From Kirsty

I first encountered Dieter the day of the ranger interviews at Dunnet.  The friendly man with an open smile had both a beard and a van painted with leaves.  A natural for the job.  I thought to myself, now here's a person who wouldn't just do the work, he'd live it too.  And so he proved me right - what a man for the outdoors!

I have two memories that encapsulate Dieter for me perfectly.  The first is of the very last time I saw him.  I was working in the forest and could hear an almighty din from the xylophone and so knew Dieter must be in.  I later met him on the path, trailing a long line of enraptured small children behind him.  It was sunny and we stopped for a brief blether about giants, bears and other such perils facing children in magic woodlands.  A twinkle in his eye and a broad smile and he was off, more fun to be found.

Secondly, I believe he was the only person I have ever met, or likely will, that played an instrument called ' Grandpa's toenails'.  I will miss him, his wonderful imagination and his warmth.