"What's all this then eh?! What's going on 'ere? 'Ello! How about......www.duncanbarnes.co.uk! Couth mate.....couth."

You always knew how to phrase it best and your words will always live on with me.

I want to try and pay tribute to the great friend you were but I feel I could never begin to express what an effect you really had on me. Much has been said of your wonderful personality and charisma and I'm afraid to say it mate, it's all true! You were a friend to so many people in so many ways and will continue to be in our hearts. You were one in a million and I truly loved you for it.

You meant so much to me Dunc and I can't help but selfishly think that I don't want you to go. Everyone still wants you here mate, don't go just yet. There are still loads of things to see and do. I guess I should be thankful though. Not everyone in the world can meet someone as special as you (although you tried your hardest!) and so I feel so honored I could be your friend.

I spent some of the happiest times of my life at University and I can attribute much of it to you. I really want to thank you for the good times and all the great memories we have. Not a single one sad or depressing and this is the true reflection of your character. Always happy, always smiling.

So where do we start mate? What memories stand out for you the most? Exactly! How do we begin?! Our time at Uni was spent having the best time we possibly could and that's why every memory is so special.

Do you remember the Bodington Ball? At what point did someone think it would be a good idea to see who could best take a punch on the chin? Hegg hit me so hard that it felt like I broke my jaw. I laid a peach on you though mate!

And how can we forget those countless hours spent in the refectory. Everyday, Div, you and I would argue endlessly about the finer points between The Guardian and The Times. With the pair of you ganging up on me, I stood little chance. At least I didn't have paint splashed on my jeans!

Even studying with you was a pleasure. We worked on many essays and projects together and you never seemed to make it a chore. I think our lecturer songs really made everything seem a little lighter....."Oh Angie!...lalala"

And of course there's "Gym Club". Training with you and Dan was a highlight on most days as we planned nights out, discussed our burning social issues or just mocked my comparative weakness. I can only shake my head in shame when I think back to the posing sessions we had in the changing room mirror afterwards. I don't think Dan or I could ever get the facial expression quite right.

What great times they were and then we set off for a new challenge in Japan. We kept kidding ourselves it was just going to be a fantastically long two week holiday and what an adventure it turned out to be.
Now I need your help though Dunc. I can't seem to get in touch with you. Something awful has happened and I really need to talk to you. Help me mate. I know you'd have just the right thing to ease this tremendous pain a little.

I have all these treasured memories though and I'll remember them all for the rest of my life. I know they'll help me. So even though I can't really believe you've gone when there is still so much fun to be had, I know you'll be there because I'll always be thinking of you.

I am missing you so much mate.
Matt

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