Scots say goodbye in Norwood

Norwood saw one Scotland World Cup team supporter – also known as the Tartan Army – lose his life last week after collapsing in the lobby of the Norwood Hampton Inn.

Donny Strathie, 76, from Grangemouth, Scotland, passed away, and last Thursday, his family held a ceremony to remember him at the Hampton Inn in Norwood.

During Friday’s match of Scotland versus Morocco, the entire stadium was standing and clapping in his memory.

His nephew, Alec Strathie and his friend Martin Webster, each had fond memories of Donny.

“My uncle was a big family man,” said Alec. “His life was his family, then Scotland and then football. He loved football, but he loved his family more. He unfortunately lost his wife four years ago, and he’s leaving behind his two lovely daughters, Denise and Cheryl and two grandkids.”

Alec said Strathie made loads of friends during his time here in Norwood.

“He wanted to have a good time and meet new people,” he said. “Donny loved meeting new people.”

Webster said they’ve been traveling together and he knew that Donny was having an amazing time.

“He’s been like a kid on Christmas Eve since we did this, to finally see a Cup and see Scotland,” said Webster. “He had a ticket for the game tonight, which is even more tragic. He didn’t make the game last week, he watched it in the bar at Mick Morgan’s here. He’s been having a great time. The locals have all taken to him. He was such an infectious character.”

Alec said his uncle was a coach and a player for a time in the local leagues and had a true love of the game that, because of how close in age they were, he got to see first hand.

“We actually played together when I was just a young’un,” he said. “He was actually playing football into his 70s. I think it was just three years ago he was playing and tore his hamstring.”

Alec laughed as he recalled the moment.

“I think he was trying to run and I think he was cheating!” Alec said. A tear was around his eye as he continued. “I think it’s very hard to do football at that age. I think I’ll pass on that.”

Webster said he helped run teams and coached as well.

“He just loved football and I don’t know anybody who would say a bad word about him,” he said. “He had endurance, the man.”

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Both went to the game last Thursday. Both said Donny will be first and foremost in their minds.

“We have to do that for Donny,” said Alec.

Norwood resident and professional bagpiper Kevin Wisehart said the family reached out to him to play for the ceremony, to which he immediately said yes.

“I offered my services, because I knew this was going to be quite expensive to deal with,” he said. “I offered my time and effort to help.”

Wisehart said he has played for about 38 years, and took it on as a full-time job a few years ago with the Stewart Highlanders in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

Donny was remembered by the Scottish National Team and Manager Steve Clarke at last Friday’s game.

“Among all the great news around the World Cup for Scotland, this is obviously very sad,” Clarke said. “It’s sad for his family, his daughters and his grandchildren.”