A devoted member of the Tartan Army has died in Boston while supporting Scotland at the World Cup, with his family now appealing for fans to honour him with a minute's applause. Donny Strathie, from Grangemouth, passed away suddenly in Boston on Sunday, 14 June, aged 76.
Lifelong supporter's dream cut short
The lifelong Scotland supporter had made the journey to the United States to cheer on Steve Clarke's side on football's grandest stage and had already obtained his ticket for Friday night's encounter with Morocco. Heartbreakingly, he never lived to see the match he had longed to attend.
His family, friends and fellow supporters are now calling on the Tartan Army to unite and honour his memory during the fixture. A poster being shared online is encouraging Scotland fans to participate in a minute's applause during the 76th minute of the World Cup match, in recognition of Donny's age.
Tribute poster details
The poster reads: "One minute applause tribute to Donny Strathie. Tartan Army footsoldier who died in Boston on Sunday, June 14. Share and spread the word: One minute applause tribute in the 76th minute of Scotland v Morocco." It adds: "Donny sadly passed away suddenly in Boston on Sunday aged 76. He had his ticket to the match and it was his dream to see Scotland in the World Cup but he never got the chance. Lets make him proud."
Community mourns a beloved figure
Donny was a well-known and much-loved figure within his local community, having served as captain of the Bowhouse Pool team. His daughters, Denise Strathie and Cheryl Strathie, have both paid tribute by sharing photographs of their father online, as an outpouring of heartfelt messages and support continues to pour in.
Cheryl Strathie shared the appeal, saying: "Please share on any platform. Let's see if we can all make this happen Dad." Lynne Easton replied to a tribute photo posted by Denise Strathie, saying: "So so sorry about your Dad. We are all gutted and sending our love. A great guy who lived life the right way from his parish walks to his football and his family. Love to you all and here to help in any way."
Karen Keegan McPheat said: "So very sad. He was so lovely and cheery. He was saying last week to watch out for him on tv. He will be missed." Posting in the Falkirk Chit Chat Pool League group, David Jerrett wrote: "Just heard sad news Donny Strathie, a stalwart of the pool league for years, captain of the Bowhouse has passed away. He was in Boston watching his beloved Scotland. Rest easy pal from the pool world."
Lee Stevenson said: "Oh that's so sad. I'm glad the last thing he did was doing something he loved. I hope he saw Scotland win their first match." Graham Rae added: "Such a shock. He was in ours just before he went away? Great guy as well. RIP."
