As I write, May 8 is one of those dates. You might notice it at the top of a newspaper, glance at your watch, whatever. But every time there's just one thought - Gilles.
For motor racing enthusiasts a generation on from me, April 7 has the same effect. That, of course, was the day when Jim Clark, legend and genius, was killed in a Formula 2 race at a wet, soggy, Hockenheim.
It goes without saying that racing was so much more dangerous back then but there was still disbelief about Clark's death. If it could happen to him ...
You could never say the same about Villeneuve. He was a daredevil, he was sideways, he was committed, he was exciting, he was pure adrenalin. And an inspiration to so many. I can't recall anyone having the same impact after such a relatively short - less than five year - presence in Formula One.