"Chalky" Scott Whyte (29 May 1977 - 11 Apr 2019)

Chalky, I’ve only just seen. I can’t believe you’re gone. You were such a legend, and I learnt so much from our chats whilst I made your mochas during my time at MY. Thank you for always listening, for helping with my broken car, and for watching out for us. You will be missed.

Chalky you entered our lives just under 10 years ago. It was like different worlds colliding ,yours full of army and war,trying to brave up but broken inside. Ours civilian, spontaneous, not planned and talking about Jesus. But you brought something nobody else could bring, you didn't budge from what you held dear, you saw nature with details that most never saw. You loved the woods and made your home there, you shared your secret places with friends. Even the deer found a special place in your heart, as you watched them, they watched you. You began to appreciate God the creator and all he had made, including Lola, who became a borrowed dog best mate. You went on many adventures together. You worked alongside Andrew, Marilyn and their family, always happy to lend a hand. Discovering a passion for wood carving, never by machine, always by hand, diligently watching how the grain and beauty began to be revealed as you worked, and things began to take shape and purpose. Then when that became impossible due to injuries, you started to seek help elsewhere and new doors opened. You had time with people who understood your condition and it started to help you refocus and change your mindset. Things got even better when you were given a new place to live and felt peaceful and safe. You made it your man cave and the men loved being there with you. Then life changed again as Hannah and your friendship blossomed into love. No longer alone, no longer needing your bergen to always be within reach. Wearing more civvy clothes, actually chosen by you, talking planning a future together, watching sunrises and sunsets, daring to step out beyond stuck places. Talking of all the advetures you would share together, places to go and things to do, making family with Hannah by your side, planning the future together. Feeling robbed right now but knowing you are at peace, heaven bound with no more pain, no broken body, freedom at last to be you, no fears, no anxiety.
Blessed to have shared memories of togetherness with the family and especially extended family at christmas times, watching our crazy family at work and you joining in on the fun, sharing in cooking bake offs (sorry it wasnt cheesecake), watching the latest films, tummies full from regular enormous roast dinners but all of us laughing over Hannah' refusal to have anymore, to watch her constantly pick a little as she talks. Feeling sorry for all your green smoothies and trying to tempt you with chocolate, which you took like a proper soldier.
I shall miss all those moments and much more and the way you loved my daughter. We were thinking we were going to gain a son, but now we have an empty space thats full of sadness. God bless you and keep you safe forever and always.

Firstly, I haven’t wanted to write anything because I still can’t believe you are no longer with us. And when I heard the news I felt sick and numb that I’d never see you again. You leave behind an amazing girlfriend, family and many, many friends from all kinds of walks of life.

Secondly, I just wanted to say that you were an inspiration to those who met you, to have endured everything that life threw at you with a cheeky grin. Most of us can’t imagine what you’d been through. But it was amazing to see you change in the last few years and most of all when you met Hannah. We’re so sad you are gone, but so happy that you found real joy with her - she made you complete.

Mate, we will never forget you.

“Once a Sapper, always a Sapper”