A community will gather to pay an emotional tribute to a “loved” scots dad who tragically died after falling off a bridge in New Zealand on Christmas Day.
Duncan Gordon, 39, from Dunkeld, fell backwards from the bridge in Dunedin at around 8pm following a social gathering with friends.
Police officers and paramedics raced to save the dad-of-two but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Speaking to the Perthshire Advertiser, sister Sarah Marr said she and her family were in “shock” over the sudden death of an eldest brother she glowingly described as a “gentle giant”.
“It all still feels a bit surreal,” she added. "He was a big character and a larger than life personality. He was a gentle giant as he was about 6ft4.
“He commanded a room with the nicest energy and was a typical big brother. He could be a pain in the butt but was really protective of us all. He was a great guy and everybody loved him.”
A St Johnstone fan, Duncan attended Murthly Primary School and then the Royal School of Dunkeld, before later studying at Breadalbane Academy in Aberfeldy. Duncan’s parents and four siblings, Sarah, Colin, Fiona and Catriona, still live in Scotland.
The painter and decorator settled in New Zealand 15 years ago, having gone travelling there. It was there he met his partner Hinewai and they had his two boys Ossian and Kahu, settling into life in Dunedin.
A traditional Maori memorial service was held in New Zealand on January 3 for Duncan. “The service in New Zealand was a traditional Maori funeral and was very relaxed and informal,” Sarah explained. "People write messages on the casket before it is cremated and anyone can come up and say a few words about Duncan’s life. He would have loved it.”
Those in Scotland wanting to pay their respects to Duncan are invited to a service at Little Dunkeld Church on January 20 at 12pm. Mourners will be asked to not wear black at the service in tribute to Duncan’s colourful and vibrant personality. The wake will then take place at the Birnam Arts Institute.
“I think it will be a big service and we will give him the send off he deserves,” she said. We are asking people to not wear black and to wear colourful clothes.
“It is something we thought of as he would not want anyone standing in black, and instead to have a laugh and remember the good times they had with him.”
Childhood friend Philip Louden has set up a GoFundMe page to support Duncan’s family, who wrote on the webpage: “On Christmas Day we lost a wonderful friend, son, dad, brother and uncle. Duncan Gordon died in a tragic accident and will leave a huge hole in the lives of many.
“None more so than his two sons Ossian and Kahu, and their mum Hinewai. Dunc lived in Dunedin, NZ, and worked hard to provide for his family and his sudden death will make it very difficult financially while they try to come to terms with their loss.
“It would be great if Dunc’s friends and those who knew him in Scotland could come together to support his boys and provide some financial security for them.”
The page has raised over £8400 so far. Sarah is eternally grateful for the support Duncan’s entire family have received.
She said: “His boys are seven and 10, so everybody thinks they have got a long future without him and want to help. Everybody has been calling and the phone has been off the hook since they heard the news. The community has pulled together and for our parents it has been a comfort to them to see how popular he was.”
Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/support-big-dunc-gordons-family
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