Camilla’s touching tribute to a brilliant photographer
Hundreds mourn a gifted man who lived life to the full in pictures
HE was a gifted photographer who took beautiful pictures and those who paid tribute to Gordon Jack yesterday ranged from Wimbledon champion Andy Murray to Camilla, Duchess of Rothesay.
Mr Jack, 47, suffered a heart attack working for the Scottish Daily Mail covering a rehearsal for the tennis star’s marriage to Kim Sears in Dunblane.
At the time Murray was visibly concerned as colleagues rushed to help before the father-of-three was taken to hospital.
He died from complications the following day, April 11.
At yesterday’s celebration of his life held at St Michael’s Parish Church in his home town of Linlithgow, West Lothian, more than 700 people packed the aisles to pay their final respects.
Those attending included Judy Murray and Fiona Hyslop, SNP Culture Secretary, as well as dozens of former colleagues who lined the back wall of the church.
The congregation heard how Camilla, who was photographed many times by Mr Jack on her visits to Scotland, wrote a letter of condolence to his widow Gill and their children, Megan, Samuel and Emily. Andy Murray also sent his sympathies to the family.
Tributes were led by Mr Jack’s brothers-in-law, Chris and Andrew Smith. Chris said: ‘As far as we’re concerned, Gordon will always be our big brother.
‘Anyone who met Gordon was charmed by his easy-going nature and smile. He gave friendship freely and unconditionally. He was the biggest hearted and bravest man I’ve ever met. Everyone felt his warmth and he made absolutely everyone feel special.
‘Gordon had the ability to see the beauty in everything before anyone else could.’
A slideshow of many of Mr Jack’s pictures taken throughout his career was played to the congregation during the service, and drew many smiles.
The only hymn was Morning Has Broken but, halfway through the service, Frank Sinatra’s version of Fly Me To The Moon was played in Mr Jack’s memory. After the service, Judy Murray recalled fond memories of the photographer from her time training for the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.
‘I was lucky enough to work with Gordon on a few shoots and he was a great snapper, but he was also great fun to be around,’ she said.
Former colleague and life-long friend Stuart Nicol recalled his memory of Mr Jack’s first shift at a Scottish tabloid newspaper: ‘He had done a job in Bathgate, rushed into the office, breathless, and said: “I’m Gordon Jack, here are my films, here are my captions. I have to go – my wife’s in labour”.
‘Those actions signified Gordon’s priorities in life: work hard, take great pictures, get the job done but, when push comes to shove, the family comes first.
‘I have never met anyone who had a bad word to say about Gordon, which is a true testament to the man.
‘His glass was always half full and never ever half empty. He was the perfect best friend.’
The Scottish Daily Mail has launched an annual Gordon Jack Young Photographer of the Year award t o encourage young photographers to follow the career he loved.