A bit sad but …..

Last week a very dear friend of mine died unexpectedly. His name was Mike Moran. You probably won’t ever have heard of him but he was one of the founders of the Audio-Visual industry way back in the early 1970’s. He also pioneered the use of video recording and editing for in-company training when the first commercially available video recorders were introduced in this country in the late 1970’s. The company he founded went on to become the largest audio visual and video dealership in Europe – entirely through his drive and energy.

I worked for him for nearly 25 years – he was the founder and Chairman of the company I worked for until 2003 – and he was probably one of the kindest most generous guys I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.

He was one of those people that could bring out the very best in everybody – God knows how he did it – I guess he was one of those truly inspirational leaders of men that you meet once in a lifetime.

I went to his funeral yesterday, which was incredibly moving and was attended by over 150 people. As his coffin was carried back down the aisle, at the end of the service, they played the most moving piece of music I think I’ve ever heard. It’s called “Time To Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman.

Here is the link if you want to hear it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbN0g8-zbdY

His son acted as one of the pallbearers, and to see the son carrying his father’s coffin – well I guess that it was one of those defining moments in life that touch you forever.

In many ways, Mike was like a father to me – as well as being my boss. He was a good man and I shall never forget him.