Gary Riddell remembered

Pars Family to pay tribute to former player on Saturday

This year marks the 25 year anniversary of the tragic death of Gary Riddell. Gary was born in Ellon on 9 August 1966 and played for his local team, Aberdeen before joining the Pars in 1987.

After playing his part in helping the Pars return to the Premier League in May 1989, Gary tragically died on 11 June 1989, aged 22, whilst running in the Dunfermline half-marathon raising money for the Hillsborough disaster. He was running alongside good friends, Norrie McCathie and John Watson.

Pars players visited Gary's grave in Ellon on 5th August 1990

Although he was only at East End Park for just over two years, he is still fondly remembered by Pars fans. Gary was popular on and off the field, always happy to attend functions and support community events.

The board has recently been in contact with Gary’s family as they felt it was appropriate for our club to formally recognise this poignant anniversary. Saturday’s away fixture against Peterhead was earmarked as the perfect opportunity to do so, before the year end.

DAFC Director, Billy Braisby commented “Our club would like to make a short tribute to Gary and lay a wreath at his grave on Saturday at 12 Noon before our match against Peterhead, alongside Gary’s family.

As well as club officials, it would be a fitting tribute to Gary if any Pars supporters intending on travelling to Saturday’s game were also in attendance. We would be delighted if we could swell the numbers attending, and although this may mean an earlier start than usual, I am sure it would be warmly appreciated by the Riddell family. Our wish is that we can provide a dignified tribute to Gary on Saturday.”

The following directions are provided for supporters who would like to attend:
Travelling North on A90, do not take the first turn off for Ellon but continue to second turn off (A920), which takes you into town centre past a new Tesco development. The cemetery is on the left hand side as you drive into the town. This is highlighted in the map below.
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?x=395890&y=830470.0&z=106

Gary’s grave is situated against a long stone wall that runs down the middle of the cemetery. As you enter the main gates of the cemetery, turn left until you reach the stone wall. Gary’s grave is only a few stones down from the main road side.

The photo shows Gary’s grave is to allow supporters to easily identify it. It is very near the main road and the entrance itself.