I didn’t know Spike for that long but we had an immediate bond connected by love of swearing, rage at social inequalities and a fondness for mid century typography.  [See the Legal Aid Matters pamphlet for evidence of Spike’s talent for design]

Spike was unfailingly kind, inspirational, hilarious, passionate, clever and scurrilous. He was evidently fuelled not just by his commitment to social justice but also his love and veneration for Mel, his kids and for his close friends including Sue who brought me into Spike’s amazing orbit.

My last and excellent memory of Spike was his turn as Master of Ceremonies at Jan Luba’s retirement party. After his performance was over we spent a pointless but fantastic five minutes doing a comedy bit for each other’s amusement prompted by my observation that he was dressed like “Ger” the younger, sensitive but sociopathic brother of a Glaswegian gangster. Spike decided Ger listened to Blue Nile and was handy with a baseball bat.  Once Spike had acted out an extortion scene in a Weegie accent we planned a three book novelisation and an ITV drama.

I'm attaching a group picture from that night. It’s a bit blurry but captures the essence of Spike. An irreplaceable one-off who valued being part of a team.

I know that all of us will try to honour his life by fighting for the things Spike held dear, loving all the best people and laughing at all the worst people.

Miss you Spike
Rhona  XX