Martin was the younger brother that I never had. So, all the online tributes to him made me feel very proud of the profound impact he had on the tech world he inhabited.
He attracted Love, Admiration, Respect and Friendship from his community including, it has to be said, from me.
We were close friends for 46 years, including the years when we when we competed and the many more years when we collaborated.
In tributes, insiders repeatedly used words like "Institution", "Legend" and "Giant",
"Always" cropped up a lot, followed by "Wonderful", "Kind", "Friendly", "Lovely" and "A joy". He was a treasured constant in the ever-changing, tech-watching, world.
I'd like to pluck out a few individual observations to add some colour to what's been said already:
Jessica Twentyman, herself a freelance journalist and editorial consultant, said, "He was a 'work dad' to me and many others."
Christine Horton, also a freelance and editor, said, "He called me 'Daughter'"
Luica Mak, a corporate communications and PR person, liked to call him "Grandpapa".
Gina Hough, A PR and comms person, liked to call him "Martini". She started off calling him "Martini Rosso", I can't think why.
I particularly love this one from Rachel Wilcox, a freelance journalist and editor. She called him "An absolutely scrumptious human being."
Alistair Dabbs, a freelance, said "He leaves behind memories of good times only"
JoAnne Hughes, a comms and PR person who was our first ever training client in 1988, now refers to Martin as "The legendary Mr Banks"
For me, Martin's passing leaves a massive void. Knowing him has been a pleasure and an absolute honour.
I think it's time to say goodbye. Goodbye Martin, my amazing friend.