SOMETIMES, words are not enough to convey how we feel.

Last Friday, January 29, a light went out in this world with the passing of Angie Townsend.

She was a storyteller and that’s how I first got to know her.

But I think she was the most remarkable and inspiring person I have ever had the privilege to know. I don’t say this lightly, or just as a result of sadness in her passing. I mean it sincerely.

Angie was a beautiful singer, a brilliant writer and a passionate historian, as well as an inspiring storyteller and local radio presenter.

But what made it such a privilege to know her was her character: her capacity to love, her ability to laugh and share humour, her compassion and uplifting philosophy on life.

Angie first told me that she had terminal cancer nearly three years ago. She told me she would fight it and live as long as she could for her children and her husband. And she did.

She underwent five bouts of chemotherapy, enduring all the side effects with a determination to win as much life as possible to be with her family.

During this time, her creative achievements included a performance storytelling show on Elsie Inglis and her CD Butterfly, a wonderful compilation of songs. Her lyrics speak of her faith and love of life.

I and many others watched her sing some of these songs with her lovely daughters at the CD’s launch at Musselburgh’s Fisherrow Centre in August last year.

It was a beautiful, yet deeply melancholy evening. It must have been exhausting for Angie, both emotionally and physically, but she left everyone in that hall both spellbound and inspired.

Few people have touched so many people so deeply. I mean it when I say a light has gone out. This world so desperately needs more people like Angie.

But Angie’s gift to the world was to spread her light, just as a candle shares its flame.

Her physical presence has left us, but her love and compassion shine on in her music and tales, and in the inspiration that she sowed during her time on this earth.

Tim Porteus