Jimmy & Babs Jackson Memories of a much loved friend Rob Scothern We, like Rob & Nevenka lived in Mojacar for periods between 1985 & 2007, we also in 2001 purchased a property in St Gervais Mont Blanc France, as I had been addicted to skiing for many years. In 2000 we where told of another addict who lived in Mojacar, after failing to make contact, we did meet at a party (many thanks Jane & Terry) a few years later. I invited Rob & Nevenka to stay with us in the Alps. Babs was slightly worried, as we hadn’t at that time got to know them very well. So one winters evening into the chalet & our lives walked Rob & Nevenka. I think it took us a few hours for both of us to realise, quite independently, that these visitors were more than something special, it was as though we had known each other for many years. I must admit that part of the original invitation was down to my ego regarding showing off my skiing prowess, that didn’t work out to well as within a few minutes on the mountain I realised that Rob could leave me behind with no problem, under virtually every condition, so much for my ego. Rob really was an extremely good skier, one of the reasons for this was that he was also totally fearless. I still have in my minds eye a picture of Rob “whooping like a banshee” whilst descending a steep slope, off piste & at full blast. It is a great memory; the only problem being that now it brings tears to my eyes, as does the thought of next winter or any time skiing without him. I am so glad that I had the chance of a last ski with Rob early last December, Rob myself & Gordon went to the top station at Contamine, Rob was so hyped up about skiing off piste with Gordon who really is an expert, you could almost see electric sparks emanating from him, he was enjoying himself so much, again this is the memory not the subsequent injury, that will always be with me Why did Babs & I find such a deep affection for someone who we had known for such a short period? I cant quite find an answer, except that Rob was such vibrant person, he looked you straight in the eye grinned & it was obvious the sort of totally genuine person he was. He had such a huge infectious sense of fun, I cant believe that we will not laugh together again at one of his & Nevenkas “haute cuisine” dinner parties, no exaggeration this & those who were privileged to be there, consume the superb food & take part in the hilarious conversations, know what I mean. One end of ski season dinner Babs & I will never forget, this was when Rob / Nevenka gave all those there a “small present for effort during the season”, it was perhaps one of the funniest evenings of my life, the next day my ribs actually ached from laughing. Robs huge energy at times left both Babs & I open mouthed, to me he was the exceptional friend that you only have once or twice in lifetime, I do & will miss him more than I can say, the winters / skiing wont be the same. I must also say that everything said also applies equally to Nevenka, who matched Rob’s huge energies / social whirl, she & Babs both non skiers found that they both share a great love of literature & crosswords The only slight plus I can think of in all of this, is that although Rob’s death was such an incredible shock to all of us, especially so for his close family, he would have hated to have an extended fatal illness. Rob would have fought to the last, of this there is no question, so it could have been a long period, perhaps he has been spared this Rob loved life & lived it to the utmost as everyone who knew him will verify, Rob you will not be forgotten by any of your multitude of friends, there are so many wonderful memories for all of us to remember you. Rest in Peace friend, forgive us for not attending your funeral, we did try. Your friends Jimmy & Babs His spirit chanced the secret paths of air. Strength may have failed, but ever his bold aim Caused the frail stars to burn with brighter flame.