Gordon Stuart Mackie, a retired Motor Mechanic died on June 1 ... the eve of his 71st birthday.

Friends since 1995, Gordon and I were almost "inseparable" ("joined at the hip" - as an ex g/f of mine used to jokingly remark!) at weekends when we "toured the 'Singles' circuit".

Not long after I last returned from the Philippines, he confided in me that, while I'd been abroad, he had been diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia - which though incurable - appeared to be slow growing and kept at bay; that was over 5 years' ago.

Alas in recent months, his condition deteriorated - to the extent that he was being hospitalised at regular intervals for lengthy chemotherapy treatment and passed away unexpectedly in Ninewells, Dundee last Sunday evening.

RIP, Gordon.