Perth man Harry Bonthrone, who was known to many through his involvement with local football and his many other interests, has died aged 79.
Born in 1934, Mr Bonthrone grew up in St Catherine’s Court along with his sister, the late Margaret Coles.
As a youngster he was a member of St Ninian’s Youth Club, where he sang songs and performed in small group shows something that would figure in later years.
At age 15 he began an apprenticeship as a coach painter before leaving to carry out his national service with the RAF, in Norwich.
While there, and as part of his involvement with the Norwich Dance Society, he organised a treat for the locals by arranging for his friend, the late Jimmy Shand, to come and play for them,
He left the RAF in 1957 to become an escort to big dances and joined a Perth comedy club as a feed for the professional comedian, Pete Murray.
In 1964 in St Stephen’s Church, Mr Bonthrone married Edith Annand.
By now, he was working as a storeman with Marks and Spencer and he went on to serve more than 25 years of his life with them, while helping Edith raise their two sons.
After retiring from Marks and Spencer, he worked with the Prudential and also as a storeman in House of Fraser before he and his wife became wardens at Gannochy Avenue and caretakers of the community hall.
A keen footballer, Mr Bonthrone played in the old half-holiday league before taking up coaching roles with Jeanfield Swifts, Perth Celtic, Letham and St Johns.
His other passion was for dancing, and he regularly attended the Scottish country dancing in the city hall, where he met Edith.
Mr Bonthrone pursued his love of show music by joining the Perth Amateur Operatic Society as a dancer and featured in many productions, including a performance in Brigadoon in which he was the only “corpse” on stage that had bright red rosy cheeks.
Mr Bonthrone seemed to know everyone and would always say hello and chat to people. He loved his coffee and could often be seen in one of Perth’s coffee houses.
His motto was simple enjoy life. He is survived by his wife Edith, sons Derek and Steven and their families.
A celebration of his life will be held at Perth Crematorium on Tuesday at 12.30pm.
Wear bright colours.