I had the very great privilege to be Robert's first piping instructor. He will always be the gold standard against whom all others are now measured.
Robert's enthusiasm and aptitude for the subject was obvious. Every practice we'd cover something, and he'd quickly pick it up. Then, at the next practice it was obvious that he had worked on it very hard; we very rarely had to repeat a lesson.
That by itself would have marked Robert out, but there was more. He was dedicated, always being where he said he'd be when he needed to be there. His uniform and instrument were always well maintained, shown the respect they needed. And that same respect characterised his dealings with people too - I don't recall any picked fights, or cross words, or any trouble at all. That just wasn't his way.
I only knew Robert for too few years as a boy. Even so, the calibre of the man was clear. And it was the very best.
Rest in peace, my friend.
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