Sam Jones wrote from the UK about visiting Mallorca over the years, beginning 25 years ago, saying “Mallorca to me has always meant that very special house inhabited by those two extraordinary people” and “All of my friends who met him fell in love with him a little.” Here’s the full letter.
Thank you so much for letting me know about Patrick.
I’ve had to spend a day digesting the news before contacting you.
Like everyone else who knew your father I’m devastated to hear of his passing.
I first met him 25 years ago when a boyfriend brought me to stay in the little middle room downstairs at Patrick and Stephanie’s house in the hope that I would fall in love with him – but I fell in love with Deia instead 😉
Mallorca to me has always meant that very special house inhabited by those two extraordinary people.
While Stephanie was alive I found it hard to break through the crusty carapace of curmudgeonliness.
Once she had gone I found a different connection with Patrick which I valued enormously – I don’t think I even realised how much until your news.
I loved his wry, dry wit, his crackling intelligence, his mischievousness, his zesty enjoyment of all of life’s good things.
We bonded over hard-boiled crime novels – I always used to bring a pile with me in order to share them with him.
All of my friends who met him fell in love with him a little – I think even my mother had a bit of a thing for him……(!)
Thank you for your joyful instruction to go and listen to live music.
A beautiful way to feel his presence and to honour him.
All best wishes to you and to your siblings,
SAM JONES
I’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.