The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Distinguished journalist Alastair Fyfe, 82, former deputy editor at The Courier
Alastair Fyfe, who spent nearly 50 years working for The Courier, has died at the age of 82.
The popular local journalist suffered from dementia in the last few years of his life.
Alastair passed away peacefully with wife and childhood sweetheart Norma by his side on Friday at Cairnie Lodge in Arbroath, where he had been living for the last couple of years.
Born in Dundee on June 16 1936, Alastair grew up in Broughty Ferry.
He went to Eastern Primary School and then Grove Academy.
Soon after leaving school he joined DC Thomson as a reporter.
He also received journalism training in the RAF as part of his national service.
With the exception of this, and a short spell at the Daily Express in the early ’60s, Alastair spent his whole career working at The Courier and Evening Telegraph.
He and Norma married in 1964, both aged 27 and moved to Carnoustie the same year to start a family.
His long and distinguished career included interviewing Margaret Thatcher during her premiership.
Most of his working life was spent in the Bank Street offices, before the DC Thomson staff moved to the Kingsway offices.
After decades as a reporter and chief reporter, Alastair became deputy editor of The Courier for the last five years of his career, before he retired in 2001 at the age of 65.
The grandfather kept on top of the news even after his retirement, buying at least three newspapers a day.
Alastair was a sports enthusiast, both as a spectator and participator.
Among the sports he enjoyed were golf, badminton and swimming. He also regularly went to the gym and enjoyed photography.
He generously gave blood regularly, as he had the rare AB negative blood type, and was awarded a badge thanking him for donating so much.
Alastair enjoyed a glass of wine, and made a “great, but strong” sangria. He also loved sunny holidays and a good laugh.
His funeral will take place at Parkgrove Crematorium, Friockheim, on Thursday at 9.30am. All family and friends are invited.
The family have asked that donations be made to Alzheimer Scotland in lieu of flowers.
Mourners will be invited to the Station Hotel, Carnoustie, after the service.
Alastair is survived by his wife Norma, daughters Tracey and Sarah, and grandchildren Claire, Scott, Rachel and Nicole.