He told me how he and his wife argued through much of their married life.
Both stubborn, strong-willed people who never backed down or gave in, but loved each other passionately.
She died of cancer 30 years ago and they couldn't have children so he really is all alone.
No siblings, a cousins son whom he rarely sees and me - an old work colleague who spent a year or so under his wing, looking on in admiration at this wonderful man who painted so beautifully and seemed to have the most fantastic lifesyle.
Now he's old, frail and dying I finally get to see the real him.
He is looking back with a little bit of remorse and regret and it's making me realise that I have to be careful and make the most of my life and my relationships.
Dh will have to realise that he can't just run away, there's too much at stake and we need to stop being selfish and consider the important things before it's too late.