I was part of the St Andrews welcome team at Edinburgh Airport and met Kye straight off the plane. We sat together on the bus and immediately struck up a friendship-- he had so many questions about the university, what there was to do, the people, me; and was one of my closest friends for the year that he was there. I remember how much he appreciated music-- he taught me how to relax into playing the drums, he insisted that a girl who had been using the music room before us stay to accompany us on the piano even over her protestations that Chopin wasn't well suited for the snare drum and cymbal.
We travelled together to Skye and I vividly remember his keenness to explore Scotland, a place I lived all my life, but failed to appreciate. He always had interesting perspectives on any topic, could be very persuasive, was always positive, and a kinder person you would struggle to come by. He was the best person to sit and drink whisky with.
Kye stayed with me at my parent's house a couple of times and was a great hit with my friends from home. He could drink like a Scot and had a brilliant sense of humour. I remember him cooking us all steak and eggs one morning after a party; taking himself off to the shops one morning before we all woke up to get the supplies.
I also lucked out with him securing an internship in London before he headed home-- free accommodation for me in his Soho shack with penthouse views when I visited to explore London with him. I remember having the best conversations about every subject as the Soho Pride parades went on around us.
Most of all, I remember how much he loved his mum, she was never far from his thoughts when he was with us in St Andrews. I can't imagine how painful this must be for his family. For me it is the sad realisation that someone I wish I had kept in better touch with won't be at the other end of messenger when I finally make it to Canada to visit. He remains a big part of my time at university and I'll always remember him.
I was part of the St Andrews welcome team at Edinburgh Airport and met Kye straight off the plane. We sat together on the bus and immediately struck up a friendship-- he had so many questions about the university, what there was to do, the people, me; and was one of my closest friends for the year that he was there. I remember how much he appreciated music-- he taught me how to relax into playing the drums, he insisted that a girl who had been using the music room before us stay to accompany us on the piano even over her protestations that Chopin wasn't well suited for the snare drum and cymbal.
We travelled together to Skye and I vividly remember his keenness to explore Scotland, a place I lived all my life, but failed to appreciate. He always had interesting perspectives on any topic, could be very persuasive, was always positive, and a kinder person you would struggle to come by. He was the best person to sit and drink whisky with.
Kye stayed with me at my parent's house a couple of times and was a great hit with my friends from home. He could drink like a Scot and had a brilliant sense of humour. I remember him cooking us all steak and eggs one morning after a party; taking himself off to the shops one morning before we all woke up to get the supplies.
I also lucked out with him securing an internship in London before he headed home-- free accommodation for me in his Soho shack with penthouse views when I visited to explore London with him. I remember having the best conversations about every subject as the Soho Pride parades went on around us.
Most of all, I remember how much he loved his mum, she was never far from his thoughts when he was with us in St Andrews. I can't imagine how painful this must be for his family. For me it is the sad realisation that someone I wish I had kept in better touch with won't be at the other end of messenger when I finally make it to Canada to visit. He remains a big part of my time at university and I'll always remember him.
