Hundreds of mourners yesterday paid their respects to 29-year-old Inverness musician Liam Colgan, who died after disappearing during his brother’s stag weekend in Germany three months ago.
Older brother Eamonn wiped back tears as he paid an emotional tribute to talented singer Liam, whose body was recovered from a river in Hamburg 10 weeks after he went missing on a night out.
The devastated 33-year-old said: “I was his biggest fan.”
Eamonn also told the packed funeral service of more than 400 that he will now marry fiancee Susan Dolan in October, after postponing their wedding in March while searches continued for Liam.
He said: “Liam would be upset with us if we did not go ahead with the wedding.
“Liam was to be my best man. He initially told me I chose him as an easy option, but I chose him not only as my brother but as my best friend.”
Speaking of the forthcoming marriage, he added: “We know Liam will be with us in spirit.
“I hope he is as proud of me as I am of him.”
Dad Brian opened the tributes and, choking back tears, said: “I could stand here and tell you how very much I miss Liam, and how much it hurts, but the turnout here today eloquently tells how much he was loved.”
The father said how delighted he was that both sons followed his passion for Dundee United and Scotland, and at his pride at taking them to the World Cup in France in 1998.
He told how, even when Liam followed in brother’s footsteps as a programme seller for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, his true ‘Arab’ colours shone through and he would wear the Dundee United scarf and top at match days.
Mum Tricia said: “I loved being mum to my two beautiful boys. I am so proud how they both turned out.
“Liam, I love you so much. Granny will look after you until I see you again.”
Musician Liam, who lived in the Holm area of the city and had most recently worked as a postman, vanished during the stag party he had organised in Hamburg for his brother.
His disappearance on February 10 sparked a major search effort in the German city.
Thousands of leaflets were distributed in Hamburg in a bid to trace Liam.
The efforts were spearheaded by Eamonn, who is now a Dundee-based police officer.
Music was the biggest theme of the funeral service, which was attended by Inverness MP Drew Hendry and who had previously praised the family’s efforts in their search for Liam in the House of Commons.
Music and laughter at service
The funeral service was punctuated by tears and laughter, as those who loved Liam shared tales about the 29-year-old.
The service was conducted by Humanist Celebrant Laura Gillespie at John Fraser and Son funeral home in Inverness.
She said: “Liam’s story has affected the lives and hearts of his community, country and those beyond.
“People who did not share a common language with him responded to his situation, his family’s concern, and latterly his family’s distress.
“We gather to celebrate Liam’s life – a life much lived and much loved. He would want us to remember how he lived, and not how he died. He was a vivid force of nature.”
Songs by Liam and by his favourite bands Oasis and The Editors were played throughout.
After the emotional tributes by family and friends, one song penned by Liam for his band Waterday was played – called A Way of Life.
It included the lyrics: “I want to live life before it ends, I want to party with all my friends.”
Pictures were shown throughout the service, including him at the World Cup in France in 1998, at Barcelona with the European Cup, and alongside snooker stars and former world champions John Higgins, Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Friend Sean Fleming said: “Music is a big part of my life and it is the greatest gift Liam has ever given me. It will stay with me forever.”
A lyric from one of Liam’s songs was also read out during the service, which read: “I’m always trying to drink from the full glass. It makes me feel happy I guess. Telling old stories, remembering the memories. I want every day to be the best.”
The funeral service proceeded to the city’s Kilvean Cemetery. Donations made were for the Lucie Blackman Trust, a charity helping families missing abroad and supported the Colgan family.