Golf lover and newspaper owner David Philips

David Philips, former Strathearn Herald writer and proprietor, has died suddenly aged 80. David, of the well-known Philips printing family, who for four generations worked in publishing, printing, retail stationery and media, was known for his passion for Crieff, sport and his family.

His family oversaw the printing of the Herald every week for 129 years and he still lived in Herald House, Comrie Street, where once the printing presses roared on the floor below the family home.

Born in Perth on May 16 1941 to David and Enid Philips, David and his family moved to Crieff when he was a boy.

A well known and highly regarded family who owned a printing business, David’s father would remark that their Philips had one ‘P’ to save on ink.

He met Margaret Bradley in their senior year at Morrison’s Academy, through a mutual love of sport.

David was a rugby player and Margaret was in the hockey team. The couple married on October 6 1962.

When his first daughter Susan was born in April 1964, David was at Hampden.

However, when Jackie arrived in 1966 they were at home in Herald House.

Journalism, like the generations before him, was in David’s blood.

Known to always extend a hand to everyone he met saying ‘David Philips...’, then awaiting a conversation whether they knew him or not, he was never shy.

He once even danced with the sister of the Queen, Princess Margaret, during a function at Gleneagles.

When the Strathearn Herald came under the control of Scottish and Universal Newspapers in 1991 David remained in Herald House.

The firm’s magnificent antique Cossar newspaper printing press – a machine which had printed Crieff’s local paper since 1907 – was later donated to National Museums Scotland.

As well as being a passionate advocate of Crieff, David was also a golf enthusiast.

With a handicap of seven he was a past captain of Crieff Golf Club, leading in the centenary year when he managed to bring Seve Ballesteros to play a round at the golf club in 1991.

Professionally he worked on golf ’s European tour for many years, always looking forward to the Open.

Though another branch of the Philips media dynasty ends with David, the sports journalism and news gene also reached his brother, nephew and grandson who are all involved in broadcasting.

David was grandfather to Chris, Lauren, Alex, and Cameron, and greatgrandad of Caelan.

David’s funeral took place in Perth Crematorium.

David Philips.