An Edinburgh and Forfar man who loved jazz, science and poetry has died after a long illness at Ninewells Hospital.
He was 75. George Christie was born in Edinburgh and moved to Forfar in 1996.
Born the eldest of four boys in Fountainbridge on June 10 1937, Mr Christie became a science technician before entering National Service as a medical officer in the 1950s.
He became chief technician in restorative dentistry at Edinburgh University in the 1970s. It was when attending writers’ workshops Mr Christie found a talent for rhyme and verse.
After marrying Sandie, his wife of 22 years, Mr Christie had three sons.
Eddie and George were born in Edinburgh, and the family moved to Eltham, near London, when Mr Christie was given a job with the Burroughs Wellcome Foundation. It was there Jonathan was born.
Mr Christie returned to work at Edinburgh Medical School as chief technician and cancer researcher. It closed in 1993, at which point he retired.
A published poet, Mr Christie was also an accomplished jazz musician and drummed with bands including the Bald Eagles.
He also liked singing and gave karaoke renditions of the Dean Martin classic Little Ole Wine Drinker Me at any opportunity. Mr Christie loved a good whisky and was a successful horse racing tipster.
After a five-figure win in an Edinburgh bookmakers, staff told Mr Christie they would miss out on a bonus due to his success, but he gave each person a sum that more than made up for it.
He was partner to Angus SNP councillor Lynne Devine for 27 years until 2011. The couple enjoyed wine-making and Mr Christie participated in the twinning scheme with Chabanais in France.
A funeral service will be held at Parkgrove Crematorium, Friockheim, on Monday at 1.30pm, to which all friends and family are welcome.
Donations to a COPD charity will be taken in lieu of flowers.