Jim Wight

“Alfred Wight gained admission to Glasgow Veterinary College in 1933 with passes in English, French and Latin – hardly ideal subjects for a future scientist, but the situation then was very different. With comparatively few wishing to enter the veterinary profession during the years of the depression, the veterinary schools were only too pleased to welcome anyone to fill the courses. While still at Hillhead School, he had telephoned the veterinary college to tell them that, provided he gained the basic entry requirements, he would like to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. The principal himself, Dr Whitehouse, had answered the telephone. ‘Good!’ he had replied. ‘When can you start?”
― Jim Wight, The Real James Herriot: A Memoir of My Father

“One of Donald’s acquaintances had recently suddenly died at a Rotary Club luncheon, and I had said to him, ‘It’s not a bad way to go really. He was a good age and he died at his favourite pastime – eating!’ ‘I know a better way,’ Donald had said. ‘Oh? And what is that?’ ‘Shot in the back of the head, at ninety, by a jealous husband!’ He had continued our slightly morbid discussion with, ‘When I die, Jim, I would like to be buried at Southwoods in that field below the pine wood near the third gate, the one that looks up to the hill.’ ‘I think that would be a splendid place,’ I had replied. ‘Do you really think so?’ ‘Yes, I do!’ I have never forgotten his spontaneous reply, ‘I’ll save you a place next to me!”
― Jim Wight, The Real James Herriot: A Memoir of My Father