So sorry for your loss. I did not know Alastair but I too am a student doing the MA - long retired. I am sure that Alastair will have got maximum enjoyment from the course and will have done some writing that you, his family, will be proud of.

Alastair was in my tutor group at the OU this past academic year. He was kind and thoughtful, and very active in our tutor group forums; it hasn't been the same without him. Sending love to his family and friends.

I studied with Alastair and will remember his well-crafted stories. He offered generous, encouraging and often witty feedback, that stood apart from most anyone else’s. May he rest in peace.

Alastair and I studied together. Last year we were in the same tutorial group, commented on each other's work and we stayed loosely in touch after that. I very much enjoyed reading his writing, appreciated his feedback comments and am so sad that he's not with us any longer. I'm sending my warmest thoughts and condolences to his family.

I was a fellow student of Alastair's in the Open University last year, he was a wonderful, insightful presence on our forums. So sorry to hear of his passing, and condolences to his family and friends on their loss. Reg Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

I was briefly in the same OU tutor group as Alistair, and remember how perceptive and helpful he was on the forums. I am so sorry to hear this sad news, and send sympathy to all his family and friends. - Jane

Light and Peace, Susan

I had the privilege of workshopping some of Alastair's written work as a fellow OU student this past year. I loved the way he wrote and was so much looking forward to reading more of it. With much love to you at this sad time. Margery

'Without the story – in which everyone living, unborn, and dead, participates – men are no more than ‘bits of paper blown on the cold wind….’ George Mackay Brown, Portrait of Orkney Alastair made everyone's story more meaningful. I was fortunate to get to know him this last year through our writing with the Open University. God bless you all, Christine

A wonderful tribute and a wonderful cause - Aunty Mi and myself are thinking of you all at this time and will send out all our prayers and love , always in our hearts

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Alastair. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.