Copyright dailyrecord
BY LES STEWART Perth Crematorium was ‘jam-packed full’ last Thursday as family and friends celebrated the life of well-known Perth man Billy Falconer. In a moving, and often humorous and wide-ranging eulogy, celebrant Thomas Baxter described him as “truly an extraordinary person” whose life had touched so many. “He was a rare soul, someone who embraced life fully and effortlessly connected with everyone he met. His kindness, humour and warmth made a lasting impression - and his legacy will continue in the stories, laughter and love he shared.” Billy died on October 9 after suddenly collapsing in Perth while out with his sister Irene. He was taken to Ninewells Hospital but despite the best efforts of the emergency services they were unable to save him. He was aged 72. “There was no time for a goodbye - and everyone is still coming to terms with the shock,” said the celebrant. Billy “enriched the lives of those around him” and his presence left an “indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him.” Mr Baxter added: “The grief we feel in losing him is natural, especially for his children Kirsty and Greig, grandchildren Rory, Finley, Charlie, Louie, and Myles, sister Irene, brother Ray and all his extended family and friends who now face an immeasurable void in their lives.” William Falconer, but known to everyone as Billy, was born on March 19, 1953, in Perth Royal Infirmary. He was the eldest of three children of William and Martha Falconer. He was followed by Irene, then Ray, and they looked up to their big brother. There was 10 years of a difference between Billy and Ray. The family were raised at Bridgend, then nearby Gannochy. They had a happy childhood, with plenty of freedom, out all day and only back when their tea was on the table. He was educated at Kinnoull Primary then went on to Perth High School, where he excelled at sport, football was his sport of choice and he later became captain of his juvenile team. He played for Scone Thistle, then Allan Gray, his coach and manager, headhunted him for Huntingtower Juvies. Billy was fiercely competitive, winning silverware with both clubs. Tennis was another of his favourite summer pastimes and he lifted many trophies playing at the Balhousie Courts. Later on, he played in the Perth and District Five-a-Side Football League where he also collected a range of silverware. “Billy was a clever lad: he was very good at arithmetic and counting his own money,” recalled the celebrant. “So, when Billy left school his first job was in the Trustee Savings Bank in Scone. He served in various branches across Perth, working his way up to chief teller. He then moved to whisky distillers John Dewar and Sons at Inveralmond, serving first in the labelling department before becoming a supervisor in the blending bond. He then transferred to the labelling department before being promoted to manager and material supply planner. From there he went to Marks and Spencer for a year before making another career change, joining the National Health Service, working as a storeman at Murray Royal Hospital and then PRI. He was there until he retired, aged 69. Billy met his wife Freda at a dance in Perth’s Salutation Hotel, they got engaged and married and settled down to married life in Dunkeld Road. Kirsty arrived in 1978, followed by Greig in 1979. “He was always there for his kids, and he tried to do the best he could. Greig was the Saints mascot when he was five, so Dad got in their every match. And Greig would proudly stand on the sidelines with Kirsty to watch his dad play five-a-sides and tennis.” Billy loved to take the kids to theme parks — his favourite was Blackpool Pleasure Beach — and he was always a “very proud dad” to his children and grandchildren and loved them almost as much as his high-tech trainers! Sadly, like a lot of couples, Freda and Billy grew apart. He was a single man once again and enjoying life. But he did have a few long-term relationships. Billy always kept himself fit and healthy and was out all day every day, following the sun. His favourite place was Rodney Gardens. He would also have a daily walk round the North Inch before meeting up for coffee. He had a wide circle of friends, far too many to mention, but the celebrant singled out Lindsay Hutchison, a lifelong pal with whom he shared many good times, as well as Billy Hewitt, Davie Whitelaw, Drew Davidson and Allan Gray. “And if no one else was around, his sister would do — and she paid every time — but Billy picked up the loyalty points. Forever the banker,” joked the celebrant. Billy “had time for everyone” and a measure of how much he was thought of was that news of his untimely passing attracted more than 400 posts on social media. His funeral was also live-streamed to those who were unable to attend in person. “He was also a great shopper; he loved his clothes. Hugo Boss was his favourite, and he had over 200 pairs of shoes. The Imelda Marcos of Perth. “Best before dates were never important to Billy and he loved a yellow label in Marks and Spencer, the cheaper the better. Billy, as you all know, knew the right side of a shilling. “He was a good man and will be missed so much and by far more people than he would ever have imagined. “So, I hope there is a lot of Château Neuf du Pape and a cheeky nip up in heaven, and I suggest when you get to the reception you all raise a glass to Billy. “And guess what – he’s not paying,” quipped the celebrant. Billy’s coffin was carried into the packed crematorium by his son Greig, Davie Whitelaw, Billy Hewitt, Matthew Baker, Drew Davidson and Colin McNicoll. After the standing room only ceremony, the mourners were piped out to the strains of stirring bagpipe music by Martin Thomson. A retiring collection was taken in Billy’s memory in support of the Alzheimer’s Society and refreshments were then served at the Perth Ex-Servicemen’s Club, where family pictures and footballing successes from Billy’s time with Scone Thistle were shared.
