Tributes have flooded in for a beloved Midlothian dad and local boxing legend who suddenly passed away.
John Archibald, 68, from Loanhead died suddenly on February 7 leaving his devastated wife Carol, children Tina, Yvonne, Colin, Robert and Carol and several grandchildren behind.
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Dozens from across the close-knit community have expressed their sadness at the heartbreaking news and daughter Tina who runs the local boxing club with her husband has set up a charity boxing game in his honour.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live John's daughter Tina said: "My dad suddenly passed away on February 7, 2023.
"John was a much-loved husband of Carol, loved dad to me, Colin, Yvonne, Robert and Carol.
"He was a Father in law, adored papa, great papa, uncle, brother and brother-in-law to the family, the Captain of the Ship and a dear friend to many."
John known as Jocky loved boxing and trained many years ago at MacTaggart Scott Boxing Club before boxing for Scotland.
She continued: "He boxed since he was a kid and won loads of titles, going pro for a short time. The fight with Vernon was the talk of Loanhead.
"Everyone knew my dad as a very good boxer who fought for Scotland and he started boxing with his three brothers in childhood."
Tina explained: "My dad boxed for Scotland, myself and my husband Sandy now run MacTaggart Scott Boxing Club and have since 2017.
"The club shut 25 years before this so my dad and his three grandsons started boxing again at home.
"My husband Sandy Hutchison decided in 2017 to do all his coaching and open the gym in Loanhead to get kids off the streets when they have nothing.
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"So we did a fundraiser at Loanhead Miners Club and got funds to build our boxing club up and that's how it started back again."
The family are hosting a boxing show on March 11 at Dalkeith Miners Club as a tribute to the boxing-loving dad. You can find out more here.
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