It all began 57 years ago. As soon as we registered as students in September 1966 at the Bolton Institute of Technology, Philip appeared and immediately engaged me in conversation, introducing himself as a fellow student of the Department of Textile Technology. After classes that day, he drove me back to my residence. The first Friday I spent in Bolton, Philip came to my place and took me out for a drink in the evening. At the pub, he asked what I'd like to have. I answered, 'Whiskey.' He bent close to my ear and whispered, 'Oh no, Eugene. Whiskey is very expensive. You'll have Bitters.' His advice was a great re-direction to my life as a young Nigerian spending his first weeks, wide-eyed, in the UK. 

As the attached collage of photographs shows, Philip and I developed a close friendship that extended to many other international students and, ultimately, to our families. In October 1970, Philip and his mother were present as I wedded my wife, Margaret.

Our friendship continued through our time at UMIST (University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology) and even after 1977, when I returned to Nigeria after completing my master's Programme. From 1984-87, I was back to UMIST for my Ph.D. program, and Philip and his wife, Elaine, were instrumental in my relaxed stay in the UK. When my wife and kids visited in the summer of 1985, Philip and his family went out of their way to entertain us. 

After a long hiatus, I am privileged to have reunited with Philip in Manchester in 2012, when Margaret and I visited the UK. That would be the last time I saw Phillip. 

Philip was a rare personality. He was friendly and respectful to everyone. Philip took a genuine interest in others. He stayed in touch with me by phone until 2023. 

After 57 years of great friendship, this goes without saying: Philip, you will be sorely missed, but hopefully, we shall meet in heaven. 


With much love, 

The Iloanusi's - Eugene, Margaret, Nneka, Nkechi, Chika and Obinna.