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MCV 17/04/09 47
MCV FORUM
Frank Herman RIP The tributes to the much-loved industry veteran have continued to pour in this week. Here, MCV prints just some of the letters of goodwill we have received since the sad death of ‘Uncle Frank’... I HAVE too many good memories of Frank, but one stands out. We had sold some products to a German company and we were having trouble getting paid. After much legal shenanigans Frank, who was working for GT at the time, called a meeting to ‘resolve’ the issue. So Roger Large and I went to the Old School House offices to meet with Frank and John Kellas who was running the German office. We arrived on time, but John was late in on his flight. Our case was watertight and we were 100 per cent in the right. I kept telling Roger that we would go all the way and win. But I hadn’t banked on Frank’s negotiation ability. He was visibly annoyed that his man was late and that he knew we were right and GT had no case. So he called John Pirie RIP into his office and started having a go at John for no apparent reason. He sat us down and told Roger and I that he was prepared to negotiate. I thought he was joking. He said he would give us half the money, no questions asked. My reaction was bombastic to say the least. He then reached into his pocket pulled out his wallet, thrust a ton into my hand and told us to pop off for lunch on him and come back an hour later, having considered his offer and agree that it was fair. So we did. It was a lovely lunch in the Potting Shed round the corner. I told Roger that we were not negotiating and he agreed. Back an hour later, Frank said he would give us 75 per cent of the disputed amount and we could walk away with a cheque there and then. Before I told him where to stick it, Roger put his hand out
DONATIONS Frank was an active supporter of the Habad Children’s Aid Society (reg. charity number: 1126069). Well wishers are invited to make a cheque donation to treasurer Harry Daniel at: Habad, 95 High Street, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 7DB, or email: harry@pinnick.co.uk. Alternatively, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org).
I WAS SO sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. He was the perfect gentleman and truly great company. Paul Patterson, Former head of Ocean
to Frank and said ‘done’ and they shook on it. Frank looked me in the eye and said “Young Andy, I like your spirit, but
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for me and became as close as a real uncle. I looked up to him in every way and always enjoyed our meetings.
A special man in every way tie at half mast, always with a smile. I loved him so much. Shalom, Uncle. Andy Payne, ELSPA
there is never a need to fight. Just remember Uncle Frank owes you one.” True to his word from that day on Uncle Frank looked out
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We would never know when he was coming in – he would phone the receptionist when he was on his way. The café order was always a bacon
sandwich without butter (“It plays havoc with my weight, son”) and always smoking those confounded cigars. Tie at half-mast, always with a smile and plenty of chutzpah, the only thing that annoyed him was his beloved Tottenham Hotspur. Having had Sir Alan clean his car as a boy, Frank was a one-off. A special man in every way, I loved him so much. Shalom, Uncle. Andy Payne, Chairman, ELSPA
FRANK HERMAN was, and still is, an inspiration to all who were fortunate to have been touched by his presence. The world would be a much better place if there were more like him. As his business partner for many years I was constantly surprised by his concern for humanity, his business acumen and the fine relationships that he was able to build with his many employees. He will be sorely missed. Martin Alper, Co-Founder, (Original) Mastertronic I still remember having to stand before Uncle Frank to beg for my expenses back at Virgin Mastertronic. Success was touch and go. Having left (and feeling good) with my £15 for tube fares and the odd burger, it sank in that Frank had just taught me my first lesson in profit and loss. We’ll miss you Frank. Ray Maguire, Managing Director, PlayStation UK