Colin Robertson has many fond memories of the late rugby player and coach, Dave Brown, who succumbed to cancer just before Christmas.
Mr Robertson, the regional high performance manager with Sportscotland’s institute for Grampian, Tayside and Fife, was among those who relished the former Glasgow centre and Strathmore coach’s whole-hearted commitment to the game he loved.
He was somebody who left a positive impression wherever he ventured and there has been nothing but fond tributes from colleagues in business and the rugby world.
Mr Robertson said: “Dave had recently sold his business RugbyPlus and was looking forward to retirement at the age of 66.
“A stalwart of Strathmore RFC for many years, he was well known throughout the rugby community, not just in Scotland but across the world for his love of rugby and his commitment to the game which was his life for so many decades.
“Dave played rugby for Glasgow High and represented the famous Glasgow team that won the inter district championship in a side that included three British Lions – Sandy Carmichael, Gordon Brown and Ian McLauchlan.
“A proud PE teacher to trade, following his training at Jordanhill College, he taught at Hillhead High School before moving into senior leisure management in Tayside.
“This took him to Montrose in the 80s where he lived ever since spending many years playing and coaching for Montrose RFC.
“In the early 90s, he became a director with David Low Sports in Dundee, then set up his own retail business RugbyPlus with outlets in Dundee, Stirling and Aberdeen. He sold the business and retired earlier this year.
“Dave coached rugby teams for decades – Montrose, Strathmore (for many years), Angus select and the young district squads in Tayside in the 90s which produced so many quality players.”
Mr Robertson, the former Scotland u-20 head coach was a close friend and there’s no questioning his sorrow at the demise of his confrere.
He concluded: “We spent a lot of time with each other talking about rugby whether it was coaching or the direction the game was going in.
“Dave had a real rugby intellect and genuine enthusiasm for the game which we both shared for over 30 years.
“He will be a huge loss and I, and many others, will be forever thankful for the stamp on life he has given so many of us. He was one of life’s great individuals.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Sheila and his children Lindsay and Nicole.