The family of a pensioner who died in a crash near Turriff yesterday have described him as ‘the life and soul of any party’.
Douglas Stuart Bruce, aged 77, from Turriff died when his red Mercedes van collided with a blue Renault Clio on the B9105 between Turriff and Fintry on Thursday morning.
He is survived by his wife Sheila, children Tracey James and her husband Justin James of Plymouth and Graham Bruce and his wife Ana Castro Berrojo of Bahrain and Graham’s children Fiona, 26 and Elliott, 23.
His family have today released the following statement.
Speaking on behalf of his family his wife Sheila Bruce said: “Douglas was originally from the Parkhill area near Dyce. After leaving school he joined the Navy where he had a 22-year career.
“We were married for more than 50 years and we moved around with his work but eventually settled in the Plymouth area. He was then offshore for 20 years and latterly worked in security.
“We have lived in the Turriff area for the last 23 years where Douglas was a well-known and liked member of the community. He was involved with the British Legion and had been Chairman of the Turriff Accordion and Fiddle club which he absolutely loved. He was a very popular chap and liked entertaining.
“He enjoyed being with his family and friends and was the heart and soul of any party. He was a wonderful husband, very much a family man and adored his grandchildren. He lived life to the full.
“This has left a huge hole in our lives and we would now ask that we are left to grieve in peace.”