Both my wife, 'Nessie Devil' (the former Miss Dessie Neville, and I wish to honor Major John Perks. As a leading creator of the service format and staff at the Kalapa Court, John set an example and inspired us to take a definite place, a job to do, in the inscrutable life of the royal household. One felt both alone and welcomed, relaxed and formal, on-edge and curious. His definite presence, humour--including puns, and sense of duty made it possible to join in. His life was generous to both of us.