From Silke Cormican, Friend in Munich:

I remember the day when Colin invited my husband Cahal and myself to an Italian restaurant in Schwabing about 17 years ago, to meet a friend of his. On arriving at the restaurant we met this delightful woman we all know as Ya Ching. I suspected that this was more than friendship.

She came across as a friendly, easygoing person, warmhearted and Colin was clearly a happy man.  It quickly became obvious that there was more than frendship between Colin and Ya Ching.  This proved itself as we spent time with them over the years and my first impression that I had of Ya Ching, never waivered.. In fact it was continually strengthened. 

In particular as far as our son Sean is concerned (who, being autistic, had to learn gradually and painfully over the years to cope with his feelings that for him were quite overwhelming at times, thereby attracting a lot of attention in public, which left me feeling vulnerable, isolated and helpless). Ya Ching was never judgmental and liked Sean the way he is. She gave her time generously and looked after Sean and his younger brother Ronan when I asked her to, thereby giving Cahal and myself some breathing space She never mentioned that a particular situation may have been difficult, but was always gentle and understanding.

Although I am quite an introverted person and hardly ever voice my feelings, I know from our last telephone conversations that Ya Ching has always known what she meant to me. I will miss her.

With lots of love,

Silke