Colin and Isobel McLachlan in their vintage 1934 MG PA Midget at a rally in Ulster

Isobel McLachlan sliding on the dunes at Lundin Links, Fife, revisiting her childhood

Isoble, wife of Haggis – a frequent commenter and visitor and internet friend to many who visit choiceindying.com — died early in the morning of 12 March 2013, after a twenty-year struggle with cancer. She died well and peacefully, with the help of her doctor and her husband. Some of you will remember that they recently went on a cruise to the Mediterranean, and visited Barcelona, where they visited the Cathedral Church of the Holy Family (Sagrada Familia), Antoni Gaudi’s fantastic creation, begun in 1882, and still not finished today. Here is a picture of Colin and Isobel with the cathedral in the background:

While we wish Colin all the comfort that memories and friends can bring after the loss of his beloved wife, Isobel, we also remember that life is both joy and sorrow, and that in both there can be wonder. I know how deep such sorrow can go, but I also know how wonderfully refreshing are the memories of joy and love that lead to those deeps. Those memories and their joys I hope we can all wish for Colin at this time. Let these pictures and these words stand as a memorial to Isobel, and a reminder to Haggis how connected we all are in this digital world. It is some comfort to know that Isobel did not require assistance in dying at the end – though she was a stalwart supporter of the legalisation of assisted dying — for it is still not legal in Scotland, all Margo Macdonald’s efforts notwithstanding. The pall of religion still covers most of the world, and autonomy in dying is far off for most of us. Thank you, Isobel, for standing for the light. Hopefully, in time, more and more will stand up for justice for the dying, just as you did.