Family remember ‘Ace of Spades’ DJ Sandy Elrick

Much-loved Ace of Spades DJ, former owner of the Burnett Arms and “Kemnay loon” Sandy Elrick has died at 65.

Tributes have flooded in for the popular hotelier who hosted a Still Gamethemed night just days before his sudden death.

Alexander Charles Elrick was born in Insch on Christmas Eve 1958. Son of hoteliers Jessie and Sandy Elrick he spent his entire life in the hospitality trade.

The Burnett Arms in Kemnay, purchased in 1961, would be a playground for Alexander – known as Sandy or Sans – and his siblings Billy and Evalyn.

The whole family each played their part in keeping up with the day-to-day running of the hotel.

Lifelong Celtic fan Sandy toyed with becoming “a sparky” but when the former Kemnay Primary and Inverurie Academy pupil finished school, his apprenticeship as an electrician was put to one side when his father passed away.

He stepped up to help his mother run the hotel.

Sunday night dances and bookings for the function hall were increasingly popular so a plan was made to start a disco, with Sandy nominated to run it.

“Back then Sans was actually really shy. When he started doing the disco he would just play the music but not speak. It actually took a wee while for him to warm to it.

“But that’s how Ace of Spades came about,” said Billy.

ACE of Spades – Sandy’s initials “Alexander Charles Elrick” – grew in popularity and his Djing skills became the talk of Kemnay.

In 1987 Sans met Evelyn Hay from Inverurie. They wed in Oyne Church just five months after meeting at the Burnett Arms.

The family grew with the arrivals of daughters Noelani and Charley, and was completed by son Aidan.

When they weren’t at the Burnett Arms they were at home in Paradise Road, but Djing meant long days and working weekends.

From children’s birthday parties to weddings and anniversary celebrations he helped generations of Kemnay families mark special occasions.

His eclectic taste included everything from the Ketchup Song to the Eagles, and he even created his version of Strictly Come Dancing to fill the dance floor.

Aidan said: “Everyone knew dad. So many people will have celebrated something special with the help of my dad. He was the DJ at my school discos and was the DJ at the grandkids’ school discos too.”

Granda to Kaelan, Ashton, Millie and Otto when he sold the hotel in 2005, despite still Djing, he had more time with his grandchildren and hobbies.

Watching Ashton play football and planning family gatherings were favourite activities, as was his support of local football teams. Sans helped coach Kemnay Ladies and supported the primary school, youth, and amateur sides. He also loved to organise and act as DJ for charity events.

Sans died unexpectedly at home on March 25, and his life was celebrated at Bennachie Parish Church, on April 5.

Amazing Grace, a hymn recorded by several of his favourite artists including Elvis, was sung. His daughters paid tribute by reading a poem translated into Doric. His brother Billy gave the eulogy.

“It’s still all a bit of a shock,” said Aidan. “There was a huge turnout to his funeral. We have been overwhelmed by the number of cards and tributes for my dad. We’re all very grateful to everyone who has reached out to us.

“He was everything to us but it’s been really touching to know he was so well loved.”

MUCH MISSED: Sandy Elrick pictured with his family.