Nwicker60
19-May-13, 11:48
Family and football...the two abiding loves of David Sinclair
MOURNERS attending the funeral service of David Sinclair heard of the two main loves in his life – his family and football.
The Staxigoe-born 64-year-old, whose sudden death shocked, the local community, was married with a family of two and a grandchild and was proud of them. His other abiding passion was football and he was a staunch supporter of no less than three clubs...Rangers, Chelsea and, on the home front, Wick Academy.
In the case of the former two, he could obviously only be a long-distance fan, but he was a formidable, presence at the Scorries’ home games, a familiar figure at the corner next the end of the south stand, frequently giving vocal support to the black and whites.
Mourners - many from the footballing fraternity – who gathered at Wick St Fergus Church, heard Rev. John Nugent describe David as “a very special man” with a sense of humour and a warm community spirit.
David Sinclair was born on July 18, 1948, to Margaret and David Sinclair, of Staxigoe, one of four children. Rev Nugent touched on a memory of David’s early days when as a typically-mischievous youngster, he hid under the kitchen table and triggered frantic search.
Said Rev. Nugent: “He knew it was ongoing, but was afraid to come out for fear of getting into trouble.”
David attended Staxigoe school then Wick High but the scholarly life was not for him and couldn’t wait to get into the world of work.. His first job was as a message boy for Jimmy Coghill the grocers – long gone – in Wick’s High Street.
His next employment was in farm work, first at Bilbster, then at Staxigoe and with Alistair Clyne, Noss his final move being to Caithness Stone Industries, quarry at Spittal.
At a 21st birthday, at Mackay’s Hotel, Wick a pretty young girl, Catherine Macleod, caught his eye. They began spending time together and predictably, the romance culminated in a wedding at St Fergus, then Wick Old Parish Church. The couple had two sons Alan and Colin and a grand-daughter Hollie.
Described as “a dedicated follower of Wick Academy”, David seldom missed a home game.
Rev. Nugent said: “He was highly regarded by both players and staff at Harmsworth Park and this was evident in the tribute paid to him at the Strathspey Thistle game when a minute’s silence was observed and the official flag was flown at half mast.
Rev Nugent described football as “a real passion in David’s life” and he ardently followed the fortunes of Glasgow Rangers, Chelslea and, of course, Wick Academy. Football dominated his television preferences and he had access to no less than three Sky sports channels.
His neighbour was a Liverpool supporter and the two shared a friendly rivalry for many years.
Rev. Nugent said: “It is miraculous that the dividing wall between their two homes is still standing. When their respective teams scored, they would thump on the wall”.
The pair also took a delight in teasing each other about the need for grass in the garden to be cut. David was very committed to his community and could often be seen cutting the grass for his elderly or infirm neighbours.
Rev Nugent said that when asked which of his qualities stood out most, the family replied-he would rather do you a good turn than a bad one”. “That is a badge of honour anyone would be proud to have” added the minister.
Following the service David was interred at Wick cemetery.
MOURNERS attending the funeral service of David Sinclair heard of the two main loves in his life – his family and football.
The Staxigoe-born 64-year-old, whose sudden death shocked, the local community, was married with a family of two and a grandchild and was proud of them. His other abiding passion was football and he was a staunch supporter of no less than three clubs...Rangers, Chelsea and, on the home front, Wick Academy.
In the case of the former two, he could obviously only be a long-distance fan, but he was a formidable, presence at the Scorries’ home games, a familiar figure at the corner next the end of the south stand, frequently giving vocal support to the black and whites.
Mourners - many from the footballing fraternity – who gathered at Wick St Fergus Church, heard Rev. John Nugent describe David as “a very special man” with a sense of humour and a warm community spirit.
David Sinclair was born on July 18, 1948, to Margaret and David Sinclair, of Staxigoe, one of four children. Rev Nugent touched on a memory of David’s early days when as a typically-mischievous youngster, he hid under the kitchen table and triggered frantic search.
Said Rev. Nugent: “He knew it was ongoing, but was afraid to come out for fear of getting into trouble.”
David attended Staxigoe school then Wick High but the scholarly life was not for him and couldn’t wait to get into the world of work.. His first job was as a message boy for Jimmy Coghill the grocers – long gone – in Wick’s High Street.
His next employment was in farm work, first at Bilbster, then at Staxigoe and with Alistair Clyne, Noss his final move being to Caithness Stone Industries, quarry at Spittal.
At a 21st birthday, at Mackay’s Hotel, Wick a pretty young girl, Catherine Macleod, caught his eye. They began spending time together and predictably, the romance culminated in a wedding at St Fergus, then Wick Old Parish Church. The couple had two sons Alan and Colin and a grand-daughter Hollie.
Described as “a dedicated follower of Wick Academy”, David seldom missed a home game.
Rev. Nugent said: “He was highly regarded by both players and staff at Harmsworth Park and this was evident in the tribute paid to him at the Strathspey Thistle game when a minute’s silence was observed and the official flag was flown at half mast.
Rev Nugent described football as “a real passion in David’s life” and he ardently followed the fortunes of Glasgow Rangers, Chelslea and, of course, Wick Academy. Football dominated his television preferences and he had access to no less than three Sky sports channels.
His neighbour was a Liverpool supporter and the two shared a friendly rivalry for many years.
Rev. Nugent said: “It is miraculous that the dividing wall between their two homes is still standing. When their respective teams scored, they would thump on the wall”.
The pair also took a delight in teasing each other about the need for grass in the garden to be cut. David was very committed to his community and could often be seen cutting the grass for his elderly or infirm neighbours.
Rev Nugent said that when asked which of his qualities stood out most, the family replied-he would rather do you a good turn than a bad one”. “That is a badge of honour anyone would be proud to have” added the minister.
Following the service David was interred at Wick cemetery.