Charles M. Crole has died at Muirton Care Home, Blairgowrie. He was 79 and had been in failing health for some time.
Known as Chic, Mr Crole was born on February 22, 1931, at Old Rattray.
He attended Rattray Primary School then worked for Charles Conacher as an apprentice coach-builder and sprayer.
Mr Crole completed two years of national service in the RAF, then signed on for a further year.
During this time, in December 1950, he married Irene Bruce, also from Rattray. They had two sons, Bruce and Brian.
On Mr Crole’s return to civilian life he worked for John Hannan, Grassick’s Garage, Crole’s Coachworks, Filtrona in Dundee and Smith Anderson in Haugh Road, Rattray.
His interests included tropical fish, wine-making and horse-riding, although his favourite recreation was fishing.
Mr Crole also had a love of music, mainly country and western.
He played the accordion and piano in his own style, and when skiffle was in vogue he strummed along to Lonnie Donegan records.
Mr Crole served on the committees of various organisations, including the RAF Association.
In his youth he played as a goalkeeper for various football teams he was signed by Coupar Angus Juniors, then after national service he signed for Blairgowrie Juniors, finishing at Smedley’s Amateurs.
During his national service, Mr Crole had trials for York City and had interest from Leeds, but decided to return home.
After football he turned his hand to golf, and was a member of Dunkeld and Alyth clubs.
In the late 1990s Mr Crole lost interest in most of his hobbies, and this proved to be the onset of Alzheimer’s.
When he could no longer be cared for at home he was admitted into Muirton, where he stayed for two years.
He was pre-deceased by Mrs Crole, by six weeks.
Mr Crole is survived by his sons, two grand-daughters and two great grand-children, as well as two brothers and three sisters.
A funeral service was held in Rattray Church followed by interment in Blairgowrie Cemetery.