Update on Hamish

[bikercelt1]

Hamish,

I first became aware of you when I visited the original Utilikilts store for the first time and saw your photo on the wall there. Your style and the radiant smile on your face couldn’t help but capture my attention and you became something of a role model for me. I was already intrigued by the kilt but you were someone who lived in a kilt and took it beyond the realm of a dance or band costume. That really appealed to me and I decided to try that for myself.

When this forum was founded I was excited to discover that you were one of the early and prolific posters on the site. So many of us owe you a deep gratitude for being a mentor, guide, role model, and friend. I’m sure I would have a kilt or two in my closet in any case but because of your influence I have collection (much smaller than yours, of course), and even designed my own tartan and tried my hand at making my own kilt (with Steve’s expert guidance of course).

My wife, daughters, and I had the pleasure of meeting you and spending time with you when you came to Vancouver British Columbia for a kilt week. A few years later my daughter had been going to school at University College Dublin and we flew over to spend Christmas with her. You were gracious enough to travel to Gatwick just to spend a little time at the airport with us as we waited for our flight. That really pleased all of us and we have felt close to you ever since. I tried to keep correspondence going but I’m afraid I didn’t succeed. I want you to know,though, that partly because of your influence not only am I a daily kilt wearer but both of my son-in-laws have kilts, were married in their kilts, both of my young grandsons have kilts and wear them for special occasions, and my daughters and granddaughters wear kilted skirts. Before he passed away my father even got a kilt outfit and always looked forward to opportunities to get dressed up and go to events with us. I can’t speak for others, but your passion and enthusiasm has influenced at least four generations of my family.

You are never far from our thoughts and our prayers are with you,
Jamie