It seems there’s no handbook for navigating the passing of a long-time ex: no rules or etiquette to follow.
Everyone’s circumstances are different based on how long they were together, how long they’ve been apart…and the state of their current relationship.
Clinton and I were together 23 years, apart for 23 years and had minimal contact for the past 5 years or so.
When people ask how I am feeling about Clinton passing, I say “confused”.
I am profoundly sad: my blood froze and my lips went numb when I got the message from our niece on Friday morning. My first thought was how shocked and heartbroken his partner must be. Then I thought “KERRY! CHRISSIE! KARA!” “TIM AND LYN” – I thought “who else do I need to tell?”
The outpouring of love and memories is so beautiful to see. Clint would be chuffed.
I am going to remember the great times and celebrate the many good years we shared in the 2 decades we were together from 1978 until 2001.
We first met when I was working at 2ZM in Wellington with Midge Marsden in the early days of Rockinghorse.
I was smitten and loved watching him play. He was the best. We became close friends but didn’t get together “properly” for several years.
We lived in 6 houses and 3 cities: Wellington, Auckland and Dublin and we traveled so much, throughout New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Europe. Looking back at the photos it seems to me that it was like one long party.
Party on, Clinton Taylor Brown.
You were loved and will be missed by so many people.
For me – our chapter closed a long time ago but it has been a sweet walk down memory lane, going through the photos. I hope you like the ones I’ve chosen to share.
Either that, or you’ll want to strangle me, heh!
