Skip to main content

Comment

Bill Jenkins impressed with down-to-earth competence and joviality

I was very sorry to hear of the death of Bill Jenkins. A man of down-to-earth competence and of joviality, who impressed in both capacities.

Here’s a story which he told me himself.

One day Bill visited the Reuter Paris office together with two other financial wizards. They did what financial wizards do in Paris - work hard in the morning, have a splendid lunch, and head off back to the airport.

For the latter purpose, they ordered a taxi. Now, it is well known amongst those of us who have travelled in Paris taxis that (a) you’re rarely allowed to sit in the front because there is always a Pekinese dog or some other hindrance occupying the necessary space, (b) the back seat is never quite wide enough to accommodate three moderately well-upholstered executives.

Nevertheless, whilst Bill and one of the others got into the back, the third - who may have been Mike Canty but there again may not have been - decided to sit in the front beside the driver. As the taxi inched into the traffic and Bill’s eyelids were beginning to descend, he became aware of a frantic scrabbling at the window. “Bill, Bill, let me in!“ shouted MC (if it was he) from outside. Bill duly opened the door and made space for MC to sit.

MC then whispered in Bill’s ear, “Bill, Bill, I’ve sat on his chocolates.”

Seconds later this unfortunate fact also became apparent to the driver. A stream of angry, uncomplimentary French ensued.

Bill understood quite a lot of French. He leant forward, motioned to the driver that he should halt his tirade, and said in very slow, deliberate English: “Listen, you. I’m prepared to be called a lot of things. But one thing I’m not prepared to be called is a fucking Arab.”

Icy silence reigned.

Thereafter the sheer length of time it takes to get to the airport from the centre of Paris became a slight advantage, because the driver’s temper had time to subside. On arrival at the airport the driver actually took the luggage out of the boot, actually smiled as he was given the fare plus an enormous tip, and actually shook hands with MC and the third man, wishing them Bon Voyage.

Expecting similar treatment, Bill put out his right hand. But then the driver simply raised his hand and said “Shalom”.

I also have other fond memories of Bill. ■