Back in June, when this Philosopher-in-Residence series incurred the inadvertent but splendid serendipity of our blog On Queens with the 70^th edition of writing and Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee, it was a pleasure for those circumstances to all collide.

When planning the next blog topic a few weeks in advance, as is the custom with this series, I was expecting this piece On Loss to mainly deal with general topics around feeling in flux as the seasons change.

Then, in steady succession and the abject opposite of perfect serendipity, three people died – two that I knew and one that everyone “knew”. So in light of these events, today’s blog will now be in memory of James Browning, Raymond Basher and the Queen and their respective contributions to the communities they served.

Remembering James

Anyone who knew James (JB) had enormous respect for his achievements, which were balanced with a sense of fun and a dedication to his friends, family and local community. James was only 39 when he died but during his years on this earth he had founded businesses, raised a family, worked tirelessly for people in the area and shared his natural abilities for the good of everyone around.

Training and support were two of JB’s areas of natural flair (there were many). It would have been easy for him to go to a big city and earn megabucks with his tech and entrepreneurial skills. But he chose to set up and work for companies prioritising people who were most likely to benefit from training and development, a helping hand to fulfil their potential. His kindness and altruism are a huge loss.

Remembering Raymond

Raymond was the kind of person typically described as quiet and unassuming, the kind of person who is the backbone of a community without meaning to be or seeking anything in return. In short, a good egg. Another person who shared his skills, as a teacher and playing the organ in a local church: if Raymond could help out, or help cultivate something, the answer and attitude would usually be a resounding yes.

In later years, Raymond had defied the odds, resisting many illnesses and long-term stays in hospital and residential care, without a grumble and still continuing to be a supportive husband, father and grandfather. His friendly presence and willingness to support the community are a great loss.

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Regardless of your opinion about the Royal Family, in a time of confusing and conflicting problems and priorities, Queen Elizabeth II was a source of constancy and resolute dignity. I cannot think of, or imagine, anyone else so firmly in the public eye, who managed to conduct her role with such diplomacy and structure. Her integrity and ability to command respect are indeed a national loss.

Next fortnight, I’ll be musing On Line. This will coincide with a very exciting top secret project Team MMAP has been working on, so if you want to be in the first cohort to know more about it, be sure to bookmark this page.

Please get in touch with any particular aspects of this topic you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Penny Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here:

https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/a-chance-to-reset-learn-and-share-experiences/