Callum's Rambles

“I miss you already.”

That was the comment from Charles Dundas, Andrew Reeves’ deputy, which sent me over the edge. It did that because, reading it, I realised I felt the same. 

This morning, we all got the tragic news that Andrew Reeves had passed away, aged just 43. Andrew was simply amazing. Words cannot describe the impact he’s had on our party, and our lives. A friend said to me today “he was such a permanent person,” and that is so indicative of the man. A liberal giant, and a man it is very hard to imagine a day without. 

I have two memories of Andrew which stick in my mind, and I think it’s important we all share our memories of this great man. 

The first was in 2009, when he was counting the LYS elections. I have had it reported to me, though I did not hear it first hand, that when Andrew counted my victory he said “that’s no surprise.” That was a hugely heartwarming comment from a man not known for his gushing praise of candidates, at least in the workplace, and represents the huge amount of faith Andrew showed in me and others in my generation of LYS. He was always so supportive, and pushed us to fulfill our potential.

The second was, I have no doubt, the happiest day of Andrew’s life. I was surprised and humbled to be invited to Andrew’s civil partnership celebration late last year. When I asked Caron why I had been invited, she said “because you’re part of the family now.” Andrew was certainly the Dad of that family. The photo below is from that happy day, and how he was on that day is how I want to remember him. Rest in peace friend, it is the absolute least you deserve. 

UPDATE: I remembered that just before I joined the party, the great Russel Johnstone died. I remember the outpouring of emotion, and the tributes. Andrew deserves no less, and has had no less profound an impact. H’s now one of the most talked about things on Twitter in the UK - a fitting tribute, and an indication of the huge impact he had.