My gentle giant who I used to describe as my freedom man…for he had many things he wished to be free…
For me, I will mention the top three:
Freedom for his beloved homeland. I would often tease that I had my very own William Wallis rampaging around wielding his sword shouting ‘freedom’. The reality was he would have a frank and open discussion with anyone about the merits of an independent Scotland. To him, it was an ideology that was never borne and the disappointment he felt ran deep. He had hope but it was never realized.
His next hope was for the freedom of women. He longed for equality in ability, religion and race. He championed whoever he could and would despair in any failing. For a man of his generation to do this with so much volition is rare indeed, but he never faltered in his belief.
The last but by far not least was his passion for creating freedom of opportunities for children. He would lament that talent was everywhere but opportunity was not. He was a strong purporter that the world was full of talented and gifted people but their background and opportunity would never come to fruition. He himself was a classic example, being dyslexic, it wasn’t until the age of 11 that he was fortunate to encounter someone who recognized his condition, which for years had been described as destructive and useless. By the time he was 24 he had earned a PHD. A genius mathematician who would write a series of what I used to describe as gobbledygook. He would chuckle at my description and then spend an hour trying to explain to me what it meant whilst I stared with a blank expression and then ask for a translation in English.
Graeme’s life was rich, varied, full of energy and unwaivering support and commitment to his family, his work and his passions. He had the ability to light up a room, and this way of being able to talk to anyone he came into contact with on a level that put them at ease.
Graeme, the love of my life, my best friend and sidekick for 29 years, the greatest Father to Arwen and Ross.
He passed unexpectedly 6th October 2022, in the place he loved the most, his beloved Scotland.
As a family we have recieved many notes, emails and thoughts on Graeme’s life and what he did for and meant to so many people. We’ve created this online book of condolences in his memory.
