Wife’s tribute to Carnoustie man who died a day after their anniversary

A widow has paid to a “brilliant husband, dad and grandad” who died coming home from a football match.

Carnoustie man George McDonald suffered a heart attack in a petrol station one day after his 44th wedding anniversary.

His widow Jessie Ann, 64, described the 69-year-old as her best friend. Mr McDonald had travelled to Stonehaven by bus to watch the Arbroath Vics game but never returned home.

His heartbroken wife, known as Ann, said: “I saw him on Saturday morning and he said ‘I’m away’, and I was expecting him to come through the door that evening.

“I was sitting watching the TV and I saw a police car going past. Then I saw them walking towards my door and I just thought ‘oh no’.

“I don’t know where he died, but as far as I know it was in the petrol station and he had a massive heart attack. I was just devastated when the police told me what happened and I am still struggling to take it in.

“It brings me comfort to know he died doing what he loved, but it was a big shock for everyone else. He loved football, and he loved supporting local teams.”

Former machine operator and potato grader Mr McDonald was born and bred in Carnoustie.