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Death of former Scottish Rugby Union president, Aberdeen lawyer Gordon Masson

The 89-year-old championed the game of rugby in the north-east and Scotland throughout his life.

Aberdeen lawyer and rugby union man Gordon Masson.
Aberdeen lawyer and rugby union man Gordon Masson.

Gordon Masson, former president of the Scottish Rugby Union, has died aged 89.

The retired Aberdeen solicitor was a former pupil of Robert Gordon’s College and contributed to the city’s Deaf Society for many years.

Aberdeen born and raised

Gordon Baxter Masson was born on September 21 1933 in Aberdeen. The son of Gordon Masson, a merchant sailor, he was raised by his mother Mary while his dad was at sea.

Gordon had one elder brother and attended Mile End Primary School before moving on to Robert Gordon’s College, where he enjoyed studying Greek and Latin.

A young Gordon Masson who excelled in academics and sport.

Although he loved the Classics, sport was Gordon’s first love, particularly rugby. He was a proud Gordonian scrumhalf, a tradition that continued when he moved on to Aberdeen University to study law. He was also fond of cricket.

Sword of Honour

Gordon graduated from university in 1956, however, from 1957 until 1959 he did his National Service in the RAF.

As an officer cadet he was stationed on the Isle of Man where he trained as a pilot. The best cadet in his intake, he was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour as Pilot Officer Masson by the time he finished.

On returning to Aberdeen, Gordon’s first job was with the Clapperton and Brand law firm in Craibstone Street.

Perfect match

Towards the end of the 1950s, over the net at Westburn Park tennis courts, Gordon fell in love with fellow player Frankie Edmonds.

The Massons: Frankie and Gordon, who were married for six decades.

The couple married on October 31 at King’s College chapel and then moved into their first home in Cults.

Scottish Rugby

Outside of work Gordon maintained his commitment to his favourite game. He became secretary of the North District Rugby Union in 1969 and was elected to the general committee of the Scottish Rugby Union in 1973 as north district representative. Gordon then became special representative in the 1982-83 season.

Taken in 1976, Gordon Masson, left with  a representative of a French side visiting Moray.

In 1985 Gordon was in charge of the Scotland tour to North America. This included the Scotland and British and Irish Lions players Peter Dods, Gavin Hastings, Alan Tait, John Jeffrey, Iain Paxton and Kenny Milne.

His greatest honour came in 1991 when he became the union’s 105th president. A world cup year ,he and Frankie followed the squad wherever they played.

Tributes

A spokesperson for the Scottish Rugby Union said: “It’s very sad news indeed to hear that Gordon Masson has passed away.

“Gordon spent much of his life in service to the game of rugby not just at a national level but also in the north-east of Scotland too.

“We are indebted to him for his contribution and our condolences are with his friends and family.”

Charity and career

From the late 1960s until 1984 Gordon was a keen supporter of the North East Deaf Society serving as a director, secretary, treasurer then chairman from 1978.

Throughout both the 1970s and 1980s he was also actively involved in Scripture Union.

Gordon Masson with an anonymous donation of £1000 which was posted through the letterbox of the Deaf Society.

Gordon spent his legal career in the Granite City. He moved to W Kirkwood and Smith in Albyn Place where he practised family law, and by the time he retired in 1996 he was a senior partner for Burnett and Reid in Golden Square.

Later life

In his spare time he played golf. He was a member of the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, and enjoyed twice-yearly holidays, especially to Florida, to play.

In 2019, Frankie – Gordon’s wife of 60 years – passed away.

Learning to live without his partner was a big adjustment, especially when he needed a hip replacement in 2020.

Gordon on his golf cart, helping him enjoy the sport he loved even after surgery.

However, Sheila, the widow of one of Gordon’s school friends Edwin Foote, offered her support. Through spending more and more time together their relationship deepened and they became a couple, enjoying their shared interests which included puzzles and crosswords.

‘Special man’

On Saturday April 1, following a meal with friends the evening before, Gordon became unwell. He passed away at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary that afternoon.

A celebration of his life took place on Friday April 14 at Hazlehead Crematorium where flowers in the Scottish Rugby Union colours were placed on his casket.

Sheila added: “Gordon was a very special man indeed and all who knew him were very lucky to do so. He will be deeply missed.”

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