I am so sorry to find out that Rupert has gone. We were talking about him tonight and thought I would find out what he was up to as it had been a while since I had seen him. I only ever saw him once in a while, but he was always an inspiration to us when we were feeling a bit dull or not sure whether to take a risk. Rupert would tease and inspire us. He knew how to live life to the full. Until just now, whenever I heard a motorbike outside I thought maybe it's Rupert, as he would just turn up randomly and give us a kick up the backside. I have read all your touching comments. My thoughts are with you.
I don't know why Rupert came to mind an hour ago other than he was great guy and I ,being somewhat down,summoned him from my memories ...to say i was shocked to find he was no longer here is an understatement..I was at school with Rupert and later i recall a bbq in Hackbridge,his pad in sutton with chainsaws and a bw photo of mine he liked,whizzing around on my v50 behind his more impresive beast... I would just say he was a lovely man,always friendly ,always interested in others - A person that i was trying to call an hour ago
Hi everyone, I'm Rafaela, I'm not a friend from childhood or someone Rupert used to go motorbiking, we didn't share drinks often nor have ever traveled anywhere together. I was just his employee and I'd like to tell you a bit about Roo from my point of view. We met in 2007 when I was hired to be a waitress at Archangel, I was a bit clumsy and not that fast but he always encouraged me and quite often he tried to help me to deal with the 'Evil Danish Head Chef' that was running the kitchen at that time and that did his best to hunt me dinner after dinner. When we had some quietness in the restaurant he would grab a beer and join me to talk a bit. I always loved his sense of humor and wit, but I confess that in the beginning I couldn't really understand him, he was just too ahead of me. Rupert and I used to talk a lot about psychology, literature, dreams we had and about love. I'm not quite sure if he knew how important he was to me, but I did try to show him as much as I could that I really treasured our friendship. I honestly miss him and I just hope he can feel that.
I first met Rupert when I was 9 years old at junior school. I was a nervous child; overweight, probably a bit smelly (nothing changes) and very shy. Other children were rightly full of themselves, ably demonstrating their academic or sporting prowess to those that "mattered". Rupert sat next to me in class. He had joined the school late and we immediately hit it off. I don't recall exactly why or how but it was probably because he accepted me for who I was. I felt comfortable and above all else, happy in his company. We soon became close friends and I was invited to lunch at his house. His mother made us a delicious spaghetti bolognese and we sat easily around the dining table laughing and chatting. It was an idyllic situation. I was kindly invited to visit Roo's house on several occasions afterwards over a number of years and was always treated very well. I cherish those times. Although we were perhaps not so close at senior school, I still recall sitting next to him for a couple of years there. By that point, we had both reached a relatively acceptable standard of drawing. We would entertain each other with cartoons and caricatures of the teachers in the most uncompromising situations whilst our victims were droning on about irregular french verbs or quadratic equations blissfully unaware of our scribbles. It would frequently get to the point where we were both on the verge of exploding with laughter. I can recall stuffing a handkerchief in my mouth once to contain myself whilst my classmates were nearly dropping off to sleep at "Mr Boring's" maths class. On seeing this, Rupert jabbed a compass point into my leg to try to get me to release the hanky. I managed to contain myself until the bell went, going an enjoyable shade of purple in the process (according to Rupert). Fortunately my friendship with Rupert didn't stop at the end of school. He also loved motorbikes and beer so we would frequently meet at the local hostelries and have a good chat about a wide range of subjects. I enjoyed going further afield with him to meet his wider circle of friends from the other "segments" of his life. That was another difference about Rupert. He was so gregarious; a free spirit. He could interact with people from all walks of life and as a consequence, made many friends. His charming nod and smile would capture a person and before they knew it, they had happily talked to him for hours without blinking at the time. Rupert also had deep natural talents. His creativity has no doubt touched many people. I experienced his fantastic jewellery making and artwork not to mention his skills with various motorcycle creations on extremely limited budgets. I have since learned of his abilities as a tree surgeon and landscape artist sadly, after losing touch with him. Rupert was a very special person. Although we had not met in person for years, I often thought of him. I am privileged to say that he was a true friend. I only wish he was now here for me to tell him that at least once.
Writing these few words on behalf of the Coyle family. Doug told me the news a couple of days before the funeral, unfortunatly what with Doug in Cyprus and me in Canada we were sadly unable to attendthe funeral. However our thoughts were with you all and glasses were raised on many appropriate times. Many fond memories of Ru... his passion for bikes meant that on a sunday morning you could tell he was on his way by the exhaust note ! You would know he was in the Greyhound as his bikes always got a crowd. A skilled tree surgeon who's work was second to none, but most of all one of the most genuine, sharing, honest and caring friends my brother and our family had. Rupert we love you and miss you.RIP mate.
Rupert and I met on the two year foundation course at Epsom Art College. At first I wasn’t quite sure what to make of him. He was always giving me these glaring stares from across the room. It wasn’t long before he started teasing me and I of course would always end up blushing, much to his delight and so began our friendship. Rupert had a wicked, dry sense of humor and a mischievous grin but underneath I found he was a gentle soul and a deep thinker. In 1987 I moved to the US but on a brief visit back to the UK in 1993 I was fortunate enough to meet up with Rupert again. It was as if no time had passed at all. We just picked up where we left off, and yes, he teased me! I have so many fond memories and am so saddened by the news of Rupert’s passing. I send my deepest sympathy to his family and all those who knew him. Rupert, you will always live on in my memories. Rest now old friend.
Darling Roo , my first nephew and an Aussie born one too- you could have become Gov-Gen if you'd wanted! You lived here for about 6 years and made so many friends and were like a second son to me, and your grandparents loved having you around, swapping with Papa jokes that poor Granny could not understand! In 1988 when Daddy died you were such a comfort to me and the rest of the Simcocks and I felt a terrible wrench when in 1993 you suddenly announced that you were going back to England as a surprise for your mother's 60th birthday. I wish I could have seen her face when you turned up! You rang me once when you were on holiday in the Dominican republic; full of beans, the trouble was that you were not v.good on time zones and it was 3.30 in the morning,not afternoon. We shared a villa in Spain in 2007 but we could see how tired you were most of the time, heartbreaking for us to see, remembering the way you were. Every time I took a photo of you you would blink and I'd yell at you only to hear you say ' But I only do it to annoy you,Ba' You were loved by a great number of people and I'm happy that you had a great send-off on Friday. I raise a glass to you and love you for ever. Love Ba xxx
About 26 years go I was introduced to 'Little Adam' by Mike and Janet. Back then the people I now consider to be my greatest lifelong friends were often popping into my house, number 72. I was soon introduced to Rupert by Adam and out of the whole gang Rupert managed to remain in my life at regular intervals ever since. I remember him calling in with some lovely silver jewellery that he had made. I still have my cat necklace. I understand his love of cats! I always enjoyed Rupert's company, he was always such a lovely man to talk to and back then to me he was someone to respect and trust in my often mad world.. In later years I had the pleasure of bumping into Rupert at many occasions at Aide's Scream Studios. When Rupert told me about the bar he was looking forward to running it sounded a vey exciting new project and I remember taking friends to the opening night, my SatNav proudly declaring I had reached my destination down a dead-end somewhere near the Archangel! Our paths crossed yet again at Anne and Dylan’s wedding, so good to see his familiar friendly face. The last time I saw him was at Jim and Alex's wedding. I have to say I thought our paths would cross for my whole life. I am really, really going to miss him.
How can such a sad occasion be so beautiful? Diana, Joe, Georgina and Adam : you spoke so eloquently and tenderly and brought Rupert back for us And the story of Rupert being chased by the SS is one I will treasure for ever. Rupert was intensely proud of his Polish roots and I remember speaking to him for ages at Bletchley Park about the Polish forces and their role in Hitler`s defeat. I don`t need to wonder what he said to the SS general. There was a strange appropriateness in having the wake in the Dakota suite at what used to be Croydon airport. Dick, Rupert`s grandfather organised the flight from Poland of his brother, Adam`s family after the war and we arrived in November 1945 at Croydon Airport in a Dakota. It was a connection that Rupert would have appreciated.
Dear Rupert. He was part of the gang ( I also remember Tom,Lynn,Zai and Stephanie amongst others) whilst we did our 2 year foundation couse at Epsom. I lost touch when I married and moved to Japan but the happy memories of that time will always be with me.I remember Rupert initially for his wonderful hair - I always thought he should have stepped out of a Charles 2nd portrait but with a motor bike of course! I am so sorry for your loss. During the time I knew him, he created so much happiness around him. May he rest in peace.
Dear Diana, Joe, Georgina and Adam, Yesterday's was the most beautiful service I've ever had the misfortune to attend. Your words were so moving and you all kept your composure fantastically. I'm afraid I, like many others couldn't hold it together listening to your speeches. Ruu truly was a legend in his own lifetime. Lucy, my sister showed me two pieces of jewellery that he'd made and given her years ago for two birthdays. I didn't know about the gifts until now and was astounded at the craftsmanship and dexterity in the detail. One of his absolute talents was to make people HIS friends and not just to know them by association. He had this ability to make one feel like his best friend. I bet he was regarded by many as such. It was so nice to see you all again and to share stories and anecdotes of the past. I love the additional photos on this site. look at that smile on your face Adam, it's so animated in that one where I expect Ruu is actually getting the upper hand, since he's still half laughing while I'm grimacing. That captures that moment so well for me. One that had slipped my memory. Well here's my number and email, so if there're any folk you think ought to have it, please pass it on and don't be shy to use it yourself. It would be great to keep in touch. I'm often in France in the summer at the cottage...do visit. Much love Jason
Here are the words I wanted to share:
Into the freedom of wind and sunshine We let you go
Into the dance of the stars and planets We let you go
Into the wind's breath and the hands of the star maker We let you go
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy
Go safely, go dancing, go running home.
by Ruth Burgess
Dear Rupert, your funeral is just now. I wish you peace, grace and rest. And I wished I was there. Your witty smile is imprinted on my memory, your generous, caring soul. I remember those hot summers on motorbikes, laughing until it hurts during our bike trip to France with Helli, Shelley, Adam and Jason. I remember plunging into some hidden quary lake somewhere, bluebell forests, beautiful jewelry you made, your stunning garden. I miss you. I'm sorry I did not help more. My thoughts are with you, with your family, with everyone who has known you and misses you. You've made my life richer. Corinna, from Germany.
You were such a good friend Rupert. Always there for your friends, like the time you came to my bedsit in Wallington, found me in bed soaked in sweat, freezing cold, ice on the inside of the windows. You bundled me into your Mum's (?) car and took me to your 'folk's' (as you always called them) house, sat me in the kitchen and got me warm, then noticed the red tracks creeping up my arms so rushed me up to the doctors. And when you let me stay once when I had no where to sleep. Fearful of annoying your parents by inviting this grubby little oik into the house for the night you made me a 'bed' on the garage floor. Georgina heard us talking and came in "you can't let him sleep here, put him in your room! It's not as if he'll be up all night (not printable here) all over the house!", but I stayed in the garage anyway! You, David and I had some great times back in the 80's but some stories are best kept to ourselves, fluorescent lights and Croydon multistory carpark come to mind! Our paths parted after a while but it was always good to catch up and I really enjoyed our chats when you'd drop by the workshop. As your Father said today, you decided when to start breathing, and you decided when to stop too. Your choice, our loss. RIP Rupert.
This wonderful website which has brought us all such comfort and joy and induced much blubbing is grace à Rupert's dear friend Dylan Mackey who worked tirelessly to set it up for us over the Easter w/e so that we could benefit from reading & seeing what you've all shared with us. Dylan has made all of this possible, at such a difficult time, helping & supporting Adam and me as we learn to administer the site. Thank you Dylan and thank you, to everybody who has contributed to this site, we'll be in touch with you all once life is a bit easier.
Rupert was a real gentleman, friendly, funny and kind, Am so sad to hear of his passing. Rest in peace Rupert.
Words fail me. I am honoured to have known Rupert and will mourn his passing deeply. I am sorry to have only just found out and also for being unable to attend his service as I am now too far away. I shall be thinking of him and all of his friends and family, he won't be forgotten. May he rest in peace. Jono
Rupert was the cool cheeky gentleman of the gang at school. We loved riding our bikes together, but I could never match his skill on the roads, a talent he acquired from schoolboy motocross. A few years ago in tribute to Ruperts' prowess, I started my son Alex at motocross. Alex is now a road user himself, and the influence of Rupert lives on, helping to keep Alex safe. Thanks Roo for pruning my trees, for rebuilding my bike engine, for making me laugh, for being my friend.
Ive met Rupert quite a few times over the years through Ad and Jim. I share that memory of him wooshing up on a mad looking/sounding motorbike and proceeding to be the most charming, sparkling and charismatic guest with a priceless generous and wicked grin and sense of humour. At Alex and Jim's wedding reception last summer he was hopping about from table to table like a silvery bird. Perching where he could. Seemingly chatting to absolutely everyone and making them all laugh. It was like a big bottle of champagne going around. Heartening and inspiring. A real one-off. Well done Rupert! Sophie and I will keep happy memories of you and our thoughts will all be with Ad and everyone on Friday.
Oh Roopes..........what have you done ? I remebr pillion rides on the T90, stick fights in the park, Derby Days, the Greyhound. You made going for a Chinese a new experience. Arriving on the Guzzi for Sunday lunches. Our three girls enthralled with your anecdotes, tom foolery and your interest in their activities. The livliest, most energetic, determined friend. You inspired so many of us to do.....so many things ! You packed so much into 47 years. Me, Jo and the girls will miss you. God bless.
Reading these comments from his friends makes me understand who Rupert was and how loved he was. He was always around the gang hanging out with Shanna and Dylan above the hairdressers in Westmead Road but he was the one who already had a career and was out there making his way. He was greatly admired by us gals in the gang. He was a handsome and interesting man - "silver fox" was how we referred to him. I would like to send my love to Adam and the Hall family and tell you how sorry I am to hear of his passing. x
When we think of Rupert we smile at his sense of humour and his kindness. He was also a font of interesting knowledge, a wise owl and truly creative. Rupert and Adams chain saw party trick was the party trick to top all party tricks! Bursting in to a party attacking each other with chainsaws.....fellow party goers unaware that the chains had been removed! We never saw enough of you but our fond memories of you will stay with us forever.
The only way I can picture Rupert is with a cheeky smile on his face , eyes darting around as if to see who he could make laugh next. Quite the "Silver Fox" to us, though I didn't know him long he made an impact on my life and he'll be missed.
The love that people felt for Rupert is so beautifully shown in this place that Adam and Georgina have made for him. I met Rupert through my friendship with Adam when we started our degree at Winchester some 20 years ago. The bedrock of Hall charm, wit, loyalty and humour is a seam that runs deep; deep enough even to make a stripy jumper something that could be worn with rakish insouciance. Rupert touched so very many peoples lives. They will always carry his heart in theirs.
I have met Rupert through my daughter.I have been very fond of him ever since. He was always very polite and a real gentleman. He used to pop in with bag's of water cress from his garden as he new that I liked it so much. I will miss him very much.
We must have been 18 when we first met in the Greyhound,the bikes first bought us together and from then on he really became one of our extended family. Always asking after my mother and father when we met and with the manners of a prince. Friday nite was out on the bike nite, often just riding without a clue where we would end up. Rupert would often pop in on a Sunday, you could hear his bike 3 mins before he turned into the road and the dog always seemed to be expecting him and the ribbing that he would give about cats being more intelligent. I saw Rupert about 3 weeks before his end and he seemed in his usual teasing self, he came round and explained "how a pound and fish should be kept " had a cup of tea and roared off. One Friday nite while out riding ,we was chugging away on two chopped triumphs side by side looking like extras out of easyrider when we were joined by a runaway horse running along side us, the horse was enjoying breaking free and the three of us went along for about half a mile. The kids always enjoyed it when he turned up, creating ludicrous games after encouraging them to eat as much chemical sweets as they can, and then shooting off out of the door leaving two hyper kids. All those dodgy jumpers !! You will be missed mate. Its strange what goes on inside the mind, only a couple of lifes to go to enlightenment Rupert, you led a good life here. SCORE CARD SAYS 10
Dearest Roo, you touched my life with such Depth and Beauty. I feel such great privilage to have had the opportunity to be close with you for so long and for us to have shared so much together. This world has lost a Great Soul, loyal friend and a man of Great Courage, Integrity, Respect, Humanity and Dignity. You will always be held dear, loved and cherrished deep within my heart. I will always miss you. Our Max loved you deeply too and there is no doubt in my mind that he is by your side helping you gently heal. I planted an Apple Tree in your honour and made a plarc in rememberance of you. My thoughts go out to your dear family. With Such Deep Sadness - Ollie Aires X (I have photo's of you and would like to share them.)
Rupert was one of the most kindest, considerate and thoughtful men I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and never complained even though he was obviously ill. I will always enjoy the memory of his best man's speech at Adam's wedding and his antics at Adam's stag ordering sea slugs and ducks feet at the chinese. It really was a privilege and an honour to share some of our time with him and he will be missed very much by my family
When I arrived at Wallington High School in 1980 I immediately found a like minded soul in Ad. We were initially in different classes, but as time rolled on we found ourselves getting closer as friends - and have been ever since. Roo wasn't around at the time - he'd finished school as we arrived and was travelling the world by then. By the time we were 16, a bunch of us had bought motorbikes and scooted around town terrorising the locals (!) thinking we were the coolest dudes around. It was only until Roo showed up from Oz and calmly, but firmly intergrated himself into our "gang" that we all realised that, reluctantly at first but with a begrudging acceptance, this guy was, in fact, the absolute definition of cool! Roo was always the "go to" guy and always has been - he had an air of gravitas and sincerity that was undeniable, a calming, ressuring demeanour that people recognised immediately. (Even with the kaliedascopic jumpers!) I could go on and on. He was the most generous, understanding, empathetic person I've ever met. A ridiculously impish sense of humour and an incredibly entertaining sense of the absurd - which would have me in stitches for days after! He was loved by so, so many people and he was the genuine article - the truest of friends, the soul of a giant and a heart as big as the moon. For these and so many other thousands of reasons and a million more - I'll miss him so much. Luv ya Roops. Al xxxxx
I keep expecting to pick up the phone and hear your voice saying "Jeerrrsy" from afar and I'd reply "Wooopaart" and immediately we would slip back into that familiar and loving, teasing and silly dialogue we do so well. So many memories my dear friend, that I will cherish forever. You have always been in my heart ever since I started teasing you in your Room Service uniform, scraping plates at the Hilton in Sydney in 1987! Then sharing a flat and then sharing a tiny box in Tokyo. I'll never forget the Irish girls leaving the dried fish around the bottom of the toilet as their parting act. Somehow they just didn't get you, but I did. I most remember that cheeky laugh and uncontrollable grin that made your eyes disapper whenever you thought you'd done something truly dastardly. So cute and so naughty at the same time. I wish I could have spoken to you again. I didn't lift the phone recently when I thought of you around your birthday and that I will regret. I am so sorry you were in such pain, I hope you are free of it all now and your soul will fly again. You were such a cherished friend my dear Rupert, even in absence, I always loved you and thought of you with joy. I'm going to look through some photos and have a laugh and a cry and hear a Woopart noise or two in my ears. My thoughts go to your family. Georgina we met in Sydney, Adam too and Diana we had lunch that time. I only heard about Jo. I am so sad for you all. I lost my own brother 15 years ago and it is something that never leaves you. I hope you will find some kind of peace over time and be able to accept that Rupert's life was complete. He is a very special one. All my love from Sydney. We will be thinking of you all on Friday and a group of us are planning a drink very soon at the Marble Bar in Sydney where we met. Justine
Rupert was one of a kind, and a great bloke with a heart of gold. Rupert was a good mate, and a someone you could always count on. We had some great times when Rupert was in Sydney. We spent many days up at the Simcocks home at Carlingford and at my Mum and Dads place. The Budd Family in Sydney are thinking of Ruperts family at this time. We send our love to you all. Regards Mal Budd
When I was young,Rupert was my cool, older cousin. I didn't know him well at all. In recent years my sister Jenny connected with Rupert and they became close friends. I remember meeting him for the first time as an adult at my mum's (Wanda's) birthday party about 5 years ago. I was struck immediately by his open, generous nature. I went to "Archangel" for my fortieth birthday celebration a year ago and I felt so looked after by him and had a lot of fun! It is truly heartbreaking to know that he's gone. Like I say, I didn't know him well,but he was a big part of my sister's life, and I always had and always will have the highest regard for him. My deepest condolences to Diana, Joe, Georgina and Adam and their children. Rest In Peace Rupert xx
I will never forget Rupert showing off his polish calling "niemcy niemcy", or our arguments about fat Puss Puss menu, or sneaking out from the crowded bar and chatting for hours…Conversation with Rupert was a challenge. Extremely intelligent, creative, kind men, always happy to help. From time to time I was working with him- I loved it! So many happy memoirs, you were fantastic friend Rupert, learned a lot from you. I can’t believe I won’t see you any more… you will always be somewhere deep inside my heart… Gosia xxx
My son Bart went to school with Guy, so I met the wonderful Georgina and eventually Rupert. I think he had blue hair when I first saw him. The next time, it was orange. He was indeed a vivid and colourful character. We all spent a week together in Rasteau where Rupert was the naughty uncle par excellence. The adults all loved his company and the children adored him. My own brother died two years ago. I am so very sorry about your loss now. Love from Philippa x
When I met Rupert in 1993 I had started going out with his childhood friend Simon, he was curious I'm sure to see what sort of woman would end up with 'largehead', as he called him! From the start it was clear that we had much in common - we shared a birthday, a love of the film Harold and Maude, a prediliction for slightly stale cheesy wotsits, eccentric gardening, a love of making stuff and an even greater love for winding up Simon. One of my greatest memories is of him accompanying us on the first weekend of our honeymoon to Padstow - the staff at the hotel were clearly confused about this arrangement and poor Roo had to field off all sorts of insinuating questions..... Our greatest ritual, however, was reserved for dim sum as I'm sure it was for many others. We regularly came up from Canterbury to Croydon to feast at Wing Yip or to walk through the park from the club to the Royal China - it's so hard to think that will never happen again.... Rupert was such a kind, gentle and generous man and had an extremely wicked sense of humour, he loved to put us in toe-curlingly embarrassing situations then sit back watching with a wry smile on his face. It's that smile I'd like to remember as well as his lovely knitted jumpers, his distinctive white hair and the unmistakeable sound of his beautiful bike coming down the road.... We loved you so much Rupert....Yum Cha xxxxx
From one flower lover to another. Your endless talent, generosity and kindness will be sorely missed. It's our loss that you are no longer with us. Thank you for sharing your life with us and may you now find the peace that is owed you for who you were. Sadly we are unable to join your family and friends at your funeral and wake, but we will raise a glass to you here in Thailand. May God be with you always. Goodbye Sonia, Julio and Pippa xxx
I've just looked at those pictures and the one of Roo's garden in Hackbridge brought back so many memories. Roo practically passing out laughing at Duggie trying to log roll at the pond inauguration party, chilling on summer days with a beer and one of Roo's foodie concoction plates. I haven't seen him for a couple of years but I just can't believe he's not with us anymore. Absolutely gutted, hugs all round. What an incredible loss to this planet. Goodbye my friend, see you in the next adventure (well at least try to wait for us!) xxxxxxxxx
Tragic news. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Ruperts humanity and gentleness was always uniquely apparent. There is no doubt that he had a positive effect on the lives of his friends and all that knew him. I will miss him and will always remember the humanity he brought to this world. God bless you Rupert.
Goodbye my dear friend. I miss you terribly. You have left a massive void here at Archangel and in our hearts. I hope you are now at last at peace. Mark, Maggie and Ellis. X
To my gorgeous friend Rupert, You were a fantastic friend to have and always made any occasion a fun and happy one. All those years ago Art college wouldn't have been so much fun without you there... I treasure those memories of long pub lunches, pints of bitter with you, motorbike rides, snowball fights, your great sense of humour, lots of parties, 3 card brag in the canteen and the great friendship between Tom, Sarah you and me which we kept up all these years since.......I will remember your love of cats, Moroccan tiles, Chinese food , my Thai green curry, red wine, your sense of adventure, your long biker hair then your Mohican and more recently your kool grey hair, your knitted jumpers, your noisy motorbikes, , again your sense of humour ...phoning up and pretending to be Santa to my kids..., your love of the British weather and season change, long chats into the early hours, your lovely manner as a host and how you made people feel welcome and put them at ease......I love you so much Rupert and will always miss you. Love Stephanie XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I'm not sure when Rupert's hair really started going grey, but in my memory it was always a bit grey, even when he was at school. He had always seemed so much older and self assured than his peers. He was always doing something exciting with his life, and he would always be doing it in his own distinctive way. I grew up with him speeding past on a variety of unusual, noisy motorcycles. They were always somehow customised so they were even more unique and’ Rupertesque’. Motorcyclists for miles around knew his Rupert Bear tartan crash helmet and the grin on his face. Later on there were trucks, pick-ups, chainsaws, chippers and stump grinders. He was always around, larger than life, with some exciting tale to tell or amazing machine to show off. He had a wit and an intellect that was a pure joy to experience. I remember he would go off to Australia and come back with wild stories about selling jewellery to Donks in the outback, or washing himself in petrol after pruning gum trees. Like a lot of his friends, I worked for him from time to time. I used to love a day out with Rupert. It was always incredibly hard work, but the excitement of being out in one of his trucks and watching him squirrel around some giant tree was a real enjoyment. Rupert loved working with wood and he was an amazingly competent professional and an outstanding climber. I remember on 9/11 we stopped only briefly to see what was happening because he wanted to make sure the clients hedge was properly cut and the garden all tidy. His energy seemed boundless and his enthusiasm irrepressible. Socially, he was as energetic as in the rest of his life. If you invited "The Silvery Fox" to your party you could be sure that by the end of it he would know everyone there and he would probably end up knowing everyone at someone else's party round the corner. My family and I never tired of his company. I was always incredibly impressed by the power and energy he put into whatever he did and I was really sad when some years ago he became ill and lost much of his strength. For most people of my age who knew him, he was an aspirational figure and I will always remember him as that man of impressive energy who taught me so much and whose company gave me such great enjoyment. I will miss you Rupert. Jim Harvey
I met Rupert in 1974 when he and his sister Georgina came to Paris for a visit. I remember you Rupert. You were quiet and reserved (because Georgina did all the talking!!). You were also very polite and pleasant. My father went to England last year and visited your entire family. He could not stop talking about you. Rupert, rest in peace. May you have a great time in Heaven. If you run into my mother, remember to re-introduce yourself to her. Take care Rupert.
When I think of Rupert I think of him smiling, that familiar, contagious 'Hall' smile. I met him over twenty years ago through Adam, when Rupert was a jewellery maker. He made me an incredible silver bracelet of a pigs head which then graded into sausage shaped links and then morphed into a plate of bacon. It sounds weird, but you would have to see it to appreciate it, it was amazing, beautiful and unique. Rupert's speech at Adam and Fi's wedding made my ribs ache and my eyes water, it was genius, it still makes me smile thinking of it today, his comedy timing was impeccable. It is truly heart breaking that he is no longer with us, but beyond the sadness thinking of Rupert makes me smile, especially when I remember him choosing to wear the famous family stripey jumper on a visit one Sunday,he carried it off effortlessly. Thank you Adam and Georgina for creating this space for everyone to share their thoughts. Rest in Peace Rupert, you were truly loved and cherished by many.
Can't add much more than others have already said... So I shall echo the facts of Rupert's kind and gentle nature. I hadn't seen Rupert since childhood until he reconnected with my sister Jenny, and it was a glad reunion. Recently I felt as though we were reconnecting in a more lasting way, so I was deeply shocked and unbelieving when I heard the terrible news. My thoughts and love are with Rupert's family and my sister who loved him.Rupert, I wish I had known you better than I did.
It's really hard to put 29 years of friendship into a few words but from the minute I joined Ruperts course at art college we were good friends together with Stephanie and Tom and remained so. I have so many fond memories of Ru at college, him being forcibly marched out of the history of art class for being late, 3 card brag at breaktimes, pub lunches, Ru spending ages making a hot air balloon then accidentally setting fire to it mid air. Then after we had left college Ru went away to Australia but one day he rang up and said in a deep Australian accent 'Hey Sarah, fancy going to a barbie' and for the first time ever I got onto a motorbike and went speeding off down the A3 at about 80 miles an hour. So many fond memories of riding pillion on the back of his Motoguzzi and ending up with my carefully backcombed hair totally flattened, he would never let me ride without wearing a leather jacket. Rupert was a kind, gentle and funny bloke, relentlessly taking the mickey out of me, who I loved so much. Ru, Steph and I met up regularly and always had a good time, we always enjoyed a good bottle of red reminiscing about past times and laughing about more recent ones. He showed so much interest in my family, always asking how they were, my eldest daughter thought he was so cool. I will always love you and will miss you forever Ru, my funny, gorgeous friend. Love Sarah xxxxxxxxxxxxx
My wonderful cousin,kind,gentle and so caring.I felt your pain and I hope you're at peace now. My love to all those who are left behind. Yo Cuz I shall miss you always. Jennifer xxxxxxxxxxxx
Rupert was a wonderful man. Gentle Kind, witty and talented. He was loving to everybody he met. A tragic loss. x
You were 4 when I met you first when I was visiting Banstead Road South during my summer holidays to stay with my cousins Diana & Joe and learn English. I will remember when you were knocking at my door with your deep voice and asking " Yvonne may I come in?" Bye bye my handsome and elegant cousin, you are in our heart for ever Yvonne, Anne and Louise
Rupert, your amazing capability to make your ideas reality, cf Koi carp and watercress waterfall, and endearingly diffident wit are epic. I'm one in a crowd of friends' voices when I say that I shall always miss and never forget you.