Muhammad Ali

2016 has shocked us all with the many deaths of our loved familiar faces. They have all touched our lives in different ways. We may not have known them personally, but they have become cherished faces in our memories in music, television, film, humour and sports.

The news of Muhammad Ali death yesterday saddened me once again. I am of the generation who was fortunate enough to see him fight, and watch him being interviewed by, among others Frost and Parkinson. He was a gentle, intelligent man with a fierce ambition, and a strength and charisma like no other. He also fought illness with courage and dignity for very many years.

I walked to my favourite church to say a prayer, and to remember, not only Ali, not only the other familiar faces, but also to the precious family and friends who have touched my life and have been lost to me this year. I am blessed to have known them all in one way or another.