on occasions when my enthusiasm would get ahead of my capacity to delivery he would calmly say “be careful what you wish for”.... and rightly slow me down. It was a phrase I used on my subordinates at different times through out career thereafter.
You might remember Alan was having some heart rhythm issues in late 90s and had to wear a halter monitor for 24 hours. Every few minutes it would let out a large buzzing sound! Unfortunately (or fortunately if you're up for a laugh) Alan had to meet new graduate recruits in his office that day. Whilst he tried to put on his usual calm demeanour, we both burst out laughing (I lost it first) when the buzzer kept going off – you should have seen how uncomfortable the grads looked during all their first meeting with an HSBC Board Member.
I have fond memories of my first visit to Lords with Alan, John Machin and Collin Simmons back in 1997.
Alan, John and Colin arrived with 2 bottles of Vintage champagne each and I brought two bottles of Aussie Chardonnay (shame on me)
It rained all day, and Alan advised we should open a bottle in the hope that the rain would stop. It didn't. All bottles were gone by the tea interval – it is still the best and funniest day at the cricket I have ever been to!
Tribute by John Hamilton
My reflection on Alan starts with the attributes of which we are all well aware. His tip-top array of talents, his integrity plus his oft cheeky North humour all being self-evident.
My relationship with Alan started some 40 years ago as shared recipients of the awesome analytical brain of our boss. It was not a pretty sight to see us both mauled by the onslaught of data rationale forthcoming. Winnie can attest to this. So, we started as comrades in arms seeking survival and self-respect. Alan obviously better at it than I. Whatever, it meant we matured into a more than just kinship.
The predominance of our friendship centred on the workplace where his daily advice and commentary coming from the next-door office and then as my boss from afar was always delivered in an exceptionally general manner. Most recently his guidance on how to Ali's and my attempt at preparing Beef Wellington was uniquely Alan and I quote here his e-mail words, Quote “you should try it's salmon related cousin Coulibiac. Escoffier invented this dish and always included a spot of sturgeon bone marrow which you may find difficult to get in Buffalo. The culinary thing I have struggled with most over the years is meringue. I could manage a lemon meringue pie but baking sheets of it for a Pavlova or poaching lumps of it for iles flotante (Winnie's favourite desert) has always eluded me. Macarons are downright impossible, perhaps you can find the secret.” Who else but Alan!
To encapsulate my feelings is that I always actively wanted, repeat wanted, to see him whatever the circumstance be it work or play. It simply always felt so good even when he was reminding me with a grin on his face on the golf course tee that the sand traps were a perfect distance for my meagre swing.
It has been a singular privilege to know Alan. An irreplaceable comrade.
Tribute by Bill Wilson
I first met Alan in Hong Kong in 1988. Our paths crossed on many occasions usually at Bank cocktail parties golf tournaments and training events. We made a trip or two on golfing holidays but, it was not until our collective moves to the United Kingdom that Alan and I got to know each other better.
The bank functions continued to play a major part in our meetings. Cocktail parties perhaps with a room full of new recruits and senior HSBC Executives and there would be Alan filling his pockets with cookies. I asked him what the heck was he doing. He said Winnie really likes these cookies. Apparently, the highest indication of true love is for a senior HSBC executive to share the cookies. Alan was a very generous, intelligent, insightful individual. I have
But it was our passion for golf that brought us much closer. We would play quite often on the weekends at either his club or mine. The times we got together gave us an opportunity to share our enjoyment of Fine Cigars, a love of cars and a keen interest in financial matters. We were both extremely comfortable with numbers. Alan was after all a chartered accountant at the age of 20. Fortunately, that did not hold him back.
Alan was noted for his memory but was like the rest of every now and again. On two occasions, he picked me up for a game of golf at Stoke Poges having rushed to meet me and forgotten his golf shoes. He did make the pro shop happy.
Alan particularly enjoyed our guy's golf holidays which consisted of eight of us getting together every year or two in various locations around the world. The guy's golf started in 1997 in Ireland and concluded 15 gatherings later in 2019 in Palm Springs California.
The Ireland trip was very indicative of the humour and comradery that we enjoyed as a group. We arrived at Killarney airport and tried to clear customs/immigration. When asked for my passport, I got a very blank look and explained that I didn’t bring one. Apparently, “this” Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom and a passport is required. Fortunately, Immigration let me in with my driver’s license, everyone got a good laugh particularly Alan who was right behind me in the line up. No hiding that blooper.
Alan rented a car so he could pick up Winnie for an extended trip after the weeklong golf. The cigar smokers used Alan’s car but even with the windows down the smell was as you would expect. Alan burned incense inside the car to try to mask the smell. Poor Winnie….poor Alan.
Alan frequently finished high up in the competitions, but he did not finish in the winner’s circle until 2018 at Myrtle Beach. We were all incredibly pleased for Alan to get his first victory which put him one win ahead of Rob.
It was during these golfing holidays that Alan's depth and breadth of knowledge and his truly remarkable memory came into play. We would on many occasions be sitting around the table smoking cigars and solving the world's problems when an esoteric question might come up and, in those days, we did not ask Siri or say “Hey Google” we said Hey Alan what is the answer to this or that and invariably Alan had the answer. It was not until later years that we were able to check with Google or Siri as to whether his answers were correct, but they always were. His memory was phenomenal.
Nancy and I particularly enjoyed get-togethers with Alan and Winnie at social events in the United Kingdom and holiday trips to places such as France or boating in Greece or holidaying in Canada. We were fortunate to meet on many occasions after our retirements in Whistler in Vancouver in Arizona or on Vancouver Island. Alan particularly enjoyed sitting on our back porch in Qualicum Beach, smoking a cigar and looking over the Straight of Georgia in hopes of spotting killer whales or just watching the fishing boats. We looked forward to each meeting and enjoyed their company very much.
One particularly memorable holiday was when the four of us went to Eastern Canada and spent some time in the Maritimes playing golf eating lobster and doing tourist activities. It was during this trip that I was able to stump Alan with a question regarding the Bluenose Clipper Ship which we were standing on at the time. He was not aware that it was on the Canadian $0.10 piece. Apparently, that question was not on the Canadian Citizenship quiz. Finally, I found something he did not know. Also, it was on this trip that we saw a sight that we thought we would never see. Alan in a church wearing a plastic bib. Not his usual dress standard or location but given the mess we were making with the lobster it was a particularly good thing he was wearing the plastic bib.
Unfortunately, in the later years Alan's health declined, and we were not able to continue with the golfing and tourist holidays. We were however able to get together on many occasions for a visit for some good food and good wine which he generously shared with everyone he knew. I was also able to convince Alan or perhaps Winnie convinced him that he and I should play bridge online twice a week. Alan would call me, and we would leave the phone line open and on speakers while we played so that we could discuss the hands. We enjoyed beating Nancy and her partner on Tuesdays and the robots on Thursdays. Some may think we were cheating but we just assumed that we were making the best use of technology and exchanging information at an opportune time.
I am very thankful for the time that I had to spend with Alan. He will always be one of my true and loyal friends.
Tribute by John Machin
As a fellow Yorkshireman I think we share a number of common sense and down-to-earth values that helped us to quickly develop a strong professional/client rapport, a relationship that has grown into us becoming truly great friends over time. Our friendship with you and, your wonderful wife, Winnie is one that Kim and I will treasure forever.
We shared some very good time together, often involving a ball of some shape or size at a major sporting venue somewhere. Culture, food and drink have also played their part too. I still cherish that day we spent at Lord's “watching” The Ashes together with David and Colin. Admittedly we spent the majority of that day under umbrellas but that didn't “dampen our spirits” (in fact quite the opposite as I recall there being quite a few quality wines to hand, as well as delicious pork pies to sustain us throughout the day).
I remember when you tried your best to run me down as I embarked on a regular evening cycle ride from home. You were dashing away from a quite apt SWIFT gold day at Woking Golf Club and our paths almost collided on a narrow country lane at the end of our road. I remember looking up from the road with great incredulity as your smiling face beamed down on me from your car window. We both laughed but what were the odds of us coming together quite like that. Just imagine what the newspaper headline might have said “KPMG IT Audit Partner dusts himself down after an almighty clash with HSBC Global CIO”. However, I'm pleased to say that our relationship was never like that, indeed it was always very open, respectful and positive.
Your no-nonsense approach to life and ability to deal with seemingly complex matters in a simple matter of fact, clear headed sort of way is true strength.
I'm happy that you have enjoyed a rich exciting and fulfilling life. As you say not bad for a lad from a small Yorkshire mining village.
Alan, we will miss you so very dearly and we will never ever forget you.
Tribute by Rob Muth
Farewell to My Friend
Friends
Alan and I were friends for over 30 years and I feel so lucky to have known him and shared so many great memories with him.
Alan was born in a small mining town in Yorkshire, England and I think it’s fair to say, it was a humble beginning. While he started off working as an accountant, he rose to very senior levels in HSBC including serving on its board of directors. After retirement he also served on several large international companies' boards. Despite his tremendous success as a businessman, he remained humble which was undoubtedly a reflection of his upbringing. He didn't need to brag about his many accomplishments in business as they clearly spoke for themselves. In fact, in over 30 years, I never heard Alan brag about anything…except, of course, his golf Prowess…and on this, we knew he was just speaking nonsense.
Our friendship began in Hong Kong and where else but on the golf course. I recall vividly racing out of the HSBC offices at noon on Saturdays to get to the golf course for our weekly match. Following golf, it was, not surprisingly, a beer…OK maybe two or more... and a cigar reliving the results of our match. The most important aspect of this after golf debrief was the very painful process of having to reach into our pockets to settle the wager. We never bet much money as the real pain or pleasure was forking over or taking the results of the bet.
This golf initiated friendship continued over the years in many, many different countries and golf courses. From the Philippines, to Ireland, Scotland, Australia, the UK, Whistler, and of course, our retirement home course in Arizona. Near Alan's retirement from golf, I asked him to play one last tournament as partners. He was initially reluctant due to his faltering play but as I said to him at the time "Alan we're never played a tournament to win but rather to have fun…so you're playing". And play he did. We didn't win but we did have fun.
Our friendship also included many wonderful trips…sometimes just Alan, Winnie, Jill and I but often with Alan and Winnie's other close friends, the Wilsons or the Curetons. One of the first such trips was traveling to Alan's and Winnie's wedding in Fiji and sitting on the ocean shore watching the girls gather fish to offer up to Alan to prove Winnie was a suitable bride. She passed with flying colors. Other trips with great memories include the Galapagos and swimming with hammerhead sharks, something Alan found exciting whereas I was just terrified. Or the time we were sailing in the Greek Islands with our other dear friends, the Wilsons. One morning a small boat with two people on board approached our catamaran wanting something. Seeking to protect our boat and loved ones, Alan, Bill and I armed ourselves with paddles…and cigars, of course, in an effort to frighten off the "pirates" which was initially successful. However, when the pirates came back a second time, you've never seen a captain hoist anchor and get us underway as quickly as our captain did that day. I guess I should also mention one of the pirates was clutching a rather old looking rifle…and while it may have been old looking none of us wanted to find out if it worked or not. I think one of Alan's favorite trips was trekking in Rwanda to see the mountain gorillas. On one of these treks a young male gorilla came up and smacked me on the back causing me to tumble head over heels. Alan again thought this was great fun. I, on the other hand, just experienced terror in yet another country of the world with my pal.
Alan was a devoted father to two girls, Sam and Nicki, and very proud of his grandchildren. The love of his life was, of course, Winnie. And he was so grateful for her support and love during the past several months as his health deteriorated. In fact, when Alan wrote asking me to put together a few words he said and I quote: "Absolutely the only regret I have is leaving Winnie, who has been heroic during my long illness". He also said in that email…"Please do not feel sad for me, the end will be a great relief". And I encourage all of us to take his advice…as hard as that might be.
Speaking of Winnie, throughout Alan's and my many years of friendship, she would often refer to us as brothers. Usually, this phrase was used when she wanted Alan to do something he didn't want to do…that is, "tell your brother to do…".
I never told Winnie or Alan, for that matter, but to be considered a brother to Alan is one of the greatest privileges and joys of my life. I have been honored and will be forever grateful to have been Alan's friend.
Tribute by Colin Simmons
I first met Alan back in 1990 following a TP and EP audit in the US. Then more so over the years as audits arose, eventually working for him for many years – he was the best boss I worked for in over 43 years. Alan supported me in many roles in HSBC and provided me with guidance and mentorship that helped me progress my career to a level well beyond my expectations when I first joined HSBC. The life style that Liz, myself and the girls have is as a result of that and I have always been very appreciative to Alan for that.
But, as Alan says, it was the friendship that developed that has been one of life's greatest gifts. There are so many memories, far too many to list them all, but some that spring to mind include the cup final of the old Wembley, games at the Bridge, days at Lords, visits to Whistler, dinners with the “ladies” (the RAC club was very special) and an introduction to good red wine. I will pick out a good red to toast Alan on the 21st.
There are many words that spring to mind to describe Alan – a true Yorkshireman, an English gentleman, kind, intelligent, cool headed, polite, sensitive, strong charactered, humorous, witty, connoisseur (wines, food, the arts etc), hospitable, overly generous, etc, etc, etc. But above all a very, very good friend who will be sorely missed but always remembered.
I suspect Winnie that if you were to include all the “few words, hopefully kind, which could be read at the service” as Alan mentioned, you would probably be there for at least a week. I seriously doubt anyone who has ever met, known or worked with Alan would have a bad word to say about him.
Tribute by Julian Grudzien
Tim has given me the sad news of Alan's death. It came as a shock as my image of Alan has always been of a vigorous man full of energy and joie de vivre. That he should have been afflicted with ALS seems cruel and unjust and must have been incredibly difficult for both of you in spite of your stoicism that Tim described to me with his typical eloquence.
I was lucky enough to have joined Hong Kong Bank back in the 1980's when the world was so different. I confess to have been in awe of its reputation and austerity and very nervous about whether I would be up to the job. Cureton, Hamilton and Strickland were exacting task masters with little patience or sympathy for the slow-witted. In stark contrast Alan was warm, welcoming and quintessentially human possessing as much emotional intelligence as the academic kind. His advice was always couched in generous and encouraging tones and was hugely motivational.
I was born in Lancashire and thus was trained from birth to develop a contempt for Yorkshiremen. Despite this indoctrination I found it impossible to match Alan with that trite stereotype. I found him to be infectious company, generous to a fault, witty and urbane. I imagine he must have emigrated from Yorkshire at an early age.
Alan gave me my first taste of junk trips (see photo), encouraged me to join the Bank cricket team despite my low single digit batting average and a propensity to drop dolly catches and, without exception, was always "getting the round in". He frequently invited me to golf days at Fan Ling and sometimes gave me a lift back into town usually at something close to 100mph. It didn't surprise me in the least to see him elevated to Group COO although I was sad to see him leave Hong Kong. He would always make a point to see me if I was visiting Canary Wharf and give me far more of his time than my junior position deserved.
I don't think you need me to tell you that Alan was a special sort of person but I want to tell you that anyway. Although the cellar is currently out of Chateau Leoville-Las Cases, I will raise a glass of red to his memory and think of him next time I am allowed to hit the golf course.
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