Kevin Irvine - An Honest Friend

 

To the memory of my brother Kevin who would have turned 55 today. 

'Long May You Run" is a song written by Neil Young (a favourite of mine) and released by the Stills-Young Band in 1976.

"Long May You Run" (March 16, 2021)

 

I am moving house soon and, as always, when you're clearing out cupboards and whatnot you come across all kinds things that you'd forgotten were there.

For example, this touching tribute to my younger brother Kevin who died in a road traffic accident nine years ago this month.

Kevin's friends in Whistler, British Columbia helped his family give Kevin a memorable and strangely comforting send off - and this bookmark is a memento of his funeral service and the celebration of Kevin's life which followed.  

If there is another world,

he lives in bliss,

if there is none, 

he made the most of this

Robert Burns

  

An Honest Friend (25/01/21)

Burns Night 2020 was in Spain with old friends - this year we're in sunny Glasgow and with Covid still dominating all our lives it's a rather quieter affair.

But Burns Night wouldn't be Burns Night without raising a glass to my younger brother Kevin who loved to party on these occasions.

Kevin was the youngest of his siblings (5 brothers and zero sisters - much to the chagrin of my Mum), but he was by far the most noble, kind and generous of spirit.  

In other words, not just a brother but a good and honest friend! 

  

An Honest Friend (12/08/17)

My younger brother Kevin would have been 50 years old today had life not dealt him a short hand as he travelled through Bolivia back in March 2012 on the 'journey of a lifetime' to Tierra del Fuego.

I miss Kevin's easy charm and cheery company to this day, along with his many friends, but I think of him often and Kevin's memory never fails to bring a big smile to my face.

One of my most treasured possessions is a small omelette pan which I brought back to Glasgow from Kevin's house in Whistler, British Columbia, after his funeral.

I use the pan regularly for a whole variety of culinary purposes and because Kevin and I shared a passion for cooking, this mundane little object always reminds me of the good times we shared together.

How strange it is that a small, virtually worthless piece of metal can create such a powerful connection after all this time. 

  

An Honest Friend (25/01/14)

To the memory of my younger brother Kevin who loved to celebrate Burns Night in the company of his friends, good food and a fine dram.

Kevin John Irvine: born 12 August 1967; died 29 March 2012 

An Honest Friend by Robert Burns

Here's a bottle and an honest friend!

What wad ye wish for mair, man?

Wha kens before his life may end, 

What his share may be of care, man.

Then catch the moments as they fly, 

And use them as ye ought, man:

Believe me happiness is shy, 

And comes not ay when sought, man.