Other than my sister, you Andy were probably the family relative whom i spent most of my time with during my childhood and teenage years. I looked at you more like a bit of an older brother rather than my uncle.

When i think back to those days, some of my fondest memories involve times spent with you getting up to all sorts of mischief over Chantry Park, around the estate or further afield if we were feeling brave and had our bikes.You always had the best toys, i loved coming round and playing with that Action Man Police Motorbike and you had the best Lego collection a kid could wish for. You even didnt mind your snotty nosed nephew turning up and putting his sticky mitts all over it.

You made my teenage years just as memorable. My first 18 rated film (when i was 15) was with you, Aliens i think and my first nightclub (when i was 15) was also with you. Heavy Metal night on a friday at Olivia’s nightclub. Borrowed your leather jacket and driving license and couldn’t believe we pulled it off so went the following fews weeks after that.

Your tallent for drawing and painting blew me away sometimes too, some of the fantasy stuff was just superb. I remember bumping into you on the Cornhill around Christmas and you were out there doing some pavement art. I went off and got a burger and brought it back for you. As i handed it over and you were unwrapping it, you told me you had been a vegetarian for a little while before taking the biggest bite of that juicy cheeseburger!

All of these memories make me smile when i think of them. I had a fantastic childhood, not only because of my parents and sister, but also because of you Andy. You always had time for me, you taught me so much and influenced who i am now probably more than you ever knew. Our paths have gone in different directions as adults but whenever we have seen each other you are still the same old Andy. Always excited and enthusiastic about something whether it be telling me about a climbing trip or the new Boba Fett tv series. The last time we saw each other we were talking about those two things and we also said we would meet up for a beer at the Gladstone Arms, a week later you were gone and we wont ever get that beer now.

That truly saddens me but i think what would Andy say about it all? Probably something along the lines of “don’t be sad its over, be glad it happened” and i really am glad it did all happen. Thank you Andy for your guidance, influence and friendship. I couldn’t have asked for a better uncle.