I love situations like that as well, especially when they are older and you start to hear their stories. I often wish I had a method of recording them with me when it happens.
Your story reminds me of the father of a friend of my Mother's who used to visit her family during Christmas every year when I was younger.
Mr Gillies was one of the finest gentleman I have ever had the honor to know. I was only about 13 when I first met him, but I always looked forward to his visits. I could sit for hours and listen to him. He served during WWII in one of the highland regiments (will have to ask next time I run into my Mom's friend). Taught school after the war, retired and after the death of his wife would come to the states to visit his daughter's family for a couple months around Christmas.
He came over early the year I went to Navy boot camp and came with my family to see me graduate. I still think of him often and I always hear his soft brouge in my mind now and then. I am very blessed to have known him and miss him.