Dear Ralph There are fond, very fond memories of the days when you and I were part of the elite squad at "Aarefisch" swimming club in Switzerland. Do you remember the state championship in 1979, when you, I and two other mates won the title in the most sought after event, the 4 x 50 m relay? And what about the training camps where, as young teenagers, we went full throttle for a week and we thought we'd be invincible? And how small is that world when you think that, after almost 30 years, we would then meet again, but half a world away, in Sydney?? Not enough that we just caught up again, but that we would become neighbours, living next door from one another, was just so unexpected and funny at the same time. It was great to have you over for dinners, a glass of wine or just a chat in the driveway. You and I were both busy with our lifes, and when I decided to return to Western Australia, contact became a little more scarce. But when I wanted to drop you a line the other day and the message bounced back, I started searching and eventually learnt that you have moved on to a better place. I'm still in shock as I can not find any answer to the "why" question. It has been a wonderful priviledge to know you and share your company over many years and in very different 'worlds'! I will be eternally grateful for the wonderful memories, and I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the friendship you have blessed me with. Rest in peace, my friend, I know you're in a better place now. We'll meet again, Matthias

JustineA

9 years ago

Dear Mattias,

Ralph, I can not believe that you have moved on to a better place. I so very fondly remember the days when you and I - as teenagers in Switzerland - were part of the elite squad at the "Aarefisch" swimming club. I have just dug up a photo of the 1979 state championship, where you, I and two other good mates won the prestigeous 4 x 50 freestyle event. Those were the days, hey! We then lost track of each other for decades, literally, until 2005 in Sydney, we were suddenly neighbours and living next to each other! This was another great time in our lives and it was beautiful to have your company over dinner, a glass of wine and your famous limoncello you kept in the freezer for those warm summer nights. Last time we caught up, you picked me up from Sydney Airport as I was travelling through. We had a couple of hours and had a great Vietnamese feast in Marrickville before parting way again. This would have have been in 2009. We have gone separate ways and lived our own lives - you on the East Coast of Australia, I in Western Australia. But the friendship remained over the distance and I am still speechless that I can't pick up the phone anymore and I won't get your funny emails anymore either. You are very sadly missed, but at the same time, I thank you - from the bottom of my heart - for all the moments of joy, laughter, deep discussions and sheer fooling around. They are precious memories I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. Rest in peace, my friend, we will meet again. Matthias

JustineA

9 years ago

Dear Mattias, I put put my dads name in to google for some reasons and I found your comment. I remember when dad found out you were living next door to him. He was so blown away with how small the world was and that a friend from home could end up right next door. Thanks for sharing your memories here. Im so sorry that you werent contacted about the funeral. Im so glad you could catch up with dad through email, and dinner even though you moved away. justine

Dear Ralph, i try to call you a few times in last two months. Yesterday i called you one more time and i left a message on your phone. I tought you lost my number. Today receieved a call from your moble. i was going to joke with you but your x wife was other end the phone. She give me the me bad news. Im still in shock. I didn't know one of the my best mate left me alone without saying to me goodbye. i cant still believe it. you know I wasnt in sydney last 3 years. Other wise as a friend i liked to be there with you to send you to your last jurney. I know you are in peace now. you were a great friend and i know you were a good dad for your kids. i will miss you my friend and never forget you until we met again.. Your Friend, Salih Arslan