An Edinburgh man and dedicated Scotland fan recently passed away following a trip to Norway to watch the national team.
Tributes have poured in for Michael Pace, 67, after his sad passing last week shortly as returned from Scotland's memorable victory over Norway.
Michael, from Leith, has been described as a 'gent who always had a story' as devastated family announced that he passed away suddenly in his sleep that night, with the exact cause of death unknown.
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As the Record reports, a family friend noted how Michael, who was also known as Pasty, struggled with the heat while on the trip.
Michael followed the national team for four decades and enjoyed countless trips across the world, making lots of friends along the way. His friend and fellow Tartan Army foot soldier Diane Doig described him as a "loveable wee man."
She said: "He called me his sister because I used to try and keep him in order.
"Pasty was always up to something but everyone loved him. It just won't be the same without him on trips anymore. My husband says he hopes God gets enough of his antics up there and just sends him back down to us. "
After the news of his death broke, the Tartan Army lined up to pay their respects, many having just seen Pasty partying days ago in Oslo.
One punter said: "Pasty is one of the characters I met on my first trips in the mid 90s and he was always there. I was never sure how he got back from each trip in one piece.
"Guaranteed he lost something; be that cash, passport or just himself! But rest assured, he’d be standing at the bar next time round with plenty of stories."
One commented: "On one trip he didn't have a clue where he was, so some of us eventually figured out what hotel he was in and got him back there, only for him to reappear back at the pub about an hour later!"
Another commented: "He was a lovely guy, we met him numerous times over the years on our travels, always a gent with a story to share."
One fan recalled: "I remember on one trip years ago, a six-and-a-half foot tall basketball player carrying a worse for wear Pasty around a pub, over his shoulders, asking if anyone knew him."
And another added: "One of those recognisable faces at away games. Sad loss for his family and for the Tartan Army."
