Pat was my secretary for over ten years and my friend for more than forty. But long before our association at Ericsson Telecommunications began she’d worked out what it was in life that mattered; not simply what made it bearable but what made every day worthwhile. She was a rare and splendid soul who constantly gave of herself expecting nothing in return. Her happy demeanour, welcoming countenance and the smile in her voice ensured every moment spent in her company was a joy.
I cannot think of a single thing Pat did that wasn’t motivated by her thoughtfulness for others - something from which I benefitted enormously. ‘Come on in - I’ll make you a cup of tea - and I’ve got some of those chocolate rolls you like’. And then she’d impress me by reeling off all the confectionaries her other visitors most enjoyed. In my case she took her culinary kindness to an extraordinary level being the only person to ever serve me my favourite dish for dinner, indeed the only person I’ve known who knew how to make a steak & kidney pudding – remarkable.
Conviviality, always the hallmark of time spent with Pat, abounded in her company - whether over a meal or sat in her lounge. And conversation with Pat was just that, she listened as well as she spoke. And while more forthright in his opinions, her late husband, Ray was likewise skilled and respectful in exchanges though here again Pat’s communication skills were wonderfully demonstrated through the manner in which she dismissed or took the edges off his more extreme views.
Our favourite subject was family and friends and after that we reminisced about our days in the office. We never ran out of incidents to recount. Sometimes the same ones, sometimes an episode long forgotten that demanded its voice. Our pool of memories was broad, deep and varied.
At Ericsson we rose together through the ranks on my journey from senior manager to MD. Her support was invaluable – truly invaluable. She had an innate sense of, and for, corporate politics. She understood how the corridors got darker, the alcoves deeper and the knives longer as we journeyed upward. Her outstanding ability to form relationships in every part of the company, and at every level, ensured I was always pre-warned of events and shenanigans that could threaten my position.
It was masterly how she managed to demonstrate her absolute loyalty to me while never betraying the trust of those who confided in her. If this sounds highly Machiavellian it was, but the truth is that in partnership we made the challenge of survival a rewarding experience. Pat loved being involved in the politics of power but I would never have made it to the top had it not been for her unerring support in helping me qualify for an OU BSC: director level posts were unattainable without a degree. For eight years from 1982 to 1989 she typed, retyped corrected and improved my written assignments. Indeed she was so involved I have no doubt she could have dealt with the year-end exams.
No matter how long we shared the same space for me it was never long enough and I was always disappointed when the time came to part. Her worthiness was very special and her companionship irreplaceable.
Terry Henson