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I went out to the Shotover River yesterday to commemorate Alister at his favourite fossicking spot along with several of his fossicking friends.

While i didn't know Alister beyond his days at the river i know he was a well liked and king man. It was Alister who pointed me in the right direction when i started really getting into gold fossicking. I remember many a day when Alister would rush over and provide many pointers on how to set up my sluicebox and what i was doing wrong.

Although Alister was getting on in years and was in his late 80's nothing would stop him getting down to the Shotover to sit on his favourite rock and pan away.

A couple of years ago Alister had a turn at the river due to some new heart medication. i helped stretcher him out along the track to the ambulance. He was determined he was alright but it took a bit of recovery.

Later on i met him again out at the river for a walk. he was complaining his wife and family wouldn't let him come out to pan anymore. he was a determined man to the end.

i understand alister's rock has a plaque being prepared for it. the rock has stood it's ground on the riverbank through many a flood, just like the man who sat on it panning throughout the many years.

R.I.P. Alister

Well Simon I never met Alistair but I guess I knew him - if you get my drift.

Somehow I think that those who showed their loyalty and friendship by thinking of him and by commemorating his life by placing the plaque and attending its unveiling and if they are not there then by stopping and reflecting on him for a moment will be seen by him from afar as he watches down on the country he obviously loved from above.