The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Angus minister recalls final farewell to legendary entertainer Andy Stewart
Scottish star passed away 25 years ago
He was the Scottish entertainer whose final journey in Arbroath brought the whole community to a halt.
More than 500 mourners packed St Andrew’s Church 25 years ago for the funeral of Andy Stewart following his death aged 59.
Hundreds more lined the streets of Arbroath to pay their last respects to the all-round entertainer described as “the natural successor to Harry Lauder”.
Rev Martin Fair conducted the service in 1993 and says he still remembers the pressure he felt under.
“I’d like to think that I give my full attention to every funeral I conduct – it’s a privileged position to be in, to support families in moments of need,” he said.
“Even so, I remember Andy’s funeral well – he was a household name and I well remember the pressure I felt to get it right.
“I wanted it to be right for Sheila (Andy’s wife) and her family even though it was going to be a very public occasion.
“I was struck by his thoughtfulness and kindness – and in terms of his being a member of St Andrew’s Church, by his desire just to be one of the family, treated without fuss or fanfare.
“Nowadays, there’s little or no respect shown as a funeral cortège moves through the town but that day, it really was as if the whole community stopped for a moment as if in final tribute.”
Scots violinist Ian Powrie played one of Andy’s favourite pieces The Flower of the Quern, and the hymns included Amazing Grace.
Old friends mingled with TV and theatre personalities in the church including Jimmy Shand, Johnny Beattie, Moira Anderson, Bill McCue, Joe Gordon and Dixie Ingram.
Flags in the town were flown at halfmast and a piper played A Scottish Soldier as the funeral procession made its way out of the church to a private service at the Parkgrove crematorium in Friockheim.
Shortly after his death, a sheltered housing scheme in Arbroath was named Andy Stewart Court in his memory.