When I met Alec in the late 1960's we shared a boss who couldn't get his mind around Scottish parlance so could not recognise "Rab" as an abbreviation of Robert and christened me "Bob" instead (which was, coincidentally, his own forename). Alec played along with this charade but as soon as we left the office to go to The White Hart or The George round the corner he happily reverted to calling me by my established, Scottish name. As a young starter in the PO in those days it was reassuring to be listened to by an experienced colleague and have one's self-confidence restored. Alec had instantly understood my plight and set out to put me at ease. He could invoke calm so readily with his light humour.

Little did I know, and I'm delighted to learn after all these years, that Alec enjoyed three identities, our Post Office "Alec", his family's "Sandy" and the railway enthusiasts' "Tavish"! Alec was a superb friend and I relished hearing his tales of travels around the world in search of steam (and his grumbles when any trip was replaced by diesel!). I shall miss him very much. Bless you, Alec.

Rab Way