Under normal circumstances I don't comment on
funerals, but yesterday's farewell to Bob Morland was not a morbid, hand-wringing
affair. Humour and fun was interwoven in this celebration of a life lived to
the full as both Bob's sons spoke warmly and fondly of 'faither'. Kenneth and
Graeme regaled the huge turn-out with a series of family anecdotes and insights
into the life of this well-loved faither and grandpa.
At the 'tea' later that afternoon a visitor's book was passed round by
the family asking folk to record their own wee stories. Given the nature of the
event, I passed on one personal memory which I omitted from my original tribute.
At the time I thought it could have been taken the wrong way in some quarters, or
maybe thought of as disrespectful, but no, everyone knew just how mischievous
the man could be.
I first met Bob in the mid 1970s when I was new to the sport of
navigational rallying and he was already an old, and wise, hand. Indeed, it was
he who taught me how to cheat in a "fair and gentlemanly" fashion.
Aye, it wouldn't happen today.
However, the occasion did allow me to use this photograph which has
been waiting for the right opportunity. For the past 12 years, Bob was team supervisor
and mentor to the BSW Rally Team. The Faulkner and Foy entourage were there yesterday
and revealed that it was Bob who organised the team - when they didn't know
they needed organising.
He did fail in one respect. A certain member of the team (who shall
remain nameless) continues to wear lurid underwear regardless of the leg-pulling
and insults.
Bob would have appreciated this one!
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