It's all about Oranje

While up in Aberdeen over the weekend enjoying myself, I received news that one of my friends from high school was killed in a car crash on Saturday morning

I haven't had any contact with Scott since he left school, but I suppose, perhaps like many others, wish that we had tried a little harder. I can't comment on what kind of a man he had become, but if it was only a fraction of the friendly, enthusiastic boy we all loved at school, he will be truly missed.

Scott was never the most academically gifted of students, but my most endearing memory of him was how hard he would try, and the positive light in which he would go about his work. For most of us however, we knew him as an athlete. And an oustanding one at that. I played basketball with him for many years, and have never played basketball or indeed any other sport with someone as incredibly talented as him. Vastly skilled, and even more so intelligent, he could read and interpret the game like few others. And any game, from football to hockey to basketball to badminton, and as I've come to learn, at bowls.

But for someone as talented and gifted, there was never an arrogance about him. In an elite sporting sense, that was perhaps his biggest flaw, or hindrance to realising his full potential (trust me, he really was THAT good at everything). But his down to earth, friendly, compassionate character with a wonderful sense of humour made him a hit with everyone, both fellow students and teachers.

My condolences go to his family, girlfriend and close friends. I wouldn't imagine there is anything that could possibly fill the void he leaves behind. But he will be remembered as a great person, and for me personally, as a very good friend.

Jan.