Buckie footballing stalwart tragically killed in recent cold snap
David 'Parro' Findlay was only 53 when an accident near Aberlour claimed the life of the respected football coach
Last updated 19th Dec 2017
Tributes are being paid to a Highland Football League coach, killed in tragic circumstances.
Buckie Thistle's David Findlay - who had recently taken charge of the under 20s - died after his car got stuck in wintry conditions near Aberlour.
He fell and hit his head in the icy conditions - he was only 53.
Known as 'Parro' David was well-known for the work he'd undertaken with kids in the area and in a youth development capacity.
Buckie Thistle vice president Raymond Cardno said: "He was one of these people who you didn't realise just how much he did - until he's no longer there - and sadly that's all ahead of us now"
"He revamped the youth development at Buckie Thistle and spent a huge amount of his own personal time doing that and it obvious was just a very strong passion of his"
"It'll be a sadness to the whole of Buckie..."
"He worked with the schools and integrated the kids from primary up to secondary - even included things like drug and alcohol awareness"
David had also been manager of junior side Buckie Rovers, winning the league in March 2016 to clinch promotion to the North Superleague.
Raymond said: "A lot of people probably don't even realise - even at Highland League level - just the sheer amount of work that goes on behind the scenes"
"Sometimes I think it's taken for-granted - and he just totally exemplified that"
"It'll be a sadness to the whole of Buckie, the community, the football club, and most importantly the family"
"We've already been in touch with the family and everything's very much up in the air but we'll do everything we can for them at this very difficult time"
Mr Cardno said at the very least there will be a moment to reflect ahead of the Cove Rangers match at Victoria Park, but admitted that longer term it may be fitting to have a lasting memorial as tribute to David and his work.
"At our next home game there'll be a minutes silence or applause - depending on what the family want - thereafter I think we need to have a serious think about whatever lasting tribute may be applicable to his memory"