The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Carnoustie Citizen of the Year Olive Duncan loses long battle
Carnoustie’s Citizen of the Year Olive Duncan has lost her battle with illness, aged 59.
Mrs Duncan ran a flower shop in the town for 36 years and was known locally as Olive the Flower Lady.
She supported thousands of people in the community through joyous occasions and sad ones.
Mrs Duncan was awarded the Citizen of the Year accolade in July for her “outstanding contribution to life in Carnoustie”.
The award was collected on the night by her husband Stewart as she was too unwell.
Mrs Duncan was born in Torphins before moving to Carnoustie at a young age and attended Kinloch Primary School and Carnoustie High School.
She married Stewart in 1974 and they had four children, Sarah-Jane, Stewart, Steven and Garry. She is also survived by six grandchildren.
She started Olive’s Flower Shop in 1979 on Dundee Street before moving to the High Street.
Her husband said: “She was very popular in the town. Nothing was too much trouble and she had a knack for remembering faces from years back.
“She knew exactly what flowers everybody liked. The shop was her life. I always said it was her hobby as well as her job.”
Community council chairman Arliss Rhind said Mrs Duncan was “always smiling, always helpful” and described her as “that ray of sunshine on a cloudy day”.
Mr Rhind said: “It was very sad to hear the news today of Olive’s passing. We knew she was gravely ill but her death has still come as a shock.
“She played a huge part in the life of Carnoustie for over 36 years and had the love and respect of everyone.”
Carnoustie councillor Brian Boyd said: “Olive was such a kind person, who did so much for so many in Carnoustie. A lovely lady... She will be greatly missed.”