Marr heartbroken over dad’s death

LOCKDOWN: TV presenter misses father’s final hours in hospital

BBC presenter Andrew Marr has spoken of his heartache at missing the death of his father after three months in lockdown.

Donald Marr, a prominent Tayside businessman and supporter of a number of charities and community organisations, died in Ninewells Hospital just hours before his son arrived in Dundee on the first available train from London. Mr Marr said his 89-year-old dad was a man of wit and kindness and his influence would live on through his family.

BBC journalist Andrew Marr has spoken of his heartache after his father died just hours before he made it to hospital in Dundee in an effort to see him for the last time.

The presenter had not seen his dad Donald, who lived in Longforgan, for many months due to lockdown measures.

The 60-year-old caught the next available train from his home in London when he learned he had fallen ill on Tuesday. However, he arrived too late to be with the 89-year-old before he died in Ninewells Hospital.

Speaking to The Courier from the family home in Longforgan, Mr Marr said: “I came up as fast as I could. As soon as I heard he had taken ill I had a feeling it was very serious.

“It was good for him that it was quick and I’m lucky I managed to speak to him a few days before.

“I had been very uneasy being in

London for quite some time but I didn’t quite know why. I had a premonition that things were not quite right.”

Mr Marr senior, a leading figure in the investment trust industry, had lived in Longforgan for around 60 years.

His son, who attended Dundee High, had only been able to communicate with his father and mother Valerie on the phone or via video chat since March.

Mr Marr said: “We had a very strong relationship and he has been a big influence on my life.

“Every time I messed something up, I think it was because I didn’t do it his way. That sounds like quite an emotional thing to say but I really think it’s true. All of his children would probably say the same. His influence will live on through all of us.

“He was very intelligent but an empathetic and kind man. He also had a very good sense of humour and dry wit. Everyone I have bumped into since I have been back in Dundee has commented on his wit.

“I feel he had a great life and he did a lot of charity work.”

Mr Marr, who recovered from a stroke in 2013, added: “Although my father was 89, he had not been ill. He had a headache, lost consciousness and after being taken to hospital, he never woke up.

“My sisters and I have all managed to get here to be with my mother so that is helping but it is very tough.”

Tayside businessman Donald Marr, who lived in Longforgan, with his wife Valerie in happier times.

BBC presenter Andrew Marr’s ‘kind and intelligent’ father Donald, right, with his wife Valerie, passed away after losing consciousness.

Shutterstock. Andrew Marr has paid tribute to his father.