This is Mr Hawksford, he was my physics teacher at Kinross High School and I should have been at his funeral today paying my respects to him and his wonderful family. He passed away a couple of weeks ago and his loved ones held a service at Dunfermline Crematorium where his son-in-law read out some words I had written about him back in 1997. To get a place at university studying journalism I had to write 500 words about the most interesting person I had met. I found Mr Hawksford fascinating. He had travelled, seen the world, had a rebellious streak, encouraged us to think big, aim high and back ourselves. His words have helped me through some dark moments. I’ve thought about him a lot over the last few years and I’m kicking myself for not going round for a drink and to watch him smoke one of his 40 B&H a day. Then again, he always demanded we NEVER say ‘if only’... I’ll see you down the road, Mr Hawksford. I hope I made you proud. “There will be clouds and storms but these have to be weathered. It is not always easy to cope with, let alone get through, the darker moments of life but when you do emerge from them you are a better person, you are stronger and have yet more experience to draw on and pass on to others. Never say ‘if only', it solves nothing and remember we are all experts with hindsight. “Always look forward and be positive, grasp the opportunities that will present themselves every day. Do not be frightened to try something new, after all if it does not work out rarely is any harm done.” Massive love to Nicola, Isla and Mrs H. I can hear those keys rattling the window above the Quadrangle now...