He should have come to Marbella - A Tribute to Bryan Mangan

He should have come to Marbella but went to Heaven instead!
Bryan Morton Mangan (7th April 1947 – 8th August 2018)

And so, my boet, your time has come
The day is over, your work is done!
Stand back and look at what you achieved
Individual and focused on what you believed.

So be restful in heaven, have a break
Watch over us all, for all our sake!
Know that you lived and made an impact
You live on in our lives, our memories intact.

This is a tribute to my dearest boet Bryan, who passed away unexpectedly on 8th August 2018.

On the 31st of July 2018, as my family and I were preparing to go on holiday, Bryan and I had a long telephone conversation. I asked him to come and join us in sunny Spain, in beautiful Marbella...
Sadly, it was not to be...he went to Heaven instead!

For those of you that are reading this and wondering what a “boet” is – it is an Afrikaans word for brother and a frequently used “South Africanism”. However, it means so much more than brother and is most often used as a term of endearment across families and friends alike.

Bryan was my boet, but he was so much more than a brother to me. He was my confidant, my advisor, my inspiration and as a young boy growing up, my hero!
This is a short snap-shot of his life and his achievements and touches on family and friends that were on Bryan’s journey through life. I sincerely apologise to those wonderful people I’ve missed or overlooked from the stories...

Bryan was quite a character, razor sharp, an independent thinker who liked to challenge the status quo, and do things his way!
Bryan Morton Mangan was born to Frank and Joy Mangan in Johannesburg, South Africa on 7th April 1947.

As a young boy growing up under our parents, Bryan had the fortune to explore his early age options. Whilst at school, it soon became apparent that he was highly intelligent, excelling academically and doing many activities including chess and even playing the piano.

Bryan’s true calling became apparent once he reached adolescence – he realised that his passion was flying and dreamed of becoming a pilot!
He built and flew model airplanes, knowing full well that he wanted to fly the real thing!
And, by now, I was more than just a cute doll that my sister carried around lovingly and played with.

I could walk, talk and make a nuisance of myself, especially when my boet was building his latest balsa-wood model airplanes. Bryan’s punishment of me was the pleasure of a pretty frequent toilet dunking!

His teenage years brought the usual parental challenges, and no sooner had he dropped the piano when he was racing around on his motorcycles. He had quite a few – Garelli’s, Itoms, and even an Ariel!

With his friends Scamp, Dave, Digby Wesson, Leonard Wilson, Clive Strugnell and many others, they became interested in cars.

By now Bryan was all grown up and headed to the South African Airforce. Not content with flying Mirage fighter jets (which were too computer-controlled), Captain Bryan Mangan became a real, hands-on chopper pilot flying everything from Super Frelon’s to Alouette’s.

There’s a wonderful story about how our mother’s beautiful Renault Gordini mysteriously ended up in Emmarentia Dam!

Fast forward a few years and Captain decides to move to “civvy-street” and that he should become a commercial airline pilot. Literally, days before he was due to start, he decides he needs to go to University as a back-up plan in case his eyesight should ever fail. And so, Bryan the student emerges...

Bryan was gifted with a Mensa-type brain and soon was achieving the Dean’s List and Top Student Awards at Wits University making Frank and Joy very proud parents! Whilst at Wits he met some amazing people – Trevor Fagri, Henk Jordaan and others.

And so off to work he went at SAB!

Throughout his university life, Bryan had two lucrative side- line careers – modelling and as a commercial helicopter pilot. He could tell many a story about flying to the rigs off Cape Town, culls in the Kruger Park and some other “secret” missions!

But, as mentioned earlier, Bryan was a non-conformist and soon found that a 9am start to the working day was impossible! It couldn’t be done!
This called for a lifestyle change and so he started his MBA meeting Peter Cheales with whom he’d become best friends.

Multi-talented I tell you!

These side-line careers provided him with a lucrative income providing for a fleet of exotic cars, starting with a beautiful Porsche 911T, the first of many exotics.
Over time he’d enter into business with Brian Ferris selling exotic cars and go on to own some real beauties!

The prized Ferrari Dino 246 GT, Lamborgini, a de Tomaso Pantera, Maserati’s and a few more Porsches...
As you’ll know this love for cars rubbed off on Kathy and me too...

Bryan loved life and especially the enjoyment thereof! Good food, good wine and his friends and family were essential...
So, the logical thing to do was to enter the restaurant business, opening Mangan’s Grill in Randburg.

What a place it was! People still talk about the good ol’
days at Mangan’s Grill. Russell Pryor, Joop, Stuart, Steve Ellis and many others will all have tales to tell.

Thereafter followed a few other forays into other restaurants including taking over our regular Sunday night haunt, Roma Pizzeria in Melville, home of Enrico, Ornella, Fausto, Luca and the wonderful Sidney!
Everybody loved Roma... and Parkhurst... and Illovo too!

Bryan had always had a good head for business and it was logical that he would partner with his close friend Phil Valsecchi, who started and ran Canon Business

Bryan was blessed with many wonderful friends throughout his life, all playing important roles throughout.

His Airforce buddies, his school buddies, his study buddies, his food buddies – too many to mention but, including Peter Cheales, Trevor Fagri, Henk Jordaan, George “Scamp” Kemp, Dennis vd Linde, Dave and Irene Markantonis, Glenn and Glenda Wagner, Phil and Maureen Valsecchi, Laszlo, Russell Pryer, Dael Nathan, Steve Ellis, Clive Strugnell, Simon MacLennan, Alan Busuttil, Pat O’Leary, etc, etc..., ..., ... and of course the ladies, Clare, Anne, Tania, Ingrid, Avril, the list goes on...

Bryan and Clare, like everyone we know, had a relationship that enjoyed many highs and a few lows over time.

The highs were right up there at the TOP! A wonderful son, Dylan and a sincere, loving and enduring friendship with Clare.

Bryan and I were each other’s best men at our weddings – reflecting back, a great honour for us both! We really were true BOETS!

Bryan was immensely proud of Dylan, who has always loved the sea and related activities.

To Dylan,
Know in your heart that your Dad was a special man who, lived life his own way. In doing so, he may have done things differently that may have been difficult to understand at the time.

Over the last few years as your career has developed, there is NO father that could have been prouder of his son! You exceeded his every dream and expectation as you found your way.

You made him the P R O U D E S T Father. EVER!

So, stay your course, live your life. Be filled with courage and conviction and the knowledge that your father loved you more than you’ll ever know.

A tribute to my friend, Len Mellet (09/04/58 - 14/07/17)

This is a celebration of Len’s amazing life - even though we are all grieving his passing. Len loved a good time and would be happy to see us all having a laugh with him today!

I can just imagine Len asking me if I wanted a “Black Jack” or a “Captain” and then turning up the volume to Jim Morrison and The Doors as he “Breaks on Through (to the Other Side)…

“We chased our pleasure here

Dug our treasures there

But can you still recall

The time we cried

Break on through to the other side…”

Len and I go back about 48 years or so. We connected in a way that is hard to describe - a cross between friendship and brotherhood. We were true friends no matter what was going on in our lives, or where we were in the world.

Our paths first crossed in Standard 4/5 when he was about 11. Since then, our paths have been inextricably linked across school, university, careers and countries. Len and I would travel our path through life together as special friends – whether at school, Wits University, working together at OMC Engineering, travelling the world or just on the phone. We had a number of common interests that glued our lives together – bikes, cars and music were a key part of it all.

How I remember him and his Yamaha bikes, Ford Escorts, Alfa’s and many other exciting cars. I also remember how he'd be completely absorbed by Rudi’s skilled rendition of “Ain’t no Sunshine” at the Roxy and equally taken with Jim Morrison and The Doors on CD, or attending small gigs watching the Asylum Kids with George or throwing some weird shapes at Q’s Supper Club with Dean. Oh, and of course he liked a good time with his friends! Len had so many - school mates, army mates, work mates, life mates and of course his soul mate and angel, Desire.

As young teens at De la Salle College, Victory Park, some of us called him “Magic Hairy Legs” – soon this just became “Magic” as that reflected his personality more accurately. Len had it all. He had the 4C’s – he was caring, clever, cool and composed and had a wry sense of humour. No wonder we all loved him!

Len was my multifaceted friend, a bit like a Rubik's Cube. Complex, colourful, structured, difficult and hugely rewarding. We had amazing times together, but of course we had tough times too! We laughed together, cried together and achieved together. Importantly, Len was not at all selfish and shared his successes with family and friends.

What was it about Len that made him so magical to me (and you here today)? I’m sure we can each identify a few things about him that apply. In my case, Len always had the time, interest, empathy and integrity to provide me with a friendship like no other. He was funny, sincere, caring, direct and called it as he saw it.

My closing message to Len:

My special friend, I just want to tell you that you are an amazing person! A friend like no other to me. We have had such a good life journey together - no matter how near or how far we we've been from each other, we have always had an incredible bond. I have always known that you've had my back no matter what. We have rich stories to tell. What a life we've lived! How blessed we are.

I know that you know this. Know that you have made an impact. Thank you for your friendship and your love, for supporting me at all times, for being there when I needed you. You are my brother, my friend.

So “Magic” Lenny, fly gracefully. Rest in Peace.

My sincerest condolences to Desire, Len’s family and friends.

Friends...

I've been blessed with some nice things in my life, the best of which are my family and friends...

Unfortunately I've just learned that one of the nicest, most sincere and dearest of friends is in a tough place. Somehow he has been dealt an undeserved hand and the outlook is bleak. Cancer does that! Indiscriminate, merciless and devastating...

I have just had a call with him to express my sympathies, share my emotions and show my support. We both started off somewhat matter of fact - blah, blah, blah...chemo - that's tough, you'll beat it - blah, blah, blah. The we broke through to the next level - a sincere chat about what it really means and how we really feel.

Some tears, some choked emotions and a whole lot of reality. We are friends and our friendship goes back over 45 years. We can be direct and say it as it is. We laughed about the good times (at school, at uni, at work), some near misses and great escapes, and the fact that we used to be "bulletproof"! Sadly no longer. Now we talk about how time has crept up on us both and with it the new challenges that age, life and human frailty brings.

So where do we go from here? His chemo treatment starts next week; the stats aren't favorable and it's going to be "hell on earth" for my strong and brave friend. For me, I'll be on the sidelines urging him to beat this beast, take another step and win this battle one day at a time.

What would I do, if our roles were reversed? I really cannot say. I think I'd want to make each day count; tell my family and friends that I love them; make people laugh and smile and not have a bad word to say. I'd build a picture book of things that are dear to me, memories that are meaningful and of course, compile the most important "To Do" list of my life. No time to be lazy - life is for living! Especially when you're on a countdown...

My friends and family who read this, will know how much I love them and value and cherish our relationships. You are all SO special to me!

To my special friend, just know that your friends are with you every step of the way. We've got your back, we care, we'll pray, we'll share the journey with you.

And in the words of the song by Burt Bacaharch and Hal David - What's it all about Alfie?

What's it all about, Alfie
Is it just for the moment we live
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it's wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
What will you lend on an old golden rule
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
I know there's something much more
Something even non-believers can believe in
I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie

Amsterdam - Incredible memories of my years gone by...

I spent the last few days in Amsterdam on business - it was a time of reminiscence for me; memories of years gone by...

I worked for HP South Africa in the eighties and as a young engineer had an opportunity presented to me to relocate to Amsterdam. I was keen but apprehensive - leaving my family and friends behind was a major issue. With my parents guidance and encouragement from my family and friends, I took the plunge!

Departure day at Jan Smuts Airport (now called something different), my dear family and incredible friends turned up to bid me farewell - there were tears, good wishes, laughter and butterflies! I was off...

I got on the plane and despite a few tears and my heart in my mouth, I opened my mind to what lay ahead. I had so many questions: What was it going to be like? Would I make it at work? Would I manage the culture? Would I be lonely / make any friends? And so many more...

The stewardess awoke me - we were going to be landing shortly. Time to get my act together.

We touched down and my heart lifted up. Despite my fears and trepidations this was my time - I was arriving on a full tank of determination! I stepped boldly off the plane, resolute and focused.

I spent over two amazing years in Amsterdam before returning to South Africa to continue on my life development journey. 

So many great friends (you all know who you are), some crazy visits from my 'life' friends in South Africa, a special father/son time with my incredible Dad and many other beautiful memories. My short visit over the last few days has rekindled this all. 

Now, looking back on my life, I realise that it was my boldest step. I loved my life in Amsterdam - loved the culture and the people, thrived at HP; made some incredible new friends and took in numerous life experiences that have shaped me. Thank God I took the opportunity.

Here I am leaving Amsterdam with such fond memories, flying home to my life in London, my special family, my friends and a great job.

I have been blessed - life is great! 

Don't be scared to seize the moment; to make that commitment or take that risk. Life is for living!

Hot as ...

Phew! Never thought I'd say this, but it's too hot here! 

We're on our annual pilgrimage to the Costa del Dosh and it is 38C! Very nice but it's taking time to acclimatise. Went for a 5km run and probably walked for 2 of the 5km - no energy! Don't know how Dan has the energy to hit the gym.

Chillaxing at the pool today, followed by dinner at our favourite restaurant, Los Farollilos. 

Beautiful setting, family and friends - time to relax now!

Loving London

Had to fetch my new Irish passport today and found myself with a few minutes to kill in the "posh" part of London - Knightsbridge! Popped in to HRods (or "little Dubai" as I call it) for a sandwich but balked at the price of a 'pain a fromage' - I think they had me down as the young, svelte Sheikh al Mangani!

Luckily I was NOT mistaken for a Middle Eastern zillionaire, and didn't get into a Bugatti Veyron and drive off either - damn!

 

Thought I'd do a bit of shopping - I'm looking for a set of "his and hers" runabouts and found this lovely pair - what do you think? Tracey's is the green one!

I did consider a new 'pad' in posh Londinium and had a choice of the Candy Brother's One Hyde Park (glass not class!) or something more genteel in Eaton Square with it's own little park!

Choices!!! You've got to love London...

Powwowpat hits the blogosphere!

Time to stop talking and start doing! I keep telling all the "young guns" around me that they need to be blogging - so now it's time to practice what I preach.  I'm now in the blogosphere!

Why living the dream? Simple. We all aspire to great things - personal development, happiness, success, the list goes on. To me, it's about the journey through life and where YOU think YOU ARE at any stage of that journey. It's about being humble with your success, but striving for more; respecting and encouraging those around you; having time to help people that need a little (or a lot) of help; making a contribution to our society and having time for those close to you including yourself...

Well, I'd like to think I'm in that place - living the dream. It's by no means perfect, but it is so good!  God-willing it'll stay that way...