My night

**ccga3359** · 9th April 08, 07:59 PM

Tonight I attended a wake for a Coast Guard Auxiliary colleague and friend taken away from us far too soon. He was South African but came to canada to escape a family tragedy and found a home. he was a former member of the Transvaal Scottish so we had a particular respect for kilts. I wore my Maple Leaf kilt in honour of him tonight much to his family's delight. Well worth the ribbing I got from my cohorts in CG unit. This year I decided to step back from my on water duties to spend more time with my family. I was outside sharing a cigarette with his crew Captain to offer my short term services so that he is able to train and promote to fill the void left. It was at that time I heard someone say "Excuse me, are you Grant?". "I am" I replyed to a gentleman I did not recognize. Low and behold it was RobtheHiker of XMarks fame. A short conversation later Rob has to attend SOKS functions and meet the rest of the local kilties and I also found out that Mrs. Robthehiker will not perform a sympathy kilt check at her husband's request. Sounds like an intelligent woman you've got there Rob.

I guess such is the cycle of life as you say goodbye to one friend you meet another.

Please join me in a toast to the loss of a fellow kiltie.

Charles Clayton
1954-2008
Transvaal Scottish Regiment
Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary

**Rogerson785** · 9th April 08, 08:07 PM

I toast you and your efforts to make the waterways of Canada safer for yachtsmen in a harsh and ever changing environment. Loosing a fellow serviceperson is never easy and being US Army, these past five years have been tough; I have lost barracks-mates and people I have had the pleasure to serve with.

Gods Speed and always Stay SAFE!

**Mael Coluim** · 9th April 08, 08:09 PM

Hear, hear to Charles!

Sorry, Grant to learn of the loss of your friend and colleague.

**Panache** · 9th April 08, 08:12 PM

I raise my glass to Charles and feel for the loss of your friend Grant

Sincerely

James

**J.B. Simpson** · 9th April 08, 08:20 PM

Fair winds and following seas Charles.

Sorry to hear of the loss of a Shipmate Grant.

**robthehiker** · 9th April 08, 08:43 PM

Imagine my surprise at running into a fellow X-Marker 2 minutes from my house. It was a pleasure meeting you Grant. I'm sorry the circumstances weren't happier. We'll have to drink a toast to Charles at the next SOKS night.

**Coemgen** · 9th April 08, 09:19 PM

To Charles!

"I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love."
— Leo Buscaglia