<p>Hi peeps, I'm Mark Stephens the first son in law (by date only I do not have delusions of grandure). I have known Eric since 1975 when I started my life with his eldest daughter Karen. In the summer of 1976 I was invited by him and Colleen to go to St Agnes with them for they're summer holiday.

My first trip to The Isles of Scilly in the summer of sun!!!

Due to restrictions at their holiday let my holiday was spent in a two man tent on the opposite side of the island, on my own obviously. During the days and evenings I tied up with the family and enjoyed a fabulous introduction to family holidays Brown style.

Our first evening was spent visiting the Island pub, The Turks Head, after an afternoon on the beach.

Eric as the head of the family bought the first round getting us both a beer. I forget now whether it was lager or bitter but I do recall he bought himself a pint and me a half.

Being the polite young man I was I accepted it gratefully and drank the contents slowly. When everyone had finished their drinks I returned the favour by buying the next round.

As I approached the bar I decided to set out my stall buying us each another beer but on this occasion him the half and myself the pint. Due to the quantity of drinks for the 6 of us and a lack of trays I made two trips serving the girls first and then returning with our pints.

Clearly we were both drinking the same beverage as nothing was noticed until I arrived and handed him the half pint glass. With his usual panache and the smile I have come to love he raised his glass and said, "Very good young man, cheers!"

That was the true beggining of my friendship with the man who has helped and guided me these last 41 years.

Eric you will be truly missed by us all but the memories you have been such a major part of will always be there for us to find strength from.

Cheers!!! I hope you've been given the pint glass you richly deserve, love you, Mark.