Alness tributes after death of ‘gentle giant’ Andrew Maitland (39)
TRIBUTES are being paid to a “larger-than-life” Alness man who has died at the age of 39.
Andrew Maitland, described as a loving dad, son, brother, uncle and nephew and a good friend to many, died at home last Thursday.
Youth worker Janette Douglas was amongst many posting tributes to the man many friends knew affectionately as Maitland. Alness United will pay its own respects with a minute’s silence ahead of their clash with Thurso at Dalmore Park on Saturday.
Mr Maitland came through the youth ranks at Alness before going on to play in the first team.
Ms Douglas posted a heartfelt tribute looking back to her earliest memories of him.
She added: “Andrew was a talented goalie and played football from a young age. It didn’t matter whether you were in his team or the opposing team, everyone liked him. He didn’t have a bad bone in his body. He got the crack with the referees and linesmen alike.”
She added: “I want to remember him sitting in my car with the windows down and the music blaring on the way to an away game. ”
Alness United chairman Tommy Regan posted that he was deeply saddened to share the news of Mr Maitland’s passing adding that he had been a youth player from the age of 12 and was part of the North Caledonian League team on a number of occasions.
Passing on condolences to his family and friends, he invited attendees at Saturday’s home match at Dalmore to participate in a minute’s silence in memory of his life.
Andrew Bird posted: “I have no words! A wonderful person, a true friend and someone that truly understood the notion of loyalty. My heart is truly broken reading this. My best wishes to his family.”
Another wrote: “Andrew you were a gentle giant and my deepest sympathy goes out to your family and friends.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 11.20am on Thursday, November 7, we were called to the sudden death of a 39-year-old man at a property on Firhill in Alness.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious. A report was submitted to the procurator fiscal.”
A funeral service to be held at Inverness Crematorium on Wednesday, November 20 at 12.15pm.
His loved ones have requested family flowers only but donations if desired can be made at the service for Alness United Football Club.
