29 years ago today. . . / Lee Largo (Amigos para siempre ) Felicidades Orlo! 29 years ago today, a star was born, one which we can still see in the sky above us and which illuminates us night and day. Having a good time here in Kenya, working at Nyumbani. Man, you and me would have rocked this place, better than KC and Maspa I'm telling ya! Got your card up in my room, see you every morning when I wake up and ask you for strength, wisdom, happiness and love to confront each day. See you every night before going to bed and thank you and God for showing me the way and allowing me to live this magnificent experience. I will never forget you bro'.
Love to you, your family and friends from Lees.
A delight to have known him even a little / Eleanor (ned) Demuth (aquaintance)
I met Orlando only briefly and that when he was a teenager but I remember him as a joyful and intelligent young man. I thought at the time that he had such great potential and it was with deep regret that I learned of his passing from his brother Adam.
My sympathies and affections are with everyone who knew him well for their loss must be beyond expression. I hope there is some comfort in knowing that he was so very well loved by so many people.
Ned
x
To Orlo / Lee Golding (Brother) It was 2 years ago today, that my good friend Orlo passed away,
Every day I remember his face and know that we will be reunited in a magical place,
It’s incredible how time flies, at the beginning, I had to keep telling myself lies,
Now I know your departure was due and my entire life has suddenly come into view
I thank you Orly for making me see, beauty, ambition and love where before there was only ebony
And now I ask that we all pray;
“Thank you Orlando, for touching our lives in such a wonderful way”.
Lee 17/12/08
London Marathon - National Society for Epilepsy / Ed Checkley (Friend) Hi everyone,
I've decided to run the London marathon for the charity, the National Society for Epilepsy. As you can guess the choice of charity is for Orlando. I have set up a website www.justgiving.com/edcheckley please visit this and if possible make a donation.
Thank you for the support
Ed
Carta de Orlando / Adam Extracto de una carta escrita por Orlando a Kristin el día 10 de diciembre 2006
Lo que pasa es que estos últimos años he estado viviendo una vida muy agradable en la cual he sido muy feliz. Tengo la impresión de que a veces la vida se puede comparar con una montaña. Cuando estás abajo mirando hacia arriba, las cosas pueden parecer bastante difíciles, y mientras vas subiendo todo se va poniendo más claro y te das cuenta de que existe una vista panorámica.
También hay veces que tienes que escalar partes más empinadas y piensas que te vas a caer y acabarás justo donde empezaste. Otras veces es tan llano que hasta parece que no estás escalando una montaña ¿Pero eso qué tiene de gracia?
A mí me gusta buscar las cuestas arriba en el camino porque te permiten subir más y llegar más alto- más alto hacia el objetivo común de todos: la felicidad.
Cuando pensé que las cosas no podrían mejorar, y honestamente pensaba que estaba llegando a la cima de mi montaña, mi vida ha cambiado de repente por completo. Pero de buena manera. Me doy cuenta de que hay otra cumbre todavía más alta que empiezo a divisar ahora. Y cuanto más alto subo hacia la cima, veo que la cima está todavía más lejos de lo que pensaba, y cuanto más subo, más quiero subir.
A veces tengo miedo porque miro atrás y pienso "¡si me caigo desde aquí arriba me va a doler mucho!" porque sé que si me caigo no caeré adonde estaba antes sino mucho más abajo...pero también sé que es muy poco probable que me caiga. Porque la parte de la cumbre que subo no es tan empinada: el camino es largo y alto, pero plano a la vez. Y tengo la sensación de que tardaré la vida entera en llegar a la cima.
Y cada día tengo más motivación para seguir escalando porque me encanta lo que veo con cada paso que doy. Y cada paso me da ánimos para tomar otro paso... Yo no sé a qué altura llegaré en mi vida pero lo que sí sé es que hay una etapa en mi vida en la que estoy más alto de lo que jamás había soñado.
Gracias.
Orlando´s Letter / Adam ORLANDO’S LETTER Written on the 10th December 2006 The thing is that I have been living an enjoyable life for the last couple of years, in which I have been very happy. I have felt that life can sometimes be compared to a mountain. When you are at the bottom looking up, things look pretty tough, and as you work your way to the top, things start to look clearer as you get the bigger picture. Also there are times when you have to climb really steep bits and it feels like you may topple over and go right back to where you started, and other times the journey is so flat that it doesn’t feel that you’re climbing a mountain at all. But what’s the fun in that? I like to find slopes on the way, because it allows you to get higher…higher towards everybody’s common objective: happiness. When I thought that things could not get any better, and I honestly thought that I was reaching the top of my mountain, suddenly my life is totally changed. But I mean it in a good way. I realise that there is another peak, which is even higher which I am just starting to discover now. And the more I climb to reach the top; I see that the peak is actually further and further away and that the more I climb, the more I want to climb. Sometimes I get a little bit scared because I look back and I think to myself “wow if I fall from up here it really is going to hurt!” Because I know that if I fall I won’t fall to where I was but I would fall a lot further down…but on the other side I see that it is actually very hard for me to fall at all. Because actually the peak I am climbing is not steep, it’s long and high, but flat at the same time. I have a feeling it’s going to take me a life time to reach the top of it. And each day I have more and more motivation to keep climbing because I love what I see after each step that I take. And each step that I take makes me want to take another step….However far up the mountain I end up in my life is a mystery at this stage, but I will always know that there was a stage in my life where I was higher than I could ever dream of. Thank you
All in One / One in All / Lee Golding (Friend) This body is not me. I am not caught by this body.
I am life without boundaries.
I have never been born. I will never die.
Look at me.
Look at the stars and the moon.
All of them are me, are manifestations of me.
So smile to me, take my hand,
say goodbye that we will see each other right away after this.
We will see each other in every walk of life.
We will recognize each other again and again, everywhere.
- Thich Nhat Hanh -
Anniversary Gathering 17/12/07 / Lee Golding (friend)
Orlo Reunion 17/12/07
First of all I would like to thank everyone who has made this gathering possible. I would like to thank Orlando’s family for the strength and the courage they have demonstrated and for being here today on what is the hardest day of the year for everyone. Thank you to my parents, to Charlie & Guille and Coco for organising and transporting the rock, the plaque and the tree. I would also like to thank King’s College, Orlando’s second family and home. Thank you to Sir Roger Fry, to David Johnson, thank you to Don Manuel for doing a magnificent job in planting the tree and a very big thank you to all the teachers and friends, for making Saturday a truly memorable day. Orlando´s presence was truly felt on that football pitch and even though the result was the least important thing about it. . . I would like to congratulate the “dinosaurs” once again on their victory. I am already looking forward to next year’s game.
Para empezar, me gustaría dar las gracias a todos aquellos que han permitido que esta reunión sea posible. Me gustaría darle las gracias a la familia de Orlando por la fuerza y el coraje que han demostrado en lo que es seguramente el día mas duro del año para todos. Gracias a mis padres, a Charly, Guille y a Coco por organizar y transportar la roca, la placa y el árbol. También me gustaría dar las gracias al King´s College, la segunda casa y familia de Orlando. Gracias a Sir Roger Fry, a David Johnson a Don Manuel por la maravilla que ha hecho en plantar este árbol. Mil gracias también a los profesores y amigos presentes el sábado en lo que fue un día inolvidable. Se noto la presencia de Orlando en ese campo de fútbol y aunque el resultado es lo de menos. . . me gustaría dar la enhorabuena de nuevo a los dinosaurios por su victoria. Estoy ya con ganas de jugar el próximo partido el año que viene.
Many thanks of course to everyone who has come here today too. We have people here who travelled from far, people who were close to Orlando and people who although might not have been as close, knew enough to know just what a great person Orlando was. For those who could not make it today, we know your thoughts are with Orlando and his family. To everybody, thank you.
Las gracias también a todos los que habéis acudido aquí hoy. Tenemos a personas que han venido de lejos, íntimos amigos de Orlo y personas que aunque quizás no hayan conocido a Orlando a fondo, le conocieron lo suficiente como para darse cuenta de la gran persona que era. Para los que no han podido atender hoy, también sabemos que vuestros pensamientos están con Orlando y su familia. A todos, mil gracias.
Even though it is a year ago today since Orlo died, we should not weep or mourn but take advantage to take a step back and think how much Orlando changed our lives, both during his life and now that he has turned into an immortal being. Everything and everyone that Orlando touched, was influenced with, or had dealings with, will carry his positivity, his energy and his aura for the rest of time. There is no doubt that Orlando’s time had come and that his tasks on this planet and destiny had been written in the starry firmament long before any of us had even met him. His purpose in life, fulfilled, his purpose in the after life, an ongoing task which means he will look after us all until the day we get to meet him again. Sometimes, on a clear night, I look up at the stars and there just like everywhere else, is Orlando´s smile telling me that everything is alright, that he is happy and that we must not dwell on his departure but be happy for him and continue to make the most out of lives in order that we may achieve fulfilment before it is our time to depart.
Hoy hace un año que murió Orlando, pero no debemos estar de luto, no debemos llorar ni estar tristes, deberíamos tomar un paso para atrás, reflejar sobre la vida de Orlando y pensar la cantidad de cosas que Orlando cambio en nuestras vidas. Durante su vida y ahora durante su eterna etapa como un ser inmortal, Orlando influyo e influirá todo lo que hacemos. Su energía positiva y su aura continuaran con nosotros para el resto de nuestras vidas. No hay duda alguna, que a Orlando le había llegado su hora. Sus tareas y su destino sobre nuestro planeta se habían escrito en el firmamento mucho antes de que cualquiera de nosotros le hubiésemos conocido. Su objetivo en la vida, cumplido, su objetivo ahora, una tarea continua que consistirá en cuidarnos a todos hasta el día en que podamos verle otra vez. A veces, cuando la noche esta despejada, miro a las estrellas y justo ahí, como en todos sitios, esta la sonrisa de Orlando, esa sonrisa que me dice que todo esta bien, que no debemos de seguir estando de luto, al contrario, deberíamos de estar contentos por el y asegurarnos ahora de aprovechar al máximo nuestra vida para que cuando llegue nuestra hora, podamos decir que estamos satisfechos con todo lo que hemos hecho.
We all undoubtedly go through our ups and downs and it is important to be able to share this with loved ones. Family and friends are there for support, to celebrate with and to lean on in times of need. Let us also take this opportunity to think about our loved ones and the importance of demonstrating our love and affection. Today, over the festive season which now approaches and indeed for the rest of our lives, family and friends will always remain. And when we are alone or when we are in need of that extra support, that is when Orlando will be there for us. All you need to do is take a step back and think about him, soon you will see things through his eyes and what was bad or unclear will soon become perfectly logical and a bit better to comprehend.
Sin duda alguna, todos atravesamos alti-bajos y es importante poder compartir estos momentos con la gente que queremos. La familia y los amigos están ahí para todos nosotros. Para celebrar y para apoyarse durante los momentos difíciles. Deberíamos tomar esta oportunidad para pensar en todas aquellas personas que queremos y la importancia que tiene el poder y deber demostrar este cariño. Hoy, durante la época navideña y durante el resto de nuestras vidas, la familia y los amigos siempre estarán ahí para ayudarnos.
I was thinking the other day how jealous I am that Orlando will always be remembered as young healthy and strong. As the days, months and years go on I keep thinking to myself that I don’t want to get older, I don’t want to distance myself from Orlando, from youth, from the good old times.
El otro día estaba pensando lo celoso que estoy ya que a Orlando siempre se le recordara joven, fuerte y sano. Según pasan los días, los meses y los años pienso que no quiero hacerme viejo, no quiero distanciarme de Orlo, de la juventud de los buenos tiempos.
Since the day Orlando died I have felt an inner strength like I had never felt before. Orlo is with me in everything I do, during the good times and the bad. When good things happen I celebrate with him and thank God for giving me the opportunity of meeting such a wonderful person. When things aren’t going so well, I sense Orlando within me telling me that these things happen, telling me to take a step back or explaining the situation and making me feel more at ease with myself. When Orlo died it felt like a bad dream. Even now, when I wake up every day I have to look over to my window sill to check that his photo is still there. As the months go on and eventually the years, it all now seems like a sweet dream, like we had him for a limited time only and now we have woken up and have to face reality without him. Those times were truly magnificent, times to treasure and to celebrate. Orlando, you will be in our hearts and memories for ever.
Desde el día en que murió Orlando he notado una fuerza interior como nunca había sentido antes. Orlo esta conmigo en todo lo que hago, en los momentos buenos y en los malos. Cuando algo bueno pasa, lo celebro con el y doy las gracias a Dios por darme la oportunidad de conocer a una persona tan maravillosa. Cuando las cosas no van tan bien, noto a Orlo dentro de mi, diciéndome que estas cosas pasan, que a veces hay que dar un paso atrás para pensar, a veces me explica la situación y al rato ya me siento mejor conmigo mismo. Cuando murió Orlo fue como una pesadilla. Aun ahora, me levanto cada día y tengo que mirar hacia mi ventana donde tengo la foto de Orlo para asegurarme de que es realidad. Según pasan los meses e inevitablemente los años ahora parece como si hubiese sido un dulce sueño, como que Orlo estuvo aquí durante un tiempo limitado y ahora que hemos despertado tenemos que vivir nuestro día a día sin el. Aquellos tiempos fueron inolvidables amigo, tiempos para recordar, celebrar y para guardar como un tesoro para siempre. Orlo, estarás en nuestra memoria y en nuestros corazones para siempre.
Shortly after Orlo died, I always used to think that life for me would never be complete, the greatest victory, the biggest achievement, the biggest love would not make me feel fulfilled because Orlo would not be there to share it with. However, it is through your departure Orlo that you have helped me to understand that in life, you cannot stop just because you have succeeded or achieved something, there is always something else to do. We have to make the most of life and fit as many things as we can into each day as indeed you did Orlando. I cannot ever remember Orlando sitting back in an armchair to relax or complaining that he had too much to do. A thorough, effective and efficient worker, the closest of friends, someone to confide in, a loving boyfriend, a son, brother and so many other things, Orlando is someone we should all learn from. Al poco tiempo de morir Orlando pensaba que la vida para mi nunca seria igual, la victoria mas grande, el mejor de los acontecimientos el amor mas puro jamás seria capaz de llenarme porque Orlo no estaría aquí para compartirlo. Aun así Orlo, es gracias a tu despedida que ahora entiendo que en la vida no se puede parar solo porque se haya conseguido algo, siempre quedara algo por hacer. Hay que aprovechar al máximo la vida y hacer cuantas cosas se pueda cada día, tal y como hacías todo amigo mío. Jamás recuerdo a Orlando tirandose en un sofá a relajarse, tampoco recuerdo ninguna queja de que había demasiado que hacer. Un trabajador nato, el mejor de los amigos, alguien en quien se podía confiar, un novio con un corazón enorme, un hijo, hermano y tantas otras cosas, Orlando fue una persona de la que deberíamos aprender todos.
And so we are here today to remember Orlo for what he was and to celebrate his life. To be thankful that we ever had the opportunity to meet him and in so doing, be blessed with his presence for the rest of our days. Orlo, I know you are here today and I am sure you approve of such a wonderful event. May I please take this opportunity, now that we are all gathered together to ask you for your continued love and support, for your strength and happiness, we need it today more than ever.
In loving memory of a great guy, let us now hold a few minutes of silence and feel Orlando´s warmth and presence within us, we miss you Orlo and always will.
Y aquí estamos hoy, para recordar a Orlo y para celebrar su vida. Para agradecer que todos tuvimos la oportunidad de conocerle y de esa manera disfrutar ahora y para el resto de nuestras vidas de su bendición. Orlo, sabemos que estas entre nosotros hoy y se que estarás orgulloso de lo que hemos conseguido organizar aquí hoy. Para concluir, me gustaría aprovechar esta ocasión en la cual estamos todos juntos, para seguir pidiendo tu apoyo, tu amor, tu fuerza y tu alegría, hoy la necesitaremos mas que nunca. Así que, para recordar al tío mas genial que he conocido en toda mi vida, os pido ahora unos minutos de silencio. Orlo, te echamos de menos, ahora y siempre.
De Lulo / Lulo (Good friend )
Bueno Orlo, un año sin tí... pasándolo bien y no tan bien sobretodo por tu falta... y me faltas mucho. No he estado mucho en contacto este año con tu familia, ni con demasiada gente, ni estaré la semana que viene en tu 'memorial' [ni puedo ni quiero]; pero ya sabes que yo lo llevo por dentro, y lo llevo mal. Cada día me levanto y pienso en lo que me gustaría llamarte ahora que no puedo. Mañana todo el mundo se acordará del tío de la hostia que eras y yo estaré pensando en tí también [lo hago todos los días]. Hablamos otro día. Un abrazo de Lulijah. Close
The Boss in Madrid / Paul McNally (pal)
Hi, Orlando,
So many things remind us of you so often here in King's. I wish we could debate the Springsteen concert in Madrid - you knew I wasn't a fan and always gave me a hard time for that!
having just spend a lovely few days with your parents it is only now back at my desk with your photo beside me that I can see how lucky you were, your grew up somewhere amazing and although I did not see you often enough I can see how such surroundings were there for someone I know to be so special. I kept expecting you to drop in at any moment which was odd because we spoke about you so much and I knew you were not around. Lots of thoughts of the past, your days at uni, our chats in my bedroom/living room with the dodgy green carpet, and the one saying that always springs to mind because it is my favourite... 'are you sure you can manage all that?' Well now I know you can.
I'm sorry we will not be there for the 17th but we will be thinking of you as we often do.
I hope you will carry on strengthening the relationships we are developing now because of course that is your doing.
lots of love a very grateful cousin Kamilla xxx Close
Bruce Dedication para ti Orlo / Lee G. (Friend)Read >>
Bruce Dedication para ti Orlo / Lee G. (Friend)
Hey Orlo, the days are getting shorter and we enter the cold seasons. . . I bought the new Bruce album the other day to cheer me up, Im sure you would have loved it man. Anyway, the last bonus song on there is called Terry's song but it might as well be called Orlo's song. . this one is for you brother:
Well they built the Titanic to be one of a kind, but many ships have ruled the seas They built the Eiffel Tower to stand alone, but they could build another if they please Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Egypt, are unique I suppose But when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
Now the world is filled with many wonders under the passing sun And sometimes something comes along and you know it's for sure the only one The Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel, Jesus, Mary, and Joe And when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
When they built you, brother, they turned dust into gold When they built you, brother, they broke the mold
They say you can't take it with you, but I think that they're wrong 'Cause all I know is I woke up this morning, and something big was gone Gone into that dark ether where you're still young and hard and cold Just like when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
Now your death is upon us and we'll return your ashes to the earth And I know you'll take comfort in knowing you've been roundly blessed and cursed But love is a power greater than death, just like the songs and stories told And when she built you, brother, she broke the mold
That attitude's a power stronger than death, alive and burning her stone cold When they built you, brother... Close
Summer is just round the corner, your favourite time of the year! I will never forget those many happy years we spent together at summer camp, que bien lo pasamos amigo mio... The days are flying by now and your departure is becoming easier to deal with. At first it was just like a bad nightmare, the thought that you were gone... now its like a sweet dream, the thought that at some point in our lives you honoured us with your presence, we are forever greatful. De verdad tio. Me cuesta tanto escribir esto man, each key on the keyboard is a massive effort and another reassuarance that you really are no longer here. I cant help but think that you, more than anyone and especially me, deserved more to carry on life on this planet, you contributed so much to it and towards the happiness of so many people, I can only say that you have given me a challenge and motivation in life to make a change and do what I always wanted and what you did so well whilst you were amongst us.
I love you Orlo (no, not like that! I hear you say...)
The Guy that made me stay at university in my first week / Jennifer Allen (Friend/halls flat mate )Read >>
The Guy that made me stay at university in my first week / Jennifer Allen (Friend/halls flat mate )
Orlando
Firstly would like to say how truly sorry i am to orlando family and friends, shocking and very sad news. My thoughts and prays are with you all at this very sad time.
I wanted to post something in memory of orlando as he did have a small but rather big impact on the direction of my life.
Its funny in life you meet lots of people, but there are only a few that influence you and stay in your memory. It was only a couple of weeks back that I had thought of orlando, before I found out about the news.
It was in the garden I was talking with my nanna who was telling me how proud she was of all that i had achieved. She mention that how on my first week of university i was so unhappy and had cried all week. As i didn't feel that I liked brighton uni and the halls i was staying in. She mention a boy that was really kind to me in that week, that was orlando. He got me through that very difficult week. He lived opposite my room and when i would come out from crying he was very comforting and full of a happy smile and sole that just put me at ease, he told me that i would be alright and it would just take time.
He was right within a couple of weeks i have met two of the people Jo and Sam who were also orlando friends, my first year at uni was fine and i made it through to graduating and have very fond memories of my time at brighton.
So orlando was that person that stop me from leaving and going on a different path, he was a lovely boy and he passion for life and football was always present. i remember playing football with him, jo and others and it was much fun in falmer. i will visit there soon and think of those times.
orlando in your short time of this earth you touch many peoples lives, in many ways just by you being you. for that you will forever live in people hearts
love jenx flat 25b falmer halls of residence Close
Good Friends / Jo Holdaway (uni friend )
I am so sorry. Orlo and I were good friends from our time at University in Brighton - we met eachother after about the 3rd week or so as we were on the same course and we became good friends for the whole time we were at Uni. I am so so sorry for your loss and I will miss him. I remember when Orlando first told me that he had epilepsy - I think if it were me - I may have felt sorry for myself...but he just took it all in his stride and took care of himself health-wise. He would often train, go riding on his bike, and he once he planned to start skiing!!! I seem to remember Orlo finding a pair of downhill skiis at the Brighton&Hove environment and refuse place one time when we were dropping off some furniture - I asked him what he was going to do with a pair of downhill skiis in Brighton - and he just smiled and said that it would be a nice excuse to go on a skiing holiday! And that was kind of what Orlando was about - just always looking for the good in everything and everyone.
I have read all the comments people have written here and all the messages in the candles, and the thing that struck me was that so many people said how much they had learnt from Orlando - and it is so true - he gave so much by just being himself. Somebody wrote that Orlo once said the words we shouldnt judge - I remember him saying that to me one time also - and I could almost hear Orlo saying those words when I read that in the candle message the thing is Orlando didnt just say those words he lived by them and that is actually quite rare. Sometimes we lose sight of ourselves and lose sight of what is important - and it was as though Orlando could see this and pick-up on it and just say the right thing to get you back on track - he really had quite a gift for understanding people. He was always so thoughtful and kind and was possibly one of the kindest people I have ever met in my life - I actually can't remember him saying a bad word about anyone. A I mentioned we studied the same course at Uni and often chose to work in the same group. Our last group project was to help the first year students practice for job interviews and help them to research opportunities etc. Orlando was so good at helping his first year student - a Spanish-speaking Columbian guy if I remember rightly- who was - should I say - a little wayward at times - but Orlo had all the patience in the world for him and helped him to get through the whole first year pretty much.
On May 17th last year Barcelona played Arsenal and Orlando was fully in my mind - being the massive Barca fan he was - I remember at Uni when Real were dominating la liga - Orlo said it would change - and he was right - we had some good chats about footie -and I think he also liked Liverpool - which obviously wound me up as I am a huge Arsenal fan! And through all my disappointment that Arsenal lost the Champions League to Barca - I knew that one person would be happy - and I thought of Orlando celebrating the night away - and you know- that made me smile - I guess you wouldn't have thought that - and anyone who knows how much of an Arsenal fan I am wouldn't have thought that - but I smiled for Orlando - because I knew that if we'd been watching the match together - he would have put an arm across my shoulder and just sat there with me for a while - not having to say anyting, but understanding my frustration and disappointment - and somehow making it seem a little bit better!
Orlando was an amazing guy he often spoke of his family - and he'd be off to visit his brothers on occasions- and he spoke with such warmth about his parents and the work they did. My condolences to you all and to you Kristin. Right now I can't really get my head around the fact that he is gone. And yet he is not gone I believe that I am sure he will always be there watching out for all of us. I found this poem, not sure who wrote it or if you've seen it before but I thought it would be good to share - (it gave me a little comfort).
Thinking of you all - Jo Holdaway
"I Am Always With You"
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you've given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it is time I traveled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
That it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home". Close
One of the good ones. / Sam Holland (Ex-Flatmate and Friend )
I am absolutely shocked and completely gutted by this. I lived with Orlando for six months at the very end of our time in Brighton where myself and Orlando went to University. I was not happy in my place at the time and Orlo, in his customary manner, offered me help and a room at his flat for the rest of the year. We had a great time for those six months and I shall treasure the memories.
I first met Orlo way back in 1998 when we started at Brighton and he and I were at the same halls together. The first thing that struck me about Orlo was that smile, which I'm sure you all remember fondly. He was a generous, funny, mischievous character and was as straight up and honest as they come, always concerned with doing the right thing and looking out for others. We would often cook for each other (back then, it was simple fare, as you can probably imagine, two eighteen year olds away from home for the first time). One time I remember I was in the sitting room in my flat at halls, when I heard a faint shout of 'Sam!!'. I stuck my head out the window and there was a little head in the distance sticking out of another window a good 150 metres away, shouting 'Do you want any of these sausages mate??', 'effing right I do', came the reply.
In fact, a lot of the memories I have from Orlo revolve around food. In the final year we would take it in turns to cook for each other. My signature dish at the time was sausages (again!), mash, peas and onion gravy. He always said that this was the dish he would remember me by. His dish of choice was pasta carbonara, which his previous flatmate had taught him. I cooked one for my family a few weeks back and it brought back memories of our time together.
The other thing I remember most about Orlando was his love of football and in particular, Barcelona. I would often go and watch matches with Orlo and to this day, Barca are my Spanish team as a direct result of this. The thing I always remember was him in the pub, surrounded by Madrid supporters (I shan't repeat what he called them here!), with his Barca scarf wrapped around his wrist in that continental style, waiting for his team to score. And obviously the air would turn blue when a certain Mr Figo ever appeared on the screen! Also, Orlo was a Liverpool fan. This made for an interesting relationship as I am a fanatical Everton supporter (think Espanyol or Atletico, or indeed the rivalry between Barca and Madrid for an example of the relationship between the two). I also remember the Polish 'Wisla' scarf he had on his Wall.
All in all, Orlo was a truly lovely man and it is clear that he touched many, many people throughout his criminally short time on this earth. He will always live on through the memories of the many people that loved him.
My thoughts are with you / Jean Pierce (Friend of Isabella and Peter )Read >>
My thoughts are with you / Jean Pierce (Friend of Isabella and Peter )
Dear Isabella and Peter,
I have just found out about your tragedy in the TESOL Spain Newsletter. It must be so difficult. My sincerest hopes that God is helping you through this. My thoughts are with you.
My Privilege Orlando / Diane O'Connell (Teacher)Read >>
My Privilege Orlando / Diane O'Connell (Teacher) I had the privilege of teaching Orlando when he was only 10 years old. At that time, he was fluent in three languages. I will always remember Izabella telling me that when Orlando was younger he concluded that Polish was used to address older people (like his Grandparents); Spanish to children (as most of his friends at the time spoke Spanish) and English to people the same age as his Parents (because many of their friends spoke English.) Logical? I think so. I will never forget you Orlando.Close
Nuestros votos porque estes gozando en el cielo de la paz y tranquilidad infinitas con las cuales sueña todo mortal. Que desde el cielo nos ayudes a quienes continuamos por el sendero insondable de la vida hacia la eternidad Close
tu es parti dans l'autre monde....tu nous a laisse un peu tous orphelins....je n'ai qu' a ferme les yeux et je me rapelle ton sourire, et je sais que ou que tu soies ce sourire ne t'a pas quitter.... je pense tres tres fort a toi, madrileno! hasta luego orlando, see you... mucha paz bien a toi, pedrito viejo
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