A Glass Raised to Hamish

[highlandtide]

It has been many, many years since I have posted, but when I saw the news about Hamish, I knew that I needed to come back if for only one thread.

Today would have been his birthday.

Hamish was one of the original members of X Marks. He was an active poster on other kilt boards at the time and I remember interacting with him on one whose name I don't even remember. I remember thinking that he would be an incredible contributor to this board as well, but I can't even remember how he found out about X Marks. Did I ask him to come over? Maybe. I like to think that he woke up one morning with some extra-sensory insight that told him, "there's a new place to talk about kilts..." Let's stick with that story.

As all of you know, he quickly became not only a contributor, but somewhat of a celebrity and then ultimately, the Patron Saint of X Marks.

When I turned the reigns of X marks over, I moved on to other things and my eye rarely turned in the direction of X Marks. Not because I didn't care, it's just the way I operate. I build things. Turn them over to more capable managers. Then I move on to the next thing.

When I heard about the passing of Hamish, I truly felt saddened that he was gone. Deeply sad as a matter of fact. But I also felt so honored to have known him, even if it was only ""virtually."

So with that being said, I raise a glass to the Patron Saint of X Marks. The Legend. The one who truly lived the kilted life.

Hamish Bicknell, you made an impact and your legacy will forever be written on this Earth.

An honest man here lies at rest
As e'er God with his image blest.
The friend of man, the friend of truth;
The friend of Age, and guide of Youth:
Few hearts like his with virtue warm'd,
Few heads with knowledge so inform'd:
If there's another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.
-Robert Burns

[Mael Coluim]

[Beertigger]

Here's to Hamish.

[Sir Didymous]

More than a few days late, but here's to the legend.