Ron Clark, 87, former Perth GP and lifelong St Johnstone supporter

Retired Perth GP Ron Clark has died at the age of 87.

A lifelong St Johnstone fan and the Mcdiarmid Park crowd doctor for more than 20 years, his family have arranged for a coffin featuring the club badge and “Doc” for the service at Perth Crematorium on Monday.

His ashes will be scattered at Craigie Hill Golf Club, where he first played golf at the age of eight, and a tree is to be planted in memory of the popular former captain.

Born and bred in the Fair City, Ron was educated at Craigie Primary and Perth Academy – where he was Dux before studying medicine at St Andrews University.

His national service was with The Black Watch, based at Fort George, and included a spell as a medic assigned to the Gorbals in Glasgow.

His medical career began at Craigton Meadows in St Andrews and he returned to Perth to take up a post with the Milne and Moffat practice on Victoria Street in 1960. Before retiring in 1996, it had relocated to Glover Street and Methven had come under its wing.

Ron was the medical officer for Perth Prison from 1968-88, he was in attendance at boxing shows held at the Salutation Hotel and handled Red Cross training for the Post Office.

Ron had excelled at sport while at school and went on to be capped at cricket for Scotland. But his twin sporting passions were golf and St Johnstone.

Seeing his team win the Scottish Cup six years ago was a highlight for Ron, who saw his first match at Muirton Park in the 1940s. He was a well-known face at Mcdiarmid, enjoying mingling with visiting directors and talking football beside former chairman Geoff Brown.

The club recognised Ron’s dedication by awarding him membership of the Campbell Suite.

His favourite managers were Alex Totten, Derek Mcinnes and Tommy Wright – and he was thrilled when the cup-winning Northern Irishman called early in the lockdown to wish him well.

A club spokesman said they were saddened to learn of Ron’s death and their thoughts were with his family.

Ron was awarded life membership of The Hill to mark 50 years at the golf club. He was also a member of Perth Academy FPS and represented the medics. He particularly relished his medical role at the Open when it was held in Scotland, regarding St Andrews as a high point.

A five-handicapper in his heyday, he was still golfing at The Hill until two years ago, with Davie Bonthrone at the wheel of the buggy every Wednesday.

He was a regular at Noah’s Ark Golf Centre and was embraced warmly by pro Niall Mcgill and the team, whether hitting balls in “Ron’s Bay,” enjoying a coffee and chat or participating in the Golf Memories sessions.

Ron was a past president and proud member of Perth Rotary Club for more than 30 years.

He is survived by his wife Irene, daughters Jacqui and Sheila, four grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Ron Clark had a distinguished medical career.