They say you can count your true friends on one hand and Kev was one of mine. We have been mates for nearly 40 years during which time we got to know each other very well. As some of you know, thanks to Neil, Kev's brother, the comedian Tim Vine came to visit Kev when he was ill and when he found out that Kev had died he sent a lovely text message and included a joke: "I understand that Kevin used to be a miner. Personally, I could never work in a mine because it's beneath me!" If you knew Kev as I did, you would know that nothing was below him or, in fact, nothing was above him either as he could turn his hand to almost anything (and usually get injured in the process!) but that was Kev. You will all know him as a friend either from the pub, pit or factory so you will also know that he did everything with a smile or a cheeky grin and you know that if Kev was involved things would turn out alright (usually!) and although he has gone he has left a lot of happy memories with people. As I said, it's only a few words because thoughout his too short life his actions already spoke volumes about him, always ready to give a helping hand or tell a daft joke - which Patty never got! So, if you are ever feeling down about anything just think of Kev, the 'big tough miner' who used to sneak his pet dog (a miniature Yorkshire terrier called Sugar Lump!) into the pub in his jacket pocket so that it wouldn't feel lonely. He was always caring, always funny. So, cheers Kev for good memories.