Our story began in Montford Avenue, Kings Park. You were born in the house in 1950 and 9yrs later along came me. We never had many fall outs that I can remember, mainly over pinching food from each other’s dinner plates - serious stuff. Growing up I remember your hair being your pride and joy. It was very long (much to mum and dad’s despair) and you would sellotape it to your face when wet then dry it in front of the debonair gas fire, a recipe for disaster.

Then there was Irene and the love story began. I remember when her mum and dad moved to London, Irene stayed behind to be with you and at night you would walk her home to her flat in Rannoch St, a round trip of 4 miles! After you were married you moved to Ashford and mum and I would come by train to visit. We would go to France for the day, happy times and a happy new life for Mr and Mrs Donald.

Our love of St Andrews began with family holidays with mum and when the kids were young. You had your own family holidays there too and golfing with Irene and your friends. A special place with the happiest of memories for us all. In recent years we have walked the Dunhill courses together, though we didn’t follow the same golfers!

In 2009 you lost your beloved Irene and life would never be the same. Your heart was broken and our hearts still ache for you, Laura and Steven.

A year later, despite that raw heartache you were there for me big brother when I needed you most. You came home to Scotland to comfort and support us when we lost Graham. You brought us love and strength and I will never forget our walk in Luss when we came together and found the poem for Graham. It was meant to be.

In the years since we have had so many happy family occasions to celebrate together, weddings, birthdays and for you the joy of becoming Papa to Finlay, Esmé and Oscar. I know how proud you are of your loving children and grandchildren.You have driven us all over the Kent countryside and coast and the places that were special to you as a family are special to us now as well. We have laughed together, cried together and shared some good fish suppers (Pittenweem) and some bad ones (Hythe). Oast Meadow hospitality was the best and we will forever remember with love our stays there. We miss you.

Tomorrow we say goodbye for now. Gone too soon for us, but with Irene again.
Nigh night big brother, I love you xxxx