When Torquil Johnston-Smith, 35, lost his dad to cancer, he was devastated.
One of the worst parts of his grief was the fear that his father Iain’s memory would be lost.
After struggling with his own tragedy, Torquil has found a way to ensure his father will live on - and to help other people do the same for their loved ones.
Torquil, who grew up in Arrochar, came to live in Lochgilphead while undertaking a stonemason apprenticeship with Historic Scotland.
It was during those years that he became an honorary Lochgilphead local. And his trade as a stonemason, often working with gravestones, helped him to find a way to keep memories alive.
His dad Iain Smith was born on Islay, where his ashes are now buried. He died in April 2021 aged 69 after a short illness.
Torquil said: “It was horrific. I couldn’t bear the thought of his memories fading away so I wanted to do something to keep them alive."
Working through his grief, Torquil came up with the concept of A Different Ending, a way to preserve those memories forever. And a way to help others do the same for their loved ones.
A small steel plaque with a QR code on it can be fixed to a gravestone, urn, memorial bench, tree or even kept as a digital memorial without a physical marker.
When that code is scanned, it takes the reader to a memorial web page telling the life story of that person.
Torquil explained: “Imagine walking through graveyards in the future, each grave or bench telling a vibrant story of the person laid to rest.
“From hilarious stories to cherished photos and videos, even uncovering the rich tapestry of their family history. Generations to come will connect with these stories like never before.”
With a dedicated memorial page, you can write stories about your loved one, upload videos, family trees and pictures.
Anyone visiting the memorial site can learn all about the person. Where they went to school, if they were married, what they worked as, their children and importantly, what kind of person they were.
Torquil said: “I want to build a community and help people. There’s not much help for people when someone dies and this is a place where the memories can live on, so that people’s memories are not forgotten.
“We are dedicated to the thought that no one’s memory is forgotten.”
A Different Ending will also have a legacy option for those who are terminally ill. They will be able to set up a memorial page which can be gifted to the family at such times.
Torquil said: “We hope this can help bring comfort and solace to people.
“I love trying to help people. With A Different Ending, I feel not only can my dad be remembered, but everyone can be remembered properly.”
The website is launching in the next few weeks. Feedback so far has been very positive, with inquiries from people all over the world.
Torquil added: "This venture is more than just a business - it started as a personal and heartfelt tribute to my dad’s memory and is building into a movement to celebrate the enduring power of love and remembrance.
“Visitors to graveyards and memorial benches up and down the country will now be able to simply scan a QR code and embark on a poignant journey through the lives of those who came before, preserving and sharing their stories for generations to come."
For more information, visit adifferentending.com
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.