TPR’s backlist of technical papers and books, combined with his retired status, made him an easy target for publishers. He was even pestered by a man we met on holiday, both in person at the resort and by phone when we returned home.

Apparently TPR was just the man to write the definitive guide to Windows 8. TPR didn’t agree with this view. As a form of escape he packed his bags and disappeared off on his own for a solo ski-ing holiday.