Mark Pack

One of the welcome changes I’ve seen through my life is the way that funerals in Britain are increasingly celebrations of the best of someone’s live,  mixing the mourning with the happy remembrance.

And so it was today in Edinburgh for the funeral of my former colleague Andrew Reeves. But “former colleague” really doesn’t describe Andrew at all. It doesn’t capture his fun, his support, his energy and his skill. What did capture Andrew beautifully was the eulogy from Michael Moore – and I am sure it would have amused and pleased Andrew hugely that it was a Secretary of State for Scotland – a Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Scotland – who gave him the send off.

I’ve still got the “Reeves for Mayor” mug from 2004 sitting in my kitchen at home, with his infectious grin peeking out at me from amongst all the other mugs.

That will often remind me of him in future, as too will walking alongside the Thames, remembering the man with the invisible battleship. The man had not only invented but built it, only to see it stolen by the Ministry of Defence and moored on the Thames outside Parliament. He wanted Vince Cable (for whom Andrew then worked) to sort it all out. Alas, Andrew’s plan to ask the chap to meet him at the mooring to show him the ship never came to fruition.

Thank you for all your help and all the good times Andrew.