Dear Fiona, Arwen and Ross,

We share your joy at having been blessed to have had Graeme as such an important part of our lives and deep depths of sadness that he has left us far too soon. We celebrate his amazing life, while recognising that our grief is commensurate with his profound contribution to our lives.

The photo I share is together with Graeme and Jackie Redmond at the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Conference in Edinburgh. He was in his element as you can tell from his smile! After this, we enjoyed a dinner at Edinburgh Castle, where we visited the Scottish Crown Jewels. Friends of Graeme will recall his prodigious knowledge of Scottish Royal succession of Kings and Queens. He was a Scottish Gem himself. He loved nowhere more than Ardnacraggan. Graeme selflessly volunteered and supported Scottish academia, industry and civil society. He was a true Scot.

This photo is special to me because all three of us where born in Robroyston hospital in Glasgow. This photo together is our “Robroyston kids” photo. We came from humble beginnings. Graeme always honoured his roots by supporting and empowering others to give them access to opportunities. Other posts here explain how he overcame misunderstanding of his dyslexia, and how he helped others’ talent shine through.

Many here recount his successful career in Shell. Post-Shell, as Chairman of the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Graeme also made a material difference to tackling climate change and changing the lives of families and children globally. His life was hallmarked by altruism.

I am deeply grateful to Graeme for my first role in climate change, and for the strong legacy he built in Shell, and well beyond Shell, for many, many others to succeed leading on this critical climate agenda for humanity.

Graeme was an influential advocate and pioneer of tackling climate change, especially CCS, as founder of the EU Zero Emissions Platform. I always enjoyed my time with him in Brussels meeting politicians and others, visiting wonderful Belgian restaurants, and in the corridors of the EU listening to his warm conversations and deep knowledge as he made compelling arguments. He knew everyone, and was greatly respected for his objective, brilliant and practical solutions. Thankfully, Graeme’s genius mind was applied to climate change, one of the world’s greatest challenges. He made a material difference.

Those who know of Graeme’s collection of football and rugby shirts will understand his sporting dedication. Graeme and I both shared the love of Ibrox and Old Trafford. I have no doubt he will be watching the games with me from heaven. We went together with Ross to the European Cup Final, where Barcelona outplayed United with wonderful football, unfortunately! Graeme was born in Glasgow and educated at Manchester’s best university (!) hence his football allegiance. Scottish rugby is another great shared passion.

He loved sport, and his generosity to others who loved it too was boundless. If Graeme and Ross could not make it to see United play then Graeme would let me use his season ticket. That was a perk no boss I have had before or since could ever match! He would be understanding if I left the office early and arrived late the next day due to my travel to Manchester! 

Graeme was full of love, kindness, of incredible patience with me, and he made a real impact on my life. I am proud to say he was my friend as well as my mentor. A gentle, fun, genius!

As Graeme takes his final bike ride along the long, sunny Houston road; as he cheers Scotland winning the Rugby World Cup in heaven; and as Graeme explains the detailed history of Scotland to the angels, over a wee dram; I have tears in my eyes and feel great fortune to have had the privilege of knowing him. Graeme’s role model to be himself, to believe in others, and to love life with fiendishly brilliant passion, always guides me.

My sincere condolences to you Fiona, Arwen and Ross, it is an unimaginable loss, and to all Graeme’s many friends, raise a toast to our dear friend x