The Fergie MacDonald e-book of condolences

[Sandy Walker]

Sorry to hear about Fergie's tragic death.

Only th good die young.

My thoughts are with Janey and the kids.

[Dave Ross]

Like a lot of the contributers I worked with Fergie in the Scottish Mutual Early - late 1980's. He was a really nice, genuinely funny guy who I regularly played football with of a Saturday morning.
Even after I left the mutual, when I ran into him it was like putting on an old slipper, comfortable to be with and it would always degenerate to fitba banter.
He loved his pranks and done me like a kipper while I was working at Celtic Park as a Steward. Fergie asked me to secure a couple of away fan tickets, which was possible in the old days and he and I popped down in his "red escort ?" to pick them up.
While I was inside the main door he parked outside but as it was fairly quiet slipped on a rangers top awaiting my return. I was dully spotted consorting with the "enemy" handing over the tickets and took pelters from my colleagues for weeks.
R.I.P Big Guy you broke the mold.

[alanmackenzie]

Another friend from Scot Mut/Abbey who was shocked and saddened at the news. Fergie you are the only man I know who ran for miles then had a fish supper and a pint! You will always be remembered for your patter and you're cheery outlook - as well as a gent. The man who kept the MCC (mutual curry club) going with the red and yellow ties - symbolising korma and tandoori "so's the stains dont show up".
In "the mutual" the word legend comes to mind. You'll be sadly missed by all those who knew you. Alan Mackenzie

[eileen2]

[Tam Belshaw]

I was introduced to Fergie by my friend Tommy Devlin around 20 years ago and very soon we became good friends. The tributes on these pages sum up what a lovely guy Fergie was and a true and loyal friend. Many times I guested at Ibrox with Fergie via the Horse Shoe Bar, the District Bar and Partick Masonic Club with a dram of " As we get it " on the way. I spent many nights in Fergie`s home at sports nights with the boys or watching the football and sampling a few drams. Fergie`s 5 a sides were very popular and afterwards a few beers in " The Burns " great memories.My thoughts at this sad sad time are with Janey, Shona, Angus and Kevin and I`ll raise a glass of malt to Fergie one of my best ever friends. Cheers Fergie !

[Elaine Bill Mercer Family]

Like many others we both got to know Fergie from working with Scottish Mutual/Abbey. Over the past 20 plus years we have had many a drink, been at many a football match (some better than others) and many a night out always full of laughs and jibes from Fergie.
We will miss a good friend. who was larger than life.
Our thoughts are with Janie Shona and Angus.

[Andrea Boyd]

I got to know Fergie through joining the Troon Tortoises, and it was only recently that I had the pleasure of his company at the club. As usual I was at the back of all the runners, red faced and out of breathe, trying to keep up. Fergie was infront of me, and he asked if I was ok. For the remainder of the evening we ran together, and most of the time we talked about food!! He was making lasagne for the first time that night, and I was trying to explain how I made mine!! He was great company and we had a good laugh!! As we ran along the beach, he spoke of his claim to fame, being caught on camera by a TV crew, as he jogged along the same stretch of beach wearing his typical outfit, the union jack T-shirt and his scottish shorts.

Although I didn't know Fergie for long, he was such a lovely guy, and I will miss him. My thoughts go out to his family.

[Tim Downie]

Thanks to Arlene Melville for this great photo from Shona's graduation.

[Simon Brown]

Like many others on this message board I was lucky enough to have spent some quality social time with the great man. I met Fergie through Abbey only a few years ago but we hit it off straight away through our love of football and most things British. In fact the first night we met was when I travelled up to Glasgow from Bristol for work. We stayed up drinking in the Holiday Inn bar till about 4am!!

After that we kept in regular touch and we arranged a few games at Rangers. It didnt matter who I brought with me or how many I brought, Fergie always made them feel very welcome and they are all as shocked as I am. Jack, Steve Fortt, Pookie, Pete, Steve Smith all send their sympathies.

I had been out of the country for the last 18 months but still kept in touch and even rec a birthday voicemail from Fergie when I was in Australia. We had been discussing meeting up now I was back in the UK for a Rangers game which makes it even sadder.

I just want to say big fella that if you are reading this, you were a great bloke and a true gent and you will be sorely missed by one an all. You made a massive impact on so many peoples lives and you will never be replaced. My thoughts go out to your family and friends at this time.

All the best,
Simon Brown
Bristol Rovers.

[Ian Samson]

Sorry to hear about Fergie. He was a lovely guy who was always full of the joys and will be missed.

My sympathies to his family.


Ian.

[Scooter]

Many happy memories over the years with Fergie from going to Ibrox, Horseshoe, Steps and "the fives" on a Thursday night.

Shared many train journeys where a miniature of Malt and a Beer would appear from his clutches.

He touched the lives of so many people and the world is a sadder and emptier place without him.

Thoughts are with Janie, Shona and Angus.

[gordonbuchanan]

Can't believe this has happened. Such a tragic loss.
I knew Fergie for all my working life in the Mutual and we spent many a good time together, too many to mention.

Fergie's love for a practical joke was well known and he gave as good as he got. My favourite one still makes me laugh to this day.........
Fergie had a fondness for Creme Eggs and used to eat them in a oner.
In the days when tea-breaks were still around Fergie used to have a salad sandwich followed by a Cadbury's Creme Egg. It was our (Donald and I)turn to play a trick on Fergie. We scooped out the fondant from the centre of the Creme Egg and replaced it with sherbet and pepper. Carefully we replaced the chocolate and the foil wrapper and returned the egg to Fergie's desk. Sure enough he ate the whole thing in a oner. His face was a picture and the language was blue (what else..!!). Didn't take him long to identify the culprits though.

Thanks for the memories B.O.B.

Slainthe, Flash

[Jack Easton]

I met Fergie (and Angus) through Simon on our first trip up to watch Rangers.
I'll never forget how welcoming he was. After shaking hands, the first thing he did was present us with a Rangers t-shirt each. As he showed us around the Rangers pubs, and Glasgow, it became clear that he had a lot of friends and was thought of very highly.
We travelled up a few more times after that initial trip and Fergie was always very genuine and hospitable. I will remember those times with affection.
I was very shocked and saddened to hear the news and my thoughts are with Angus and the rest of the family.

[Heather McKnight]

So sorry to hear the news. Like everyone else who worked with Fergie over the years at SMA & Abbey, most of the stories I can remember are about what fun it was to be with Fergie. He was always generous with his time, both professionally and as a friend, and will be sorely missed.

[Susan Whyte]

Ayrshire will be far less colourful without the main man. Not only a fab guy but genuine. It is rare to have known someone that is valued so much by everyone. We will all miss you.

Love to Jayne, Shona and Angus, this is just awful. xx

God bless you Fergie, a thoroughly modern gent.

[Jacqueline C]

I was so shocked and saddened to hear the sad news about Fergie.

Fergie was such a nice guy, always had a smile for you and said hello to you as he was rushing by.

I remember I saw him at a Rangers match once as he waved to me from one of the stands. I was so chuffed that he saw me and waved, always such a happy guy, with so many friends.

My deepest sympathy is with his family at this sad time.

xx

[George McLachlan]

Just read all the messages again - cried and laughed a lot. The laughs sum up all my memories of Fergie - banter in the pub, friendly waves on his runs round Troon, Angus and his dad using me as a windbreak at Troon Amateur games!

I remember queuing for underground tickets at Buchanan Street en route to Ibrox when Fergie asked me to buy 10 tickets for his mates - the folk behind me were not amused - am still waiting for the money!

Like others it was an honour to have known Fergie over the years. He loved life but especially Janey, Shona and Angus. We will always be there for you all. Tomorrow will be a sad day but you have left us so many happy memories that we will treasure forever.
I know you will be looking down on us as we raise a toast to you Fergie. Till we meet again.
George

[robincurie]

Like many of the other condolences already posted, I have known Fergie for a long time time, 30 years. The general comments with regards to the type of bloke he was are completely accurate as was his capacity to play the practical joker. I recall in the late 70's in SMA the, already detailed "strange person on the phone" calls. However in addition to these there was the swapping of handsets between phones, the sellotaping of the two buttons which were supposed to rise when the handset was picked up; the phone did not stop ringing, hiding phones in desk drawers, etc etc. There was also the well timed phone call when a certain manager, JLC, to those of you in the know, was 3/4 between his office and Fergies desk, and his phone would ring, ensuring that he ran back to his office.....and yes the phone stopped when he just got there. This was done a number of times to everyones amusement! These are just a couple of extra wind-ups I remember Fergie doing.
Now to his love of the colour blue! I recall he bought a flat in Kilmarnock Road and directly across the road on the same level was a flat with green window frames. This upset the bold Fergie every morning when he opened his curtains. Naturally he knocked the door of the flat opposite and offered to have the windows repainted to a different colour. When we moved to Troon, Fergie kindly offered to help us to move---it nearly didn't happen when he arrived at our old house to discover the van I had rented was from Turners, ie green and white. He only agreed to help when it was suggested to him that if he stayed in the van he would not have to look at the colour.
As I have already said I knew Fergie at SMA / Shabbey for the best part of 30 years, golfed with him in Troon on a weekly basis for a period, saw him on the train, and latterly in and around Troon, normally in the patriotic running vest and shorts. It is worth noting that when you were talking to him in the street that every couple of minutes someone would pass and say hi to him. Every one knew who he was. I don't how may of you noted his 2 minutes of national, if not international, fame when the Open was last played in Troon. As is the habit of the BBC at this event the high camera panned onto a deserted Troon beach and there was the bold Fergie in the Union Jack running top and Saltire shorts. "There's a patriotic man" said Peter Aliss. Just about summed him up!
I , my wife and my family were shocked a week ago on Friday to learn that he had tragically died in France. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Janie, Shona and Angus who have lost a wonderful husband and father. He was a true friend to all he met throughout his short 51 years. How we will miss him!!!

[Alan Muir]

I met Fergie soon after moving to Troon in 1990. By the 2nd time we got the same train up to Glasgow on a Saturday when Rangers were at home he had worked out that I was a fellow BlueNose. It didn't take me quite as long to work him out - who could forget the hand knitted red, white and blue jumper? Subtle it wasn't. Strangely, he used to put his scarf in his pocket 'to avoid trouble.'

I too was a (fairly) regular participant in the Thursday night fives plus domnioes in the Burns Tavern thereafter. Tommy D and Fergie had a few good arguments at both.

My kids will miss Fergie also as they loved to get me or their Mum to peep the horn so that they could all wave to the colourful runner. It wasn't just his outfits that made Fergie colourful.

I last saw him on the train up to the Aberdeen game when he, Angus and Kevin found me further up the train, their arrival announced by Fergie's regular 'tickets please' shout as he entered the carriage.

I can't believe that only 5 days later he was gone. Our thoughts are with his family, particularly Angus, who will hopefully continue to keep the Blue flag flying high for his Dad. RIP Fergie.

[ajb]

There's not much left to be said about this wonderfully kind, friendly and funny man. I too got to know Fergie through SMA/Abbey. The first time I met him was in 109 St Vincent Street as he was rushing off to a Christmas bash carrying a case of beer and bottle of whisky. Not bad for just after lunchtime!

The world is a lot poorer place for his passing and God better be prepared for the odd funny phone call!

RIP Fergie.

[scott henderson]

Met Fergie thru the inevitable fitbae ! "5"s on Thursdays at Ayr,
"7"s at Galston Sundays!
There are some people who brush past your life, then stay with
you, --- Fergie was one !!
One tale !!
We were in "his" bar -- The Horseshoe, at 10.20 he went to buy
two "as ye get its" -- I said "the last trains at 10.30!!"
"Oh be quiet !!" he growled
I paced across to Central, he strolled,
I nearly ran up the platform, he strolled,
I threw meself onto the train, I swear the second he stepped
onto the train the doors went "sssssssshh"
" I dae this every week, so I dont need no advice from Embra!!"
Fergie, I'll never forget.

[Stevie Smillie]

Well today is the day we all say a final farewell to one of the best guys most of us knew. Even although I'm 1000's of miles away down under I'll be having a dram for you big man.

I first met Fergie when he climbed my fence the day we moved next door to him in Troon and said "do you play fitba", I didn't really as the Thursday night gang would soon find out but that was the start of a long and great friendship and lot's and lot's of happy memories.

Thursday night lock-in's at the Burns...
The jamming session at the wetting of my baby's head with Big Bob on accordion and Fergie and Alan on the moothy...
One of only a few guys who had the patience to play golf with me, the day I put the ball in the patio of the house across the road from the 17th is a story Angus, Fergie and I still laugh at...
Sitting with him and Tommy in the Rangers end while the Saints got gubbed 8 - 1 and trying to look like I was a Gers fan...
Laughing at Alan's pink drinks while we ordered real men's pints...
Doing the coupon with Jimmy, Tommy and Tam and never winning a penny...
The hottest chili and haggis pakora with malt whiskey at new year...
and just sitting out the back door having a few beers while Janie made the tea.
I'll miss you mate and the long phone-calls keeping me up to date with the gang in Troon.

Janie, Shona and Angus, our thoughts are with you today. He was a man to be proud of, as he was proud of you all.

Stevie, Laura, Hannah and Sophie.
xxxx

[clare]

I first met Fergie in 1998 when he was seconded to the Bristol Branch of Scottish Mutual/Abbey to be my boss for 6 months. I always found it hard to understand him and just nodded and agreed with everything he said - now I know why I didn't get that rise!! Once he knew I was a fitba fan and supported Bristol Rovers, so our friendship grew. From then he always kept an eye out for them, as I did Rangers. He even came down to Derby to watch our victorious 3-0 win over them!

My son now plays for the Bristol Rovers academy and Fergie was always asking after him and wishing him luck for the future. Needless to say, such was his character, my husband and son were just as devastated at the news as I was and they hadn't even met him.

Like Charlotte mentioned, we had participated in the Glasgow subway crawl and yes what strange places we ended up in! Charlotte, Fergie and myself were trying to arrange a time to get together at the beginning of this year but with various commitments was proving difficult. We gave up and decided to meet nearer Christmas....my biggest regret that I won't get the opportunity to meet with you again.

My thoughts are with his family and on this day and more so.

Take care up there - I hope we meet again x x x x x

[stuarturquhart]

I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Fergie many years ago by mates of mine and his, Tam Belshaw and Tommy Devlin, little did I know at the time how much of an honour it would be to call Fergie my friend.

Fergie re-introduced me to his oldest friend Brian Fisher whom strangely enoug I had played football with at EK Burgh Utd., a long time before, Fergie seems to know everyone I thought, certainly everybody knew Fergie!

It is difficult to add any more to his memory than has already been said in the many messages of condolence on this page, but in the time I was fortunate enough to know the big man, he was always genuine and honest, what more can anybody ask of a fellow human being. His passing was as untimely as it is sad, and it proves that the old addage of 'only the good die young' is so very true.

I and all the guys at Troon Amateurs will miss him at our games in the future, but we know he WILL be there, if not in person then certainly in spirit, a loveable, amiable man and a good friend to all that were, like me, fortunate to be touched by his presence. You will be missed by many Fergie, but we all know that wherever you may be there will be many many more who will revel in your wit and generosity.

My thoughts are also with Janey, Shona and Angus at this time, we are thinking of you.

Stuart Urquhart

[eileen]

I feel very privileged to have met and worked with Fergie very recently, even for a very short time.
Having just read through the many messages from his dear friends, my thoughts are with you all at this time.
E

[Michelle OHara]

Like every who knew Fergie I am deeply saddened at the loss of such a great guy.

I also knew Fergie through Scottish Mutual, and my first memories are of my very first week in my job, where 'some guy' kept making crank calls to me - Fergie!!! Immediately he made me feel like I had known him for years, and I am grateful to have met and known him.

My thoughts are with all the MacDonald family and all of Fergies friends.
Fergie will continue to watch over you. Take Care

[Walter Crowe]

It came as a shock to learn of Fergie's death. Like so many others I worked with him in Scottish Mutual. I can't add anything, it has all been said already. The world will be a worse place without him, a man who never passed you by without speaking.


I'd say rest in peace, Fergie, but he might have had views about that phrase ...

Walter Crowe

[Tracey Farnfield]

I didn't work directly with Fergie in Scottish Mutual/Abbey - I didn't have that pleasure, unfortunately. However, I did see and speak to him often around the place, especially when he popped up to catch up with his good mate, Walter McCracken.
You always found Fergie the same way - genuine, cheerful and absolutely charming! No matter what kind of day he was having, you found him this way. There was never a time I saw him when he didn't have some friendly banter for me or a smile or a wave. And, of course, you'd often see him a mile off when he was wearing the delightful "Curry Club" tie! Having just left the company, word still managed to find its way to me about Fergie's accident, and I'm glad it did as I just wanted to say to his family what a pleasure it was knowing this friendly, gentle giant. I know how much Fergie meant to a great many people in the St Vincent Street office and I therefore just cannot imagine how you are coping with his loss. I have found it very difficult and moving to read all of these tributes, but absolutely none of them have been OTT in any way. All of these words are true and from the heart. We loved him very much and I can only pray that our tales of Fergie are able to bring you some comfort at this heartbreaking time. The world was a better place with Fergie in it and he will be sadly, sadly missed. Thanks Fergie for your friendship and pensions advice! Heaven has just entered the Premier League!. And to his family - my deepest, deepest condolances. My love and thoughts are with you all, Tracey Farnfield

[ajr]

Fergie was one of the first people that I spoke to in Glasgow when I joined Scot Mut in 1979. Over the years I spoke to him regularly and met him when summoned to Glasgow for meetings. It was always a pleasure to hear his voice - whether it was his own or one of the many he tried to fool me with: he was very good. I only got caught out once and it wasn't him! His "Nae bother" was his reply to all enquiries/requests and it never seemed to be!

Everyone at the Bristol office enjoyed Fergie's stay with us, although I do remember having to translate at times - Bristle to Glasgae and vice versa! I remember Fergie turning up on various occasions in his kilt; Janey, Shona and Angus visiting the office to see the famed view from the office terrace and a visit he made to my house for a meal, beer, wine and a trip to my local for the beer and the Pigs Nose, or was it Sheep Dip chaser?

I always seamed to miss the MCC jaunts but I am pleased to say that on my last trip to Glasgow: a long weekend with my husband, David, followed by a few days work at HO, Fergie, Dave and I went for that curry: a quite unforgettable evening. The predinner beer at his then favourite bar, collecting wine and beer from the Oddbins or some such place, the best curry we have had, post dinner drinks as he waited for his train and, of course, the conversation, the stories, the humour.

We will both miss him but we will have our memories of the good times with a great guy.

Our thoughts have been with Janey, Shona and Angus since we received the news by text, whilst on holiday in the US. This is the first opportunity to record my thoughts.

Angela Rosser

[David Gisbey]

I worked at Scottish Mutual from 1981 to 1989 and I remember Fergie well. He was always cheerful and always kind.

Even after 22 years, his smiling face in the photos above looks familiar. I was sad to hear about his untimely death, but heartened to hear that he had been a member of Troon Tortoises and obviously got much enjoyment out of it.

Along with my pal Gordon Muir, and his dad Hugh as coach/manager, we started the Tortoises around 1974, intending to call the club Marr Tortoises, but quickly changed the name to Troon Tortoises when the school Marr College objected to us using their grass running track for training.

The school relented and marked out a training track around one of their rubgy pitches, but the name stuck and often found us running with a smile whenever we heard it called out over an announcers tannoy.
I like to think that Fergie, and hopefully many others have enjoyed the same experience over the years.