Lucky you. I would love to have met him. Not even to talk to particularly, just being close would be a boost. Does that make sense? That knack for finding what you need in life by being offered it is a way of living which always has my respect.
I think he would have quietly shuddered at the level of sponsorship and the accompanying sycophancy and carried on his own path.
Another inspiring person. It is amazing how many such people are drawn to the sea isn't it?