Thinking of you dear Calvin as we celebrate your birthday with sushi, your amazing Strictly performance and Guardians of the Galaxy. We miss you.

Happy birthday Cal, you are missed every day but particularly today.

We will always have a Calvin-shaped hole in our lives. Sending kind thoughts to all those so very conscious of that today x

It’s a beautiful sunny day for your birthday, Cal. the Meadows are full of daffodils 🌼 which is so appropriate since they’re your favourite colour. Wishing you were here to enjoy them

Always thinking of you my man, especially when Edinburgh lose to Sarries in Europe, love you, Ali x

I’ve been thinking of you recently Calvin. I miss the Porty rugby days. With love, Lewis T

A Child Loaned I’ll lend you for a little time A child of mine, He said For you to love the while he lives And mourn for when he’s dead. It may be six or seven years Or twenty-two or three But you will, til I call him back Take care of him for me. He’ll bring his charms to gladden you And should his stay be brief, You’ll have his lovely memories As solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, Since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I’ve looked this wide world over, In my search for teachers true, And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes I have selected you. Now you will give him all your love Not think the labour vain, Nor hate me when I come to call And take him back again. I fancied that I heard them say Dear Lord your will be done For all the joy your child shall bring The risk of grief we’ll run We’ll shelter him with tenderness We’ll love him while we may And for the happiness we’ve known, Forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for him Much sooner than we planned, We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes And try to understand.

The 27th March 2021 was the day our family thought we would celebrate Calvin’s 21st birthday. The day is here but not Calvin. The finality of death is heart-breaking to accept, especially the death of someone as young as Calvin. To get peace and acceptance we need to stay close to the God of all comfort through prayer and reading his word. This is our prayer for Brian, Ruth and Eva, that God will grant them peace and acceptance in their tragic loss. As we all feel sorrow at our family’s great loss, we ask God to give us strength to thank him for 20 years of Calvin’s life. As his grandparents we were so proud of our dear grandson, but in death we are even more proud of the young man he had become. We have been touched and saddened by the tributes written about him, by his childhood, school, rugby and university friends, his family and a young man who had worked with him last year. The stories were all personal memories they all had of Calvin, individual memories that all said the same things in a different way. He was caring and helpful to others always trying to make them feel they were important and not feel left out. One of his friends said, “Calvin liked everyone and was always quick to defend them when someone was berating them.” His kindness to others was a theme in all the tributes. Even in the midst of our sorrow and pain we are amazed to hear how our grandson was thought of so highly by his peers. It is wonderful that in such a short life he has left beautiful memories of love, kindness, concern and empathy for others. God endowed Calvin with a good brain, and he was talented trumpet and rugby player, but he was not conceited. He showed humility and was always able to laugh at himself. Compassion, kindness, humility and empathy for others are all recorded for us in the Bible as essential attributes for all Christians. Jesus showed them in his life on earth and we as his followers must show them in our lives. We thank God that Calvin showed these attributes in his short life and we thank all who have contributed to this site. Without your tributes we, his grandparents, would never have known how much our grandson was loved and held in such high esteem and how he helped and encouraged others. We have often heard that ability blossoms under encouragement and Calvin always loved helping and encouraging others. We thank God for his kind, considerate and encouraging manner. These are the beautiful memories we now hold dear and give our heartfelt thanks to those who shared your memories of Calvin. Yes, we grieve but also have joy in knowing our grandson loved and was loved by so many and will spend eternity in heaven with his saviour Jesus Christ. Trevor and Carol

The run up towards Calvin's birthday was a difficult time for myself. I was unsure how it would all feel and, in these unusual times, what could I do to remember him. The Scotland v France game was on the night before and it felt like the definition of a bittersweet moment. Calvin would've loved it! Probably would've been on his feet for the entire time the clock was in the red and shouting abuse at the French player who didn't kick it out after a Scottish turnover. I thought a lot about Brian and how many of these memories the two of them must've shared. The next morning was difficult, difficult to smile and remember the good times. I wanted to take part of the day just for him. I was receiving my second vaccine that day so I knew I would have around 1.5 hours to myself for Calvin. In the car I wanted to listen to something that reminded me of him and the first person that came to mind was Bruce Springstreen. It was lovely. I sang aloud the songs I knew and reflected on the past year. Reflecting on how devastating and unfair it has been for so many. But following my vaccine, there came a sense of hope for the future and thankfulness for what Calvin passed on to me. He is deeply, deeply missed and I love him. Fergal

We celebrated your birthday over a special evening meal where I shared some memories of you with my dear friends. A cheers to you Calvin! We miss you dearly. xx Han

Calvin; on what would be your 21st birthday, I wanted to write you a little note. Since hearing of your loss, the emotional journey that our family has experienced has been a rollercoaster ride. Grieving is never easy, and it comes in many shapes and forms. The initial pain is overwhelming, and with the pain comes the sorrow, the feeling of loss, and the feeling of guilt. And then there's the feeling of numbness; you feel so many things at once, your heart just shuts down. It's been months since you left us, but it still feels as raw as when we first heard the news of your passing. On what would be your 21st birthday, I'm putting aside my feelings of grief; instead, I'm remembering you, Calvin. Today, we're celebrating you. You were, and will forever continue to be a cherished member of our family. Your passionate, kindhearted nature will never be forgotten. Reading through all of the memories that all of your most cherished friends and family members have of you brings a tear to my eye, but also makes my heart fill with pride, joy and love. Calvin; today we say thank you. Thank you for being you, and letting us have and share these precious memories with you. I know we'll meet again once more. All our love, from the Gillett family.

We’ve been thinking a lot about you Calvin this week though to be honest we always do. So sorry we can’t see the amazing 21 year old we know you would have been. We’re planting a Japanese maple in your memory today and as it grows and blossoms it will be a further reminder of you and what you and your family mean to us. From the Craigs in Belfast.

Happy 21st Birthday Calvin, you and your family are always in our thoughts. Knowing you would have made a weekend of your 21st Birthday celebrations and recognising your passion for rugby we raised a glass to you as we watched the Scotland v France game last night. Remembering you on your 21st Birthday, Elaine & Gav Inkster x

A day of tears and of smiles. A walk through the wood where we heard the birds and looked out over the valley, as we sat and prayed and remembered. An afternoon watching Guardians of the Galaxy, because we could imagine watching it with Calvin, and laughing together. An evening kicked off with gin and tonic, a treasured memory for Alec with Calvin, followed by watching the Portobello High Strictly Champion dash through the charleston to whoops of celebration. Then, in kilts and Scottish rugby tops and a flash of yellow, we share sushi to celebrate his love of Japan - and food. Alec finds some jazz and we remember his love of music. Our dearest Calvin, a special friend, much loved, much missed, now in glory.

I'm very late to this, but Calvin was my best mate at Glasgow uni, I'm really missing the countless nights playing pool at GUU with him, constantly laughing whilst he struggled to win a game. I miss messaging him during every rugby match, with him always insulting England as every Scottish lad should. Love you man, Ali.

Kind, gentle and compassionate. The warmest smile. Always gracious and calm in nature. Calvin you will be so deeply missed. A circle of love, care and strength has formed around your family and we will always be a part of that. We smiled a few days ago remembering that you respectfully and politely questioned the appropriateness of Orla’s “suitor” this summer when you worked together in The Range. Thank you for the many years of solid and stable friendship you offered to Callum - we know how much he loved and will miss you but also how many great times you shared together. Calvin, Louis and Callum, the three amigos. From age seven playing in the playground, on the beach, each other’s houses and Rosefield park. You grew and bonded with others through high school and we came together as families to celebrate your prom and your inter-railing adventures. This summer, young men meeting and enjoying each other’s company despite your different paths as adults. These are not flowers that fade, Nor trees that fall and crumble, Nor are they stone, For even stone cannot the wind and rain withstand And mighty mountain peaks in time reduce to sand. What we were, we are. What we had, we have. A conjoined past imperishably present. So when you walk the woods where once we walked together And scan in vain the dappled bank beside you for my shadow, Or pause where we always did upon the hill to gaze across the land, And spotting something, reach by habit for my hand, And finding none, feel sorrow start to steal upon you, Be still. Clear your eyes. Breathe. Listen for my footfall in your heart. I am not gone but merely walk within you. (N Evans) Kim & Colin X x X

My words feel so hollow, even as I write. My head is numb at the suddenness of your loss . Calvin is such a cherished soul and so deeply loved. He has brought kindness, sensitivity and thoughtfulness to friends and family. My heart is swept away in the depth of your grief. I stand, ankle deep, in the river which must threaten to pull you away from the banks at times. My mouth is empty and dry- there are no words to convey my care, my love and my sympathy. There is no joy. Just company. My eyes are tearing up, alongside you. My throat is full. But I stand here, ankle deep, and won't move until you need me to. In life-long love, dear friends. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

This is the tribute I wrote for Calvin’s funeral service. Some of you may recognise your words here as I’ve drawn from the many beautiful thoughts you have shared. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your inspiration. “There are no words”. That’s a sentence we’ve heard over and over again these last 2 weeks as people try to come to terms with the shock, grief and unutterable pain at the loss of our very precious Calvin. And it’s true. There are no words to adequately describe the depth of pain and grief we feel at his loss. But there are words to describe Calvin: He was a son to Brian and me, one of the most amazing gifts God has given us. He may have had a traumatic entry to this world and a traumatic exit, but in between he gave us great joy. He was a big brother to Eva, a constant source of love and inspiration in her life. He loved her dearly and would have done anything for her. His pet name for her was ‘Ed’, I probably shouldn’t repeat her pet names for him! He was a beloved grandson to my parents, Trevor & Carol, and Brian’s parents, Matthew & Ellen. He was loving and devoted to them. He had a very special bond with Granda Gilly, with whom he loved to spend time messing around, especially on the golf course. He was also blessed to have a 3rd set of honorary grandparents in Ian & Isabel Murray, who introduced him to a love of curry and an interest in the world. He was a special nephew to Lisa & Alastair, Jane & Declan, Karen & Peter, Elaine & Ian and Sharon & Scott and very dear cousin to Emily, Imogen, Bronwyn, Kaitlan, Shannon, Jasmine, Megan, Misha, Ethan, Jordan and Emma. Imogen may think she was his favourite cousin, but he would have been too kind to ever say that in case he offended any of the others! He was an integral and vibrant member of our church family, who is feeling his loss keenly. And he was a friend to so many. We hugely appreciate the outpouring of love we have been wrapped in from all of you, both love for Calvin and love and care for us as a family. This is helping us through this dark valley and is something that we will always treasure. It is hard to find the words to capture what was so incredibly special about Calvin. He was an amazing young man, a “hero from a boy’s story”. He was kind, gentle, loving, affectionate, tender-hearted, always giving, fun-loving and funny. He was full of light. He was also “annoyingly smart”! But the word which comes to our minds again and again when we think about Calvin is KIND. He was so sensitive towards others and always wanted them to feel loved and cared for and to protect them from hurt. He often came into the kitchen when I was cooking and would ask “How can I help you?” – a question that made my heart sing every time I heard it and a question which I think sums up his attitude of service and devotion to others: “How can I help you?” Calvin always embraced life and was ready to give anything a go – he threw himself into his studies, playing the trumpet and piano, basketball, Scouts, skiing, canoeing, surfing, golfing, abseiling with me off a lighthouse, camping, performing sketches at church and playing pranks. Who will ever forget him giving it laldy swinging his trumpet in the Jazz Band at school or dancing the Charleston at Porty Does Strictly? Or sharing his faith with the children who came to the holiday club at our church, dressed up as a mad inventor? But his great passion, which he shared with his Dad, was rugby. It was at Portobello Rugby Club where he made some very special, enduring friendships. I can’t say much about his team’s performance on the pitch as I couldn’t bear watching him and his friends get hurt, but Brian never missed a match, getting up in the pitch dark in the middle of winter, driving Calvin and his friends to matches, cheering them on from the sidelines, dissecting the play afterwards. There was nothing he and Brian loved better than yelling themselves hoarse cheering on Scotland as they won or lost at Murrayfield, in Ireland, France, Italy, wherever and whenever they could. As team captain, Calvin was Mr Motivator and kept up everyone’s morale when they were cold, soaked in mud and up against hulking opponents. One of his friends, Lewis, described the highs and lows of their rugby ‘we nearly had them this time’ experiences and Calvin giving them a scathing talk about how they needed to get their act together with tears in his eyes – Lewis had never seen such passion in anyone, for anything else, ever. Despite Calvin’s lean frame and his gentle nature off the pitch, he could certainly floor the opposing team by the sheer force of his determination, driven to play his heart out for his team. Calvin was warm, easy-going and incredibly hospitable. He loved to have his friends back to the house every lunch break from school and share whatever sweet treats he could find. He also loved to throw parties, particularly if they involved dressing up – Harry Potter and the Swiss bob-sleigh team were 2 of my favourite. We will never forget how handsome and happy he and his school friends looked in their kilts, posing for photos in our garden before their 6th year Prom or his broad smile with his arms around Sally on the beach after their primary school Qualy. Calvin inherited his love of barbecuing from his Dad and the Stubbs family, with whom he grew up. They had a special relationship, cemented by many hours on the Playstation during lockdown, driving Eva crazy as the excited yelling from his room sounded like he was shooting an action film. We were so blessed to have 6 wonderful months with him living at home again during lockdown, spending time in the garden, playing epic table tennis tournaments with his Dad and friends, building Lego, making cocktails and dressing up as a waiter with Eva to serve us a memorable wedding anniversary dinner. Calvin was adventurous and we travelled as much as we could as a family. People often associate him with his trip to Japan which was his cool choice of destination for his 16th birthday. But it was his weeks up north at Scripture Union holiday camps with his friends Jack and Alec which he said were the best weeks of his life. Those and, of course, the legendary inter-railing trip around Europe with Callum, Louis, Fergal, Lewis and Sean. The photos and stories from Lake Bled will always make us smile, and it was special that he was able to hook up with his childhood friend, Joe, there. Calvin was well loved and loved well. He made everyone around him better. We’ve been so deeply moved to hear stories from so many of his friends, long term and more recent, about how he quietly and gently looked after them when they were anxious or hurting and inspired them to keep going and be the best they could be. He will be an important part of what you all become. We’ll all miss him so much, but we hope and pray his influence and the memory of the love you knew from him will inspire you to do him proud. When we need words, there’s no better place to turn to than God’s word, as it’s in the Bible we find the light, understanding, joy and deep, deep comfort we need to face this loss. There are so many words there which have been soothing our aching hearts and healing our souls. These verses are particularly uplifting just now: Revelation 21, v4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more for the former things have passed away”. And from John 1, v5 “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it”. That light shone in Calvin and is shining ever more brightly now in heaven. We know we will see our darling boy there again. We will miss him sorely every day until then, but know he is safe just now in the arms of his loving heavenly Father. Au revoir, mon amour. Until we meet again.

Calvin, For as long as I can remember you have been such a huge part of all of our lives. I was lucky enough to be in both your primary classes and most of our early high school classes. It was clear from day one how unbelievably smart you were. You were always there for me to ask questions when I had no idea what was going on. Your smile and laugh were so infectious and you had the kindest soul. For many of my school years I spent a lot of time in your excellent trumpet playing shadows. I will always be thankful for you trying to teach me the concert pieces in the music room five minutes before we were supposed to play them. Your patience for me and my lack of talent was incredible. As we got into the later stages of school we were in less classes together (partly because you picked the difficult subjects) but we shared so many free periods together. The trips to Maria’s for bacon rolls and the intense uno competitions that took place will forever be some of my fondest memories at school. On the weekends Calvin you certainly were the hostess with the mostess! The amount of times you opened your house up for us all to get together was amazing. You also made the best mojitos I’ve ever had!! I can’t really come to grips with the fact you’re gone but I know we’ll play trumpet together one day again. All my love to you, your parents and Eva. Rest in peace, Georgia x

Sending my thoughts and prayers, I played rugby with Calvin and he was such a great player, as captain of the team he was an even better leader, a great friend to us all and I’m glad to say I got to play with the guy, a true gentleman, he will be sadly missed. Rest easy mate.

Calvin was a big part of mine and the rest of the Stubbs kids childhoods. He was my first crush at the age of 4 or 5 which is funny to look back on, and was always a good best friend for my brothers. He has left an impact on all of our lives and will be missed until we meet again.

We had great times playing rugby over the years. I will always remember those times. Rest in peace.

Very shocked and saddened to hear the news about Calvin. We have fond memories of watching Calvin and his team mates play rugby for Portobello over the years from minis through to seniors. He was an inspiration to the team and liked and respected by all his team mates and coaches. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Neil and Ellen Hepburn

Calvin was my lab partner last year at university, and although I didn't know him very long it was immediately obvious that he was funny, kind, and smart. He was the kind of person you'd want to sit with in a lecture because he'd have something interesting to say, and even just by talking to him he could make your day that little bit better. The news was shocking and saddening, and the world truly has lost a wonderful young man.

Calvin, We have known you all your days. We have witnessed and shared in the delight you brought your parents when you came into the world 20 years ago. We have seen you grow and display aspects of the personality of your parents, while being very much your own boy and man. Though we have always known you, we see now how few were the occasions when we could really get to know you. We know you as one of those people everyone welcomes when he walks in a room. We know you to be wry and entertaining and kind and bright and able. The apple of your father’s eye, joy of your mother’s heart, a gallus brother, a steadfast friend. You have been a lifelong friend to our son Jack, and it has been a joy to us that the sons of our friends should become such good friends themselves. Moreso that your friendship with Jack & Alec was in no small measure as you together lit up Scripture Union camps at Lendrick Muir and in the growth of your faith in Jesus Christ. He gets to complete the work he began in you now and we must wait. Wait to see you as a finished work in him, wait to enjoy your presence again as together we share an eternity together, our tears wiped away and the pain we feel now passed. We give thanks to God for you and all that you mean to your family, friends, to us and to so many. With love, Jeanne & Andrew

As a bunch of local dads, we watched the boys playing sports most weekends – for years. Football for the P7s at Towerbank Primary and rugby, initially for the Hornets and later for Portobello RFC and the rugby team at Porty HS. Calvin was always there, at the centre of the action. It was on the rugby pitch that he really excelled – and shone. Speaking as a one time parent-P7 football coach, I can say he was a less gifted football player. He had a low elevation to his approach to the ball which meant that it never got off the ground but as we were playing an advanced, build-from-the-back style, this mattered less than getting the ball out of the box on the bye-kicks. Calvin gave his everything, as always. My son has never forgiven me for taking off the defensive mainstay of Calvin and himself, ten minutes from the end of a particular grudge match against Gillespies’ Primary at Calvary Park. We were ‘one up’ and I wanted to give the subs a chance but - of course - we got beat due to nobody ‘being at home’ at the back. These were little games, little local Saturdays and Sundays, happily spent in Cavalry Park getting over-involved in the boys’ rugby games and getting told off for shouting instructions from the side lines. But we cared, deeply. And we saw them grow, become braver, tougher and more confident. We also saw them sometimes despondent, injured and broken. None was braver than Calvin. No-one tackled more than him, consistently, in every game. He was a talented player. He could pass and kick, go down on the floor … and tackle again. No-one took the responsibility of being captain more to heart; he led honestly and graciously. Even when things were dirty, Calvin always rose above it and had total respect from his comrades. You couldn’t imagine him harbouring a bad thought, for long. We also saw them win, famously, in the P7 shield competition at Stewarts’ Melville, where they saw off the hosts and Currie to make all their parents very proud, Calvin again to the fore. I believe at school, Calvin was the same … a special talent and very thoughtful intelligence, A great team player, office holder and trumpeter. We will always remember him with the utmost love and affection, as a true, sweet and tender soul, floating above the petty reality of growing up, on a higher plane … like a hero from a boy’s story … which he was. Rest in peace … brave lad. [Robin Baillie]

I have brilliant memories playing rugby through school with you from the training sessions on a Friday afternoon and the games on Saturday mornings. You are one of the most kind and genuine person I have ever met, I will always remember you for always having a smile on your face and never failing to make everyone laugh when they were around you. You had such a positive impact on so many people and I will miss you a lot. Jacob

Calvin It hardly seems only twenty years ago that we were blessed with our first boy into the 'Gilliland' clan, yet you took this role in your stride, in your happy cheerful way, and never minded being "our boy" . Over the years you have kept your special place in our family with your patience and kindness, that you demonstrated in so many ways. In more recent years in giving up your bed for your Aunt Karen arriving yet again from Melbourne, and in coaching her slow yet determined trek up to Arthurs Seat. But the one thing that never changed despite you becoming a young man, is how your cheeky smile would and could repeatedly envelop you in our hearts. We feel blessed to have had you in our lives dear boy. Karen & Peter

Calvin, I still can’t believe this happened, even after a week trying to process it. We never really spent much time to get to know each other well, but it didn’t take me more than a minute to realise your kind, gentle, friendly and welcoming personality. Coming to study in the UK without anyone I could turn to for anything, it was so daunting. But your family has always been there for me. But what made me even happier is how you were always so happy to have me and my friends without making me feel like I was a visitor or stranger. It actually felt like my home and family. And that has really been impactful on me. Thank you for making it possible. I wish I could thank you properly for the barbecues and all the games I learnt from you. You were always creative, adventurous and smart, but you had a unique ability to be competitive and win without making others feel like they have lost. That was really admirable and encouraging to play with you. I just didn’t know our table tennis game a month ago would be the last. It’s really heartbreaking. Yea, it’s very sad and difficult to process all this. But this seems to be the mystery of life, you left us reevaluating our own lives and what it means to have amazing people around us like you, how they make such an impact even within the shortest time. We are grief stricken, but we are happy to have known you. Till we meet again, Cosmo.

Calvin, Although we didn't grow up together exactly (my sisters and myself in Belfast, you and your family in Edinburgh), I still have such warm memories of times we got to spend with you. Going to the Sunday party at Granny and Granda's was always such good fun, and the times we all travelled to Portrush; turning blue from the cold of the sea never bothered us! It didn't matter whether we hadn't seen each other in months - we'd eat obscene amounts of sweets and play for hours! We've all certainly grown up since, but I still hold onto and cherish these memories. I know that since we relocated to Australia, we may have grown apart; it's been years. This will never change the fact that you are part of our family. Brian, Ruth and Eva - I am sorry that we can't be there for you and your family at this time.There are so many things I want to say, but simply don't have the words. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time, and that Calvin will forever remain in our hearts. All our love, Jasmine, Megan and Misha xxx

Calvin, Rugby introduced us in the Porty High team, you were impossible not to like and I found a friend in you very quickly. Most all of my best memories of Rugby have you in them, Baltic weekday nights training in the dark at cavalry park, sunny sevens tournament’s, early Saturday kick offs, and thrashings with the club side on a Sunday, and especially playing against you when I moved to Boroughmuir. Off the pitch, I had many great times with you, I think one of my favourites would have to be your own house party when your window got smashed. You let us stay till 4am chatting in your kitchen. Even the little things I did with you like playing PlayStation are a source of great memories for me now. Whilst I can never claim to have been one of your closest friends, you meant a lot to me and I will miss your smile and your laugh above all else. You were a teammate and a captain to me but also a great friend and an incredible person. If you have taught me anything it’s to be kinder to others and work hard at the things I love. I’m so grateful for the memories I have with you, the friends you shared with me and the privilege to have known you. Love, Lewis T x

Calvin, Throughout the second half of high school I was lucky enough to know Calvin as one of my best friends. Calvin was always so confident and never took himself too seriously to have fun. From his ballroom dancing skills winning strictly to all the fun stories we had interrailing, his constant talkative nature and sense of humour. Calvin was the life of every party, with a great number of the best ones actually being hosted by him anyway. Something so unique to him was how present he always was. When you talked to him you always felt he was so engaged and he was so lively any time he was in a group and it always seemed like within all of his friend groups Calvin was always a common link, loved by everyone. He tried his best with everything he did and he was so loyal to all of his friends and family. Although it’s a cliché in these sorts of things, it really is so true for him; Calvin got on so well with literally everyone he interacted with and nobody ever had anything bad to say about him. We even joked occasionally that Calvin didn’t dislike anyone as he would always jump to someone’s defense and see he really liked someone when one of his friends was moaning about some distant acquaintance. Spending the summer after school Interrailling around Europe with him is honestly my favourite set of memories and there’s so many amazing memories which even before this terrible news I used to think of fondly so regularly and in this last couple of weeks have really brought a lot of comfort to remember you with at your best. In fifth and sixth year we thought we were hard done to suffering through biology and chemistry classes only to spend almost every free period playing uno (with the cards you brought to school every day) and then most weekends having fun with tipsy Calvin at a house party on the Saturday night and then relaxing for a few hours watching fantasy football every Sunday night. With this routine as well as all the amazing fun one offs, Calvin was a huge source of joy and fun for me and a truly fantastic friend and I’m sure he reached so many others too. Although you’re gone so soon, you lived each day with so much energy and love for everyone around you. You’ll be missed so much. Lewis

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I remember attending church with Calvin, Ruth and Brian in 2000. I remember holding Calvin when he was a baby. We will commit to lift Brian, Ruth and Eva in our evening prayers. Much love from the Donnelly's in Michigan. Matthew, Sarah, Emma, Luke, Eli and Ava.

We have enjoyed spending time with you and your family over the years of you growing up and thank you all for being part of our lives remembering specially these last hard months when you cheered up our lockdown days. We give thanks to God for you. Ian & Isabel

Calvin, what an honour it was to have known and grown up alongside you. The friendship between our parents, by default, made us all family and I feel so blessed to have had that precious time together. Being in Edinburgh always meant seeing you and coming to terms with that no longer being the case is hard to process. I think about you sitting with God, I can picture him holding you and telling you how much you are loved. We can’t wait to be with you again. Love always, Hannah

Words seem inadequate to express my feelings on hearing the news of Calvin’s death, can’t even start to imagine the turmoil and pain you all must all be going through. It’s comforting to know that as a family that you are measuring his passing against 20 wonderful years of having an amazing son and brother. Calvin was an incredible young man, unselfish and always doing things for others without wanting recognition. Calvin will be hugely missed; on the rugby field I will always remember his ability to stay calm and composed under pressure and make the right decisions with ease. Gavin and I have been looking at some of the old rugby pictures over the last few days, great times and full of fun, laughter, mischief and of course the desire to be competitive and win. Calvin was a great role model on and off the pitch, competitive but extremely respectful and demonstrated great leadership qualities too. He also had a great pair of feet on him which he put to great use side stepping many an opponent. Delighted he found the confidence and vibrancy to put those footwork skills to good use when he entered Strictly Come Dancing and together with Izzy they won! As an individual and as a department we would like to do something in Calvin’s memory. We’ve been talking about a 7’s / 10’s game next Spring and getting all the boys together from Primary and Secondary school who played with Calvin, he will be sorely missed by all the boys both as a teammate and more importantly as a friend. As a department we would like to support the boys and hopefully with Portobello RFC ensure that this happens when the time is right for your family. Thinking of you all and remembering with you, the life of your precious son and brother. Calvin brought so much laughter and fun, I will always remember him as vibrant and full of life. His legacy will always live on. Elaine Inkster

Calvin, your kindness and gentle nature was always so apparent to anyone who had the privilege of sharing time with you. You were part of such core memories of my childhood, from the late night slug war sleepovers to the days at exhault learning more about Jesus together and oddly naming our youth group something to do with ninja turtles that I have a funny feeling Eve might have had a say in... These I will treasure for the rest of my life. I know there are plenty more moments that will come back to me at different points in the future and I look forward to those with great joy and longing. Whilst reading the bible the other day I came across Philipians 3:20 where it says," But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." and I was reminded that our belonging was not here on Earth but in Heaven with the Father and it brought some peace to know that you were with Him now. I'm sure I will see you again pal :))) all my love, Hae

Dearest Calvin   We count ourselves so blessed to have known you all your life.  We have wonderful memories of our first meeting with you.  We were so thrilled to give you Hobbs and even more thrilled that you loved him so much.   We remember a happy holiday in Italy, playing in the pool, playing in the park and making sand cars on the beach.  Our holiday in Cork wasn’t quite so sunny, but you and Hannah scootered around the caravan park and stayed up late.  We were in awe that you slept in late whilst Hannah continued to get up at 6am and rapidly turned into a monster child!  We so loved our time together near Lochness, playing in the river, making dams and skimming stones.  One of our favourite memories is of you and Alec enthralled at tiny town in Lego Land – the joy and awe clear from your faces.  We also have lots of happy memories of special moments in Scotland, including Hogmanay spent Scottish dancing at the Stubbs and Isabel’s 70th at the SU camp in Scoughall - you did a great job of helping your adopted grandma to blow out the candles.  And then there was the rugby – boys and dads on tour, beers, flags, shouting, regardless of the outcome for Scotland.     Through all these moments of family times together, we have watched your friendship with Alec grow - you always got on so brilliantly together.  It was wonderful to see that friendship deepen and mature as you, Jack and Alec spent summers together at SU camp and even more precious to see you all grow in your faith.   We are so thankful for your friendship and the times that you spent together, having fun but also encouraging one another. It feels like we only saw you the other day when Mal brought round the Morris Minor for you and the lads to look at.  There was a lot of banter and Mal was the butt of your jokes.  This and many other moments spent with you are now so special to us. We are so thankful that you have been such a precious part of our lives for 20 years, as the fun-loving youngster with the cheeky grin and as the kind, caring, encouraging and supportive adult you became.  We are so so sad to have lost you too soon and will miss you so much but we celebrate that you are home, filled with joy and praising the Lord you love. Thank you for sharing your life with us so generously.   We love you Mal and Sam

Calvin I feel so robbed of what I thought was going to be a long friendship but losing you has caused me to look back on all the time we have had together - time that was so good and special to me. I can confidently say that you, Jack and I were a menace to SU’s attempt of a fair game of cricket - no one stood a chance until you were separated from Jack and I to balance out the field. Your name will go down in Lendrick Muir history as an unfair asset to the other team. Then there was our legendary rendition of The Lion King where, naturally, you were the Nala to my Simba. An award winning performance. Seeing Scotland play around the world with you highlighted just how comparatively uneducated in the Scottish 15 I am. It would also be a crime not to mention that you made one classy G&T. I saw you for the last time in the summer and looking over the city from the Crags is a moment I will never forget. Having known you my whole life, you have been a constant that I have cherished and will greatly miss. I will always remember your humour, your laughter and your care. In my thoughts, Alec

My memories of Calvin are all informed by his role as an AlcoLOL at Portobello High School. He was selected for this project by his peers who thought he was ideal because of his easy going communication style, and his kind and gentle non-judgemental approach to others. When I asked them how they selected AlcoLOLs, the pupils explained that they chose people who were popular in their group – not because they were especially cool or a ‘top dog’ but because everyone thought they were nice. And that sums Calvin up for me. It’s not easy to create a brave space in which young people can sit and talk about drinking in supportive environment that didn’t make people feel that they had to ‘posture’ or perform (as is often required of young people in our drinking culture). All the AlcoLOLs were driven by desire to improve life for younger pupils in their community and to show that even shy people could speak authentically without being judged or ridiculed. And Calvin was brave enough to model that for 100s of younger pupils at Porty. And he always went out of his way to check in and chat whenever I met him – even recently whilst he was working at The Range he chatted away. A very special and lovely boy who will be very much missed - who has affected not just his close friends but also all those young pupils who looked up to him and now feel confident to make positive choices and get their voices heard because of him.

I will always remember the good old rugby days, from mini’s to seniors, we have had some great memories over the years Calvin. Gone but never forgotten. Rest easy buddy x

Cheryl & I are so saddened to hear off your loss. We’ve been praying for your family and asking fir God’s perfect peace for all of you. We’ll continue to lift you all in prayer. We send our love from America. Scott & Cheryl Donnelly

Calvinina You were such a wonderful human being and so kind and caring to everyone around you. I can’t believe that I won’t see you again and you will be so missed. You were so loved by many. I have so many great memories of our family holidays and you always made me laugh! Thanks for ‘teaching’ me how to play Fifa ie you winning 8-nil every time.. I will never forget the infamous scooter race where you did a runner and left me with a broken arm! My favourite was when you were over in NI and you’d snuck chocolate up to bed and it melted all over the bedsheets... and the next morning we’d thought you’d pooed yourself! Love you always, Emily

Calvin, you were the kindest soul of everyone. You gave so much joy to everyone around you and never failed to make people giggle. Although I only had the pleasure of meeting you at the start of University, it is safe to say that you brought light into this world. Whether it be the laughs we had the time we accidentally went to the Christian union quiz instead of the beer bar mad quiz we had planned or just our nights in with Izzy in the flat, I treasure each memory I have with you. Your personality was one of a kind and i just wish you knew how much you were loved. All my love, Niamh x

Calvin We have so many good memories of times spent with you, Eva and your mum & dad it’s almost impossible to capture them. You always gave us a good laugh. We think of the time you put your wellie deep into the newly laid cement and all we could do was run from the scene of the crime. Or the time you scooted into the caravan and left a dent and what did we do? We ran from the scene of the crime. And we never really knew your part when shortly after that Emily broke her arm but we know when you tried to do jumps over the ramp at the caravan site you were definitely responsible for breaking your own arm! Imogen will never forgive you for leaving her to complete the golfing lessons with the professionals. We should have spotted early on that sport would be your thing when you protested bitterly about us wanting to eat the chocolate footballs on the birthday cake. But it was rugby that always showed us where your true allegiance lay. Half Irish we always thought of you but there wasn’t an ounce of Irish blood when it came to international rivalry between Scotland and Ireland. It may be that our memories are playing us tricks but we’re pretty sure we gloated more times that you over who won those Six Nations derbies. We laugh as we think of your very dodgy attempts at a Belfast accent. You should definitely have done better with such good raw material available to you! To Lisa and Alastair you were our favourite nephew, to the girls their favourite boy cousin but to be fair there wasn’t much competition as the only boy out of 10 cousins. To Emily you were like a younger brother she never had, to Imogen a great pal, and to Bronwyn that older brother who always had time for her. Calvin, your departure has shocked us to the core and left such a great hole in our family and we do and will continue to miss you greatly. You’ve been such a good friend to all of the girls. The greatest price to be paid when loving is losing - that’s a price we’re now paying and it hurts sorely. You’ll always be in our thoughts and memories. Alastair, Lisa, Emily, Imogen & Bronwyn

Calvin, I am thankful to have grown up along side such an amazing person and I will always cherish the memories of the amazing time we spent together. Despite the fact we were shipped off to whatever summer scheme would take us, we always had the best time making fools out of ourselves and I will never not laugh at these experiences. I am gutted that I won’t be able to beat you at a round of golf one last time, but don’t worry I’ll still keep Granda humble and hopefully he won’t hit anymore balls into peoples gardens! The loss of you has been a great devastation to our whole family and learning to live without your presence will be challenging for us all. I am forever thankful for all the great times we had together and you will always be a big part of my life. Love your favourite cousin, Imo

Calvin You were one of the best guy I’ve had the privilege to even met never mind call you a friend. The most honest, reliable and caring lad in all aspects of life. From all those chats we had under our own posts after conceding yet another try to the look you used to give me after I gave you another hospital ball (sorry) that you’d somehow make look respectable. You made everyone around you better. You never feared away from a tackle and that says everything about you, on and off the pitch. Everything you did was class, from school, way you moved those hips, as a captain and of course the legend parties and BBQs that will never be forgotten. I could be here forever talking about all the fantastic memories that I was lucky enough to have shared with you. I wouldn’t change a single moment. I can’t believe I’m never going to get to go out on to that pitch with you one last time, never knew I’d miss your awful team talk. You will be missed more than you can ever imagine. Life will never be the same without you. A true gentleman. Love you my Brother x

I don’t even know where to begin. When I first heard the news on Monday, I was just shocked, and I still do not think it has sunk in. Writing this very brief note has been quite tough trying to comprehend what has happened. Since then, all I have been able to do is remember the all the amazing memories of spending time with you. Whether it was meeting up in the summer in Scotland when I was abroad, having fantastic weeks at Scripture Union camps, or going to see Scotland win and lose at the rugby, you always were a great source of friendship and fun in all those occasions and it pains me to think we will never share another moment like that together. When we met up at the beginning of August, I never expected it to be the last time to see you, the thought simply had not crossed my mind. So many memories to cherish and hold onto but so many more that I thought were going to happen. I will miss you greatly and I know I am not alone in saying that. You were loved by all who knew you and life will simply not be the same without you. Words simply cannot do any of this justice. You were a lifelong friend Calvin and you will always have a special place in my heart. Jack

To Calvin I don’t really know where to start, I have to say just how fortunate I really was to be able to work with you for them 5 months, it didn’t really feel like that, it was as if I had known you for so much longer. I didn’t realise you would end up being such good friend in such a short amount of time. It was those days at work that I started earlier and I’d wait for you just for us to then spend all day building patio sets (even though I wasn’t meant to). You’d always end up doing something wrong even though I told you not to and we’d spend even longer fixing it all. We used to say to each other one day we’d run that place with all the work we did. We used to get all our work done and just muck about in the warehouse wasting time, we would do so much together and we were like the dream team, no one could beat us. We’d talk about ‘The last of us’ and how you managed to finish it while I was only an hour or two into the game. You were such a sweat and you’d try flex it even though you were on an easier difficulty than me, you’d always say there’s so many surprises in the game and I really do wish I could’ve shared the ending with you and talk about how good it really was and talk about these ‘surprises’ you kept teasing. Hopefully I’ll finish the game and finally realise what you meant and remember you. I’ll miss our walks home from work and we’d just talk about how much work we’re given and how good or bad our day had been. Talking about rugby and how you were so much better than me and how injury prone I was. One thing I will always remember is when that guy tried to steal the hot tub and you managed to pick it up effortlessly and sprint to the back of the store in an instant. We’d talk about uni and you would tell me about how your first year went and all the stuff you got up to. Even when I thought I’d never get into uni you’d always believe in me and I’m so grateful you did. Even after you left work I made sure to phone you whenever I had a problem with something at work and you’d always take your time out and tell me how to solve it. These memories are ones I’ll cherish forever, this time we spent together I’ll remember for as long as I live. In such a short amount of time I didn’t realise I could find such a good friend and I don’t think I’ll ever find someone like you ever again, you really were one of a kind. As a person you really were one smart, kind and caring guy and you made work better each day we were in together. I’ll always keep these times close to my heart and your fun and optimistic personality is something no one will ever forget, I’m sure of it. There’s just so much I wish I could say to you but im sure that these memories that you left us will be talked about for years and years to come. We really will miss you and I am so glad to call you my friend x Adam

To the most kind and caring boy on earth I hope you realise how much you are worth To all of us. Never a bad word to say, We are so sad that you have gone away. Funny and charming, you made us all smile, Without any prompt you’d go the extra mile. Supportive and loving and just plain nice, You always gave the best advice. Memories of you are not just few; parties, Love and friendship, you provided those too. Fun in biology, French and maths, Sitting together there were always many laughs. School concerts and Kendrick Lamar, You were always so bright, you trumpet-ing star. In everything you did you would always excel, And you in those dungarees were an absolute bombshell!!! I’ve never met someone with so much love to give, It’s been really impossible to sieve through memories of you. Thank you for making such an impact on me, On your friends, on all, your impression is easy to see. We miss you so much and it will never feel real, But with you in our hearts we will all heal.

Calvin, A jack of all trades and master of some (except tennis), you were so talented at everything you did. At school, you never seemed phased by anything and were the best person to come to for help. Outside of school, whether it was sports, socialising or simply as a best friend, you were always reliable, always available and always cared. Those qualities are something I aspire to possess as I witnessed daily how positively impactful it was on your friends and family’s lives. Sharing the 3 best weeks of my life with you inter-railing around Europe is something I will never forget. The memories that the 6 of us have are something I look back on everyday and will forever be timeless. Despite being 150 miles away while at uni, I was lucky to speak to you each day over the past 3 years. I also got to visit you in Glasgow a few times - lucky that Jen lived there. We had some great parties too, going around together and meeting new people like some sort of a dynamic duo. You came to Aberdeen and brought (alcoholic) gifts for my flatmates, another example of your nature. They quickly got the sense of why you were so important to me. I’m so glad we had those few nights together. There is so much more to share and I’m certain there will be many times we get together and talk about your finest and funniest moments. Alongside these larger, more obvious memories, there are also so many smaller things you did to help others, almost subconsciously, that were always thoughtful and kind. I will miss you greatly but I know you’re not gone from our lives. Instead you’ll be a part of me always and for that I am so thankful. With love, Fergal

Calvy, one of my best friends, so many memories where do I even start. From the cold mornings playing rugby at Calvary were me and Louis would always complain about the size of the other team and you’d tell us to shut up and get on with it. Sneaking on for evening rounds of golf with you and never paying. Having water fights, ping pong and playing on your trampoline in your garden. And exploring our way around Europe with the rest of the boys inter-railing, and our trip to Berlin too. Even just walking home from school and going back to yours to play PlayStation with you we would always have a laugh and talk about stupid stuff. I think everyone would agree you were the kindness, friendliest and smartest person ever and it’s those qualities I’ll always associate with you. It’s so hard to think I’m never going to see you again and I don’t think that’s ever going to really click in my head. I just know for a fact that you will always be in my heart and I will always cherish and be so thankful of the great times I’ve shared by your side. I’m gonna miss you so much mate. -Cally x

To my oldest friend and partner in crime. Nineteen and a bit years we spent by each other’s side with too many memories to mention. Whether it be hiding from you every morning in nursery until you found me, dancing with me every time there was an opportunity, the barbecues and ping pong tournaments in your garden, I could go on forever. I can’t believe this is happening and I’m not sure when I will believe it. You always looked after me and your kindness knew no bounds. It would have been so nice to see what you were going to accomplish in life but we’ll just assume it was something annoyingly smart. This is the longest we’ve gone without speaking and I still go to message you all the time, I just need to get used to the fact you won’t open it. I know you knew how important you were to me and just how much I’m going to miss you. I’m so thankful for the time we had together and I will hold you in my heart for the rest of my life. I know you’re watching over us all now so I’ll try do you proud. I love you old man and I’ll miss you for the rest of my life. I’ll see you sometime. Love you forever.

We hope that you find this tribute to Cal a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.