This is more than just the loss of one of Scottish football’s greatest ever managers. More than just the loss of one of the most prominent figures in the storied history of Rangers.
Walter Smith was all of that and more, of course. But this is the loss of a statesman too. A man whose wisdom and voice, with no need to be raised for effect and never a vehicle for hyperbole, demanded attention — and more importantly, respect — across all corners of the game in this fevered, tribal little country and beyond.
A man of humour.