What an incredible Godfather he has been - always remembering birthdays, calling to chat or wish me luck for an exam or an interview. He came to support me when I defended my PhD thesis in London. Clive frequently sent me articles or books he thought I might find interesting. He probably knew me better than I know myself. 

Finding the right words to reflect Clive’s spirit is a daunting task. Fortunately, Clive himself (who was always very interested in words and where they came from) comes to the rescue once again: the following is taken from one of the books Clive sent me, in part to supplement an ongoing list of Britishisms he had been compiling to educate his American godson. The book is called The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from Around the World. 

ondinnonk (Iroquoian) the most profound benevolence. He was generous not only in material ways , but with his wise advice and his time. 

meraki (Greek) doing something with soul, creativity or love, putting something of yourself into all that you do. 

hubbi (Arabic) convivial, warm, friendly, outgoing. Anyone who met Clive was instantly put at ease by his warmth and friendliness. On his visits to us he met several of our family friends and they remember him so fondly and grieve that he is no longer with us. 

aduhai (Indonesian) an expression of deep admiration. He was admired by so many people for his charitable work and genuine caring. 

tubli (Finno-Ugric) strong, persistent, a shining example for other people. He always put others first and had a deep and genuine interest in them . 

zhuxing (Chinese) adding to the fun. 

begadang: (Indonesian) staying up all night talking. I know my father remembers long nights of discussion (festering) at Slems when they got together to debate, and play devil’s advocate with each other 

katahara itai (Japanese) laughing so much that one side of your abdomen hurts. - on countless occasions. 

izraf (Persian): producing wonderful, ingenious children. Behold Kate, Maeve, and Amy of whom he was so proud! 

alamnaka (Ulwa) to meet a kindred soul, or to find one’s niche. He found so many. 

song (Vietnamese) to live life. Clive lived life to the full and inspired others to do likewise. 

shahbash (Anglo-Indian) well done - often applied in cricket to mean “well bowled!” Clive has beyond dispute earned a shabash. Our lives have been enriched through knowing him. 

By Tom Ward