Sudden and unexpected death of a close friend

Just where do I start? Devastated, then how are the family feeling following the sudden death of Graeme Allan Jnr, seen here with RGB last week.

How could I have known in January when I wrote of the sudden death of Graeme Allan Snr that I would be repeating this ever so painful process so unexpectedly for his son - and how could I have foreseen this event last week when talking to this fine young man and friend in Penicuik Rugby Club where he had come to see his mate, RGB playing in the Golden Oldies tournament.

Graeme died yesterday, 27th September 2011, following a road accident at a notorious accident "black spot", at 4.15 pm. on the A7 Edinburgh - Galashiels Road, just south of Fountainhall, when the motorcycle he was riding was in collision with two motor cars. From the news items availableI believe that he was airlifted by the air ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary where he sadly succumed to his injuries some time later. The A 7 was closed for a considerable number of hours while accident investigators did their work and at the moment they are still seeking further witnesses.

Graeme and RGB were at Penicuik High School together and we had them and others in the house most afternoons On one occasion there were four "Graham's, Graeme,s " in the house at the one time and they revelled in getting me confused. We had surprise birthday parties for him, and his friends, and have many other fond memories .

I can remember when he worked with his father up at the then Snooty Fox, before he set his mind on joining the police - He joined Lothian and Borders Police and was posted to serve in Edinburgh; being a car fanatic and keen motorcyclist he was so delighted later to get a transfer to the Traffic Department where he served, firstly in the City, then Dalkeith and latterly in the Borders

I know that his eldest daughter had, only a couple of days ago been talking to a young friend whose Daddy, a friend and colleague of Graeme's had died very recently, and the wee ones were discussing who would look after him in heaven - his daughter had told the friend that her Grandad would be there to make sure he was OK, looks like Graeme Snr., has now been reunited with his son, and if the lads shape up the way they used to be, then he will have his work cut out !!!

To the family, his wife, daughters, mother, sister and close friends I can only offer our condolences and support.

To Graeme, R I P.