Many thanks for your comment.
It is something I try to be aware of - how others fit into a situation, whether they feel welcomed or not (as a rather introverted writer type, it can be hard to do this, but I think the rewards outweigh the mental exhaustion of interaction). I still feel for that man, the way he kept trying and so obviously had much wisdom and memory to share. Hopefully he was on his way to someone else, who would listen.
Thanks again,
Alex