Thursday, July 19, 2018
In the late 1990's, P&G funded their first paper machine to be built in England, and specifically Manchester, England at an existing plant. Mike and I were assigned as the two technical paper engineers. I would commute from the USA and Mike would retain his residence in Germany.
We would report to the plant engineer, Trevor Barber. He told us we each should rent an apartment during our assignment there. But Linda had a better idea. As Trevor tells the story, Mike and I approached him in his office one day and announced that we wanted to live together! Now don't get me wrong. This was an economic decision as we felt we could rent a house for both of us far cheaper than the price of two flats. And that is exactly what we did. The 3 bedroom two story house even had a part-time gardener and housekeeper. Mike even talked the housekeeper into doing our ironing.
As part of our Manchester assignment Mike and I were each given a per diem to cover our food and gasoline cost. While I don't recall the amount, I certainly remember how we were able to save money and how it was then spent.
First we alternated driving the BMWs to work each week. Mike would drive one week and I would drive the other on the following week saving considerable fuel.
Second we found out the food at the plant's cafeteria was wonderful, had a large selection (usually both English and Indian food), and was very reasonably priced. Well, Mike and I secured a red insulated cooler and associated Tupperware containers. Then each of us would go down the cafeteria line picking out what we wanted to eat for lunch AND handing the containers to the staff as to what we each wanted to eat for dinner that night.
When we got home in the evening we would rewarm the food from the Tupperware containers in the microwave, eat, and load/start the dishwaters in about 30 minutes. Net very little cooking was done. Then we would normally sit and at the kitchen table and solve some technical work issues or a few of the world's political problems. (PS I still have that red cooler.)
But my most vivid memory occurred in Waterford, Ireland and the home of Waterford Crystal. After our wonderful tour of the production facility (and we were very careful not to break any handcrafted crystal) we were naturally given the opportunity to make a purchase.
I know during the time that Mike and I spent as housemates he would share the Waterford crystal styles he liked, the number of place settings needed, and the glasses needed for each place setting. Well… it was now or never for his dream purchase. Remember how he saved the per diem money by car pooling and eating evening meals from the plant's cafeteria. Now was the time to use these funds for the purchase. He knew it was going to be expensive and also knew that Linda would object if she knew the high cost at the purchase. He simply told her at the beginning of the transaction that this was his purchase and she need not worry about the finances. The intended purchase was made and all that remained was the shipment of the crystal to their home in Germany. Now that is a story in itself as numerous pieces were broken in transit and had to be reshipped on several occasions. Thanks goodness for the insurance.
Mike, you have truly been a GREAT FRIEND. You are the smartest and most well-rounded technical engineer I have had the great pleasure to know and to work with. I am so glad our paths crossed so many times as I learned so much from you each time. You have certainly touched my life as well as many others. You will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace.
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