A stalwart of Highland Car Club, and long time behind-the-scenes
grafter at the Snowman Rally, 'Coogie' became more widely known at events
throughout Scotland, and even 'abroad' in England, Wales and Northern Ireland,
as an MSA Steward and more recently an MSA Safety Delegate.
Like many of the 'older generation' (he would have been just 58 next
month!) he started competing in navigational rallies and autotests before a
brief foray into stage rallying navigating for Iain McGilvray in the Peugeot
205 amongst others, but his main focus at the time was creating and establishing
his own business, Newton Energy. His background in plumbing and heating led to
the creation of this Inverness based company which specialised in renewable
energy, heating, plumbing and electrical services.
Those early endeavours severely restricted his leisure time activities
which centred around his family and his sport. Thereafter active participation in
the sport was replaced with enthusiastic participation in Highland Car Club
activities, events and management. That led in 1988 to a four year stint as
Clerk of the Course for the Snowman Rally. These skills and experience were
then shared with other rallies and organisers and also the Scottish Rally
Championship committee.
His expertise was based not on memorising the Blue Book but on practical
experience of the various duties required of a rally marshal or official. This
ability was also recognised by the MSA who appointed him as a Steward, and more
recently an MSA Safety Delegate, a much more onerous task. He was a natural
choice for such duty. Rally safety was always a concern and in 2006 he
co-authored a report with Ulster Rally's Gary
Milligan on behalf of the MSA on 'Safety
Cars & Their Duties'.
Yes, he could be stern and strict - but not for long. He was opinionated
too, but that was because he always believed his cause was right. And yet, if
you had a counter argument, he would listen intently, and consider it carefully,
before telling you that you were still wrong. That is, in the unlikely event
that you were right!
This was a man who could deliver a stern ticking-off when circumstances
required and then take the sting out of it with a quip or a joke - thereby making
the lesson all the more memorable because of it.
There was a constant whiff of comic menace and serious frivolity lurking
beneath that gruff exterior that could only be contained for so long before
erupting in a splurge of laughter.
That was probably the reason he was so well liked by those whose paths
he crossed and those who crossed his. Humour was the best form of attack, of engaging
with others and of imparting advice, an art which he practiced to perfection.
He was great company whether indulging in serious debate or stupid
banter and the jokes and tales were endless. Sadly, his untimely passing means there
will now be a quiet corner in Rally HQs and car club gatherings where once the
laughter radiated.
The sport's loss is nothing like the loss to his wife Teri and the
girls, Louise and Hazel. Our thoughts must be with them and their wider family
and friends at this terrible time.
