Steven Rae was born in Ross Hospital, Piasley on February 10 1963 He was the oldest son of David and Margaret Rae, brother to Jacqueline, David and Pauline As a boy he showed diligence and committment in all he did with his hobbies, schooling and boys brigade Upon leaving school he served an apprenticeship with Yarrow Shipbuilders and became an electrical marine engineer - moving up and down the country taking on additional responsibilities and gaining both work and life experience He diversified into eletrical contracting when he returned to Glasgow in 1989 We were married in 13 September 1993 much to the relief of our parents who thought they were never getting rid of us - or our laundry as the case was. He again jumped ship and diversified into Facilities Management in 1999 and has been employed by K J Tait Engineers since 2001 who have been excellent employers. Steven had nothing but praise for your company. Steven was a keen football fan, great fisherman and exceptional runner Steven appreciated the value of life and knew in his heart that life wasn't about the number of breaths we take but the moments that take our breath away. Faith was the most important part of Stevens life and to live and serve God was his highest calling - before all other things. He was involved in Lenzie Boy Crusaders for 10 years and was co-opted as a deacon of this church in 2003. When the surgeon gave us the news of Stevens diagnosis he was reading a book by a former pastor of this church, Liam Goligher called the Jesus Gospel - the book said the cross of Jesus prepares us for whatever the world may throw at you. He had held on to that and other significant scripture readings all through his illness. Most of us gathered here in Stevens memory could provide testimonies of how special he was in our lives. I'm sure you could all give countless examples of how his unique blend of honesty, responsibility, compassion, fairness and down to earth sense of humour and genuine interest in each of us has made a difference in all our lives. All of us will feel the loss of Steven in so many ways. All of us here today are trying to cope with a very complicated set of feelings that marry the joy and pride of having known Steven, with the pain that comes with the reality that he is gone from our lives. However (but) Steven is now free from the pain and torment of the terrible disease that turned his life upside down and inside out. He is now in a place with our Lord where peace, love and joy far surpass the best that our world has to offer and Steven you deserve every last bit of it In his battle against cancer over the last 18 months Steven has amazed us all. He was a true warrior and fought with super human effort, never losing his drive, ambition or passion to survive the living nightmare we faced everyday showing exceptional courage and faith. He also did this with grace and dignity. Steven always accepting and never complaining of his fate prayed not for a miracle cure but only to find peace, honour God and that others may come to find Jesus as their personal Saviour. Steven has left an immense gap in all our lives. I am truly humbled to have shared my life with him and count it my highest privilege. Steven until we meet again and never part I will hold you closely in my heart - until then enjoy the party in the sky and any races you can enter!!! Thanks for the fabulous memories Steven - they will last a lifetime - we love you.