You and I have been friends and ‘cousins’ from being young children in Scotland. We always thought of each other as family. Your amazing grandparents (who I also called Grandpa and Granny) gave refuge to my aunt and uncle as children and then helped my grandmother and my dad escape nazi Germany. You truly followed in their footsteps, not only honouring the deep bond between the Norton and Bovey clans but also in being such a generous, thoughtful and kind human being.
I have many memories of you visiting us in Elderslie or being together with everyone at Thornly Park Drive. Two particular shared childhood ‘events’ stand out. At age 6, we were both bridesmaids at Clarissa and Howard’s wedding in 1960. We both treasured that memory and we would often recollect how thrilled we had been to wear special dresses and flowered headbands! Later, I spent my very first holiday away from my family staying with you, Roderick and your parents in Rodel. I think I was 10 and rather homesick at times but even at that age, you showed empathy and warmth. We climbed the hills behind your home, went out in a local fishing boat (you got seasick!) and inspired me to read more for I seem to remember you often having your head in a book!
As adults we lived a considerable distance apart (my family left Scotland in 1968 for Northumberland and I remained in England until I moved to California in 1993), so I haven't been privy to most of the ways in which you consistently offered your love and support to those around you. I do know what incredibly consistent care you offered Mary making the journey from Stornaway to Edinburgh on a regular basis to visit her as well as to take care of her affairs. You often visited Andrew and family when in Edinburgh and showed such compassion to Andrew as his mental state started to decline with Alzheimer's, including joining me to visit him in care at the Royal Edinburgh.
My last visit to the islands was in 2009 with my mum. You and Calum were so welcoming, organising our B&B, taking us to some of your favourite spots on both Lewis and Harris, inviting us for tea and of course visiting Anthea. A few years ago, 3 of my friends from California came to Stornaway and, even though you didn't know them, you went out of your way to fetch and carry them from the airport and show them around with ‘classic Catherine’ kindness and hospitality.
I will always be grateful for your willingness and enthusiasm to connect when I was in the UK. Almost every time I was in Edinburgh you would make sure that your family visits coincided with mine. Of course due to geography we didn't see each other for long stretches of time and yet it was incredibly easy when we met, catching up, sharing memories and family stories, agreeing on the state of the world. You often talked about coming to visit me in California. During the years of the ‘he who shall not be named’ presidency, you understandably couldn't bring yourself to come here, then there was covid and then you got sick.
The last time I saw you was last November at mum's funeral when once again you made a supreme effort to join us, even though you had so recently visited her. I treasured connecting with you and Eilidh on that important day and I still treasure the island heather spray that you gave me. Your spirit of generosity and thoughtfulness shone, even in the midst of your own illness
Thank you for being you dear Catherine, for never forgetting our special connection, for the bright light of your love, laughter and care you shared so freely. I looked up to you as a child (for you were older by 7 months!) and that never changed for you were always so positive, wise and thoughtful as well as dedicated to bringing our families together whenever possible. I know I am not the only one who remains inspired by the way you lived your life. We miss you and love you.♥