Jacky was a dear and delightful friend who stood out from the crowd in the quietest and most modest of ways. She was a charming mixture: utterly sound and reliable with an amazing independence of mind which meant she always had an original take on issues. It was always interesting to have a conversation with her and get her perspective that was invariably simple and direct. I remember once discussing with her a situation that I was finding extremely challenging and in her quiet way she pondered for a few moments and then said simply 'Integrity will out'. She was right.
I have an abiding memory of her too at an early Kinesiology conference as we stood in the middle of a noisy crowded room where she did exactly the same, going silent, contemplating the answer and then coming up with a profound answer, spoken slowly as she measured every word. The picture epitomises her qualities for me - petite, gentle, very feminine, modest and unassuming while being able to access some very deep wisdom.
I first got to know her about thirty years ago when her mother Irene introduced her to those of us involved with Bognor's Touch for Health Centre and our friendship developed from there when we used to meet regularly at the small headquarters above the vet's in Sudley Road. The friendships that began in those days have stood the test of time and Jacky played her part in helping them to become so enduring. The Centre ran on goodwill and the voluntary contributions of its core members and there again Jacky took on various roles very quietly and effectively. She had an administrative flair that meant people didn't see how well she oiled the wheels to keep things going - and all without complaint. What a star.
On a personal level we kept in touch regularly after I moved to Wales nearly twenty years ago, both by phone and email and she came to stay with me several times, once taking on the challenge of the long drive and winding Welsh roads leading around mountains into the unknown - something that she didn't relish but took on bravely. Another time when she was due to arrive by train she landed on the doorstep having been brought by taxi because the train connections had broken down. There was no other direct way to my home especially at that time of night so the rail company had paid out for a taxi - it would have cost at least £100 the taxi driver told her - so she arrived in style!
We would start our telephone conversations with a few pleasantries and in no time at all we would be discussing deeply meaningful issues about the universe and such like. I believe she did an enormous amount of good quietly on the inner planes, for the benefit of the Earth, which perhaps only a few people might have known about as it was alongside the more specifically Touch for Health breakthroughs that she wrote about in 'The Balance Sheet', the Centre's newsletter (that she also edited for some time) after she had researched issues that had intrigued her. I loved her enquiring mind. She translated everything so simply and intelligently.
My own particular belief is that life continues after death and death is just a doorway to the next stage of the soul's journey. I'm sure we'll meet again. I know we will all miss her.
