My deepest condolences to the family. Dickon had a host of friends across the world with whom he played online games. He was no different than as described in memorials from those who knew him in person. He was gruff. He was loyal. He had an endearing dry wit. His name in the game we played together was Axxoob...or just Axx. For several years he was a daily presence in the lives of many. He took pride in his ability to be the strongest member in our group. With his high numbers, he could have done a lot of different things in our game but he was loyal to his friends. He nicknamed himself "Fluffy" because his character's might was stronger than the rest of us. He was always willing to help his mates. Beyond the game, he provided sincere talks and many laughs to those he knew well. He is deeply loved and missed.

From Janie McNeil, an old friend of Dickon’s in Dunfermline: I have known Dickon almost half my life. We were introduced by a mutual friend when he moved to Dunfermline for work. That other friendship fizzled out but Dickon and I shared a love of our cats which opened the door to a longer lasting friendship between us. Dickon’s cats, Charlie and Gabby, were very, very timid. I would sit for literally hours at a time trying not to make any sudden moves as they came into the room and moved slowly toward their dad. They would eventually settle in for butt rubs and head scratches, all the while keeping a wary eye on me. Those cats were the first indication that Dickon’s stand-offish, don’t need anyone else exterior hid a big heart behind it though. He had infinite patience for Charlie and Gabby and they clearly loved him to pieces. I guess in some ways I occupied the role of nagging wife figure while Dickon was in Scotland. Here was this bachelor who liked strong coffee, a ciggie or two and a nip of whiskey. Whereas I was teetotal, drank tea and didn’t smoke. That was Dickon though - he was unapologetically himself. He never would and never did change. Any arguments we had would end with ‘yes love’ and a twinkly eyed grin! Dickon and I would spend our time eating in, chatting about our day over video games he was playing or with some sci-fi programme or other on the tv. I remember a two-week period when we binge-watched Babylon 5 because it was one of his favourites and I had never even heard of it! I was quoting that series for years after that! We’d often hark back to those times when life got complicated - no demands, no drama, just popcorn and good company. Dickon also loved to cook and was good at it! He taught this very simple cook about the joys of red wine in sauces and balsamic vinegar! I remember he made this amazing avocado and strawberry salad (I’d never had avocado before) and I begged him to make it again so often we got sick of it! He also took me on whiskey distillery tours - I know, an Englishman educating a Scots lass on whiskey - but he knew a lot about it and would steer me to the milder ones. We eventually settled on Edradour as a common favourite, although he thought my liking of the cream liqueur version was a waste of a good single malt! I have amazing memories of a Christmas spent at Jill and Tim’s, Dickon driving the 11hour journey while we listened to Creedence Clearwater Revival in the car. We climbed the Spinaker Tower and visited the Mary Rose, which I had told him repeatedly was a childhood dream of mine when I realised how close Portsmouth was to Minstead! That was the thing about Dickon. He would gladly do nice things for you given the chance, even if he would be gruff about it! From time to time we’d hear that Jill and Tim were going to be in the Dunfermline area and although he’d grumble about the ‘oldies invasion’ as he called it, he was always so content after a visit with family. I would love watching them spoil him a little and he’d deserve it. We’d eat at our favourite restaurant in Aberdour, Jill and I laughing as Tim and Dickon made sarcastic comments to each other! After Dickon moved back down south, the friendship turned into phone calls and very occasional visits. I was hit hard with health issues and we’d talk about how I was doing, Dickon telling me to slow down, take things easier. ‘Yes love’ often ended those arguments too! The last time we spoke was a wee while after Jill’s funeral. Dickon was full of tales about his nephews and I could tell how much he loved them by his grumbling! We talked a bit about visits and logistics with my health, dogs and family, and his workload. Made the promises to make it happen as friends often do. I wish we’d tried a little harder so I had more memories to look back on. They are so very precious as Dickon was himself. My good friend and confidant, fellow lover of cooking and eating, of long drives and a cheeky dram. Dickon you will be missed more than you would ever accept, much more than you would have appreciated. Sleep well love.

Although we haven’t seen Dickon in many years we have very fond memories of him growing up in Canada. Since we have children of the same age Dickon was always a great friend to a group of similar aged play mates often the only boy. He was able to unzip other children s snow suits which was fun to them until they all had to be done up again. Dickon, Rest In Peace and it was a privilege to have spent time with you in Canada. Anne, Gordon, Karen, Nikki and Paul Brackstone