Copied from a.n.other site, but feel no shame in doing so as posted on here particularily this year
A tragic loss of one of our own and so so young.
Rest In Peace
An Aberdeen man who fought his cancer with humour, dignity and bravery has been described as an “inspiration” to his family and the doctors who treated him.
Stuart Lawtie died on Friday after a two-and-a-half-year battle with bowel cancer.
The 27-year-old was a “well-known” face in the city, having worked in the Illicit Still, Frankensteins and Espionage before moving to Edinburgh to continue working in various pubs and clubs.
He was later headhunted for Wedderburn Castle, in the Borders, where he was the events manager.
Last night, Mr Lawtie’s father, Andrew, said he was a “tremendous spirit” who loved being around people, and that working in the hospitality industry had been his “forte”. The 61-year-old, who is one of Aberdeen’s deputy lieutenants, said: “Stuart was smashing, lovely, well-mannered and affable as a child.
“He always had lots of friends because he was so easy to get on with. He was just an easy-going, friendly, outgoing guy who always had a smile on his face. He really enjoyed, and related, to people, and he loved the comradery of the hospitality industry.”
Stuart was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2008 and had most of his treatment at the Western General in Edinburgh, until he was told last year his cancer was terminal.
Yesterday, his consultant oncologist wrote to his parents and sister Gillian, 24, and described him as “selfless” and “inspirational”, which his mother Sheila, 51, said summed him up well. She said: “Stuart was marvellous, such a positive guy, and very brave throughout the difficult times of his illness.”
Stuart was an avid Dons fan, after going to his first game at the age of eight, and often travelled up to Aberdeen to see his team play while living in Edinburgh with his girlfriend Maria.
His father said last night: “Even Maria has a link with the Dons – she’s Swedish, she’s from Gothenburg. We often used to joke that he went looking for a girl from Gothenburg on purpose, to commemorate the Dons’ win in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final in 1983.”
Last night, his parents, of Queens Den, Aberdeen, praised the club for its support during his illness.
Mr Lawtie said: “The club has been so supportive and generous, and acknowledged that he was a true fan.
“While he was ill they were great, helping him attend the games.
“Sometimes the club gets bad publicity or criticism, but on this occasion they were fantastic, supporting and caring.”
The club also organised for the former Hazlehead Academy pupil to be given a signed football shirt, which he proudly showed off on Christmas Day.
A memorial gathering will be held for Stuart at his “spiritual home” – Pittodrie – on February 24, from noon, and those attending are being asked to wear something red.