Post by Paul Shore

I am so so so sad to hear of the loss of Michael van der Straaten he was a guy that taught me a lot about how to come into the industry from the poor part of the East End. Very few made it from Brampton Manor. He worked harder than most because of it and I’ve done the same. Coincidentally I bumped into Donna West on the train a couple of weeks ago who said he had a health issue but should be fine. We spoke about what an amazing guy he was and it would be great to catch up again. Martin Campbell is a guy I have so much respect and was Mikes CUO. I remember asking him what it’s like working for Mike and he had nothing but positive things to say. I didn’t choose to leave him, the syndicate we were working at went into runoff. It was a shame we didn’t cross paths again as we had affinity in where we grew up. I’ve taken his advice, plus his Fathers. He told me his Dad said if you don’t want to go to university you pass you ACII in three years. I’ve taken this advice and passed onto my kids. It’s so sad someone dying so young, but hope there is some comfort in that there is a legacy. Xx