Entertainer, musician, teacher and “really nice guy” George Donald was brought home to Huntly one last time as hundreds attended the funeral of the Scotland The What? star.
Laughter, tears and music filled Strathbogie Parish Church, where Mr Donald played organ as a teenager, as family and friends paid tribute to the man they loved and admired.
Mr Donald died on September 30 aged 79 and is survived by his wife Isabelle, his three children and six grandchildren.
One eulogy yesterday came from William “Buff” Hardie, now the sole surviving member of the “classy and couthy” act which entertained thousands around the world with their music and wit.
Mr Hardie said: “Today Huntly bids farewell to one of its favourite and most famous sons.
“So this day belongs to Huntly and as a humble Aberdonian toonser I am honoured that George’s family should have asked me to give this tribute.”
Mr Hardie recalled how he met Mr Donald 55 years ago when looking for a member for the Aberdeen Revue Group.
He was told that his friend-to-be was a “a great pianist, writes super tunes and is a really nice guy”.
In 1969, they and the late Steve Robertson made their debut as Scotland The What? – an act which would delight audiences for almost 30 years and earn them MBEs and the Freedom of Aberdeen.
Mr Hardie spoke of the chemistry and musical direction which his friend brought to the shows, often striking comedy gold by mixing classical music with everyday words.
At that he broke into verse, which Mr Donald famously set to Handel’s Water Music, raising a huge laugh in the church as he sang: “I’ve got an auntie, my auntie Bunty, she bides in the country, twa’ miles oot o’ Huntly.”
As the laughter subsided, he said his friend could get four laughs out of those four lines.
Mr Donald, who was educated at the Gordon Schools in Huntly, went on to graduate in modern languages from Aberdeen University and then trained as a teacher.
He later became the assistant rector of Perth Academy, and Mr Hardie recalled how the family home in the town became a great post-show refuge with Mr Donald always ready with a large gin and tonic when his friends arrived at the door.
Lifelong friend, Dr Alexander Christie, spoke of the pair’s move to Aberdeen to study and summers spent in Huntly, grouse-beating for spending money. A tale was also shared of a hitchhiking trip in Europe, wearing kilts.
“We will miss George, but nothing will erase memories of a very fine and talented friend,” he said.
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