Before I went to Dhaka in 1990, I'd already heard a few stories about Dom. One of the funniest involves my then future husband Tom, a Geordie, with a not-so-soft Geordie lilt...
After a night of heavy drinking at the BAGHA Club, Tom arrived at Dom's house, hungover, tired and a lot worse for wear, ready for a day trip on the sea truck. A very caring, but equally hungover Dom offered Tom a drink (from The Woolpack bar) and Tom asked for a cork, or so it sounded to Dom. He corralled his housemates, who rummaged through bins, cupboards, under chairs, but after a while, admitted defeat and that they couldn't find a cork anywhere.
An increasingly dehydrated Tom then piped up and said, 'Don't worry if you haven't got a coke, a 7-Up will do!' At this, Dom and his friends burst out laughing, having realised the failure in communication. And of course, Dom, ever the gent, pulled a nice cold and very much appreciated 7-Up from the fridge. Then, in true Dom style, after barely 3 hours sleep, they went off for another day of beer and laughter on the Buri Ganga River.
Thinking of Dom will always make me smile. Every memory of him is one of laughter, madness and decency. We will miss you Big Dom.