Published: Wednesday, 7th May, 2008 12:00
'Gentle' son dies in motorbike tragedy
By Jamie MacDonald
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Gordon Strachan has been described as a gentle and caring son.
A SAUCHIE family this week paid tribute to their “gentle” son who was always up for a laugh following his tragic death in a road accident in Edinburgh.
The family of Gordon Strachan (24) have been left distraught after his motorbike was involved in a collision with a car on Friday night.
He was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, but sadly died from his injuries.
Gordon’s dad, Alan, told the Advertiser, “He had a gentle nature and was full of fun.
“He was always up for a laugh. He was quite a quiet laddie and had been popular and clever at school.”
The former Craigbank Primary and Lornshill Academy pupil began working for Pizza Hut while at Heriot-Watt University. Gordon studied chemistry and then computing before deciding university was not for him.
He spent the last few years living in Edinburgh, sharing a flat in Bruntsfield with his best friend from primary school, Russell Scott.
After leaving university Gordon worked full-time at Pizza Hut and, through riding the pizza delivery moped, he decided to get a motorbike at the start of this year.
Linda, Gordon’s mother, said, “He loved playing his X-Box but once he got his motorbike in February that was his pride and joy. It gave him freedom. We hated it but then you can’t tell your kids what to do.
“Having the bike meant he was through a lot to see me this year as I was housebound.”
Linda added, “He never earned much but he was happy. He never wanted or asked for anything.”
She went on, “We have been surprised with how many friends Gordon actually had. He mentioned names but he had so many friends we didn’t know about.”
Gordon was a keen reader of books – particularly fantasy and science fiction – and enjoyed superhero movies, having just been to see the preview of the latest blockbuster Iron Man the night before his accident.
Gordon leaves behind two brothers Andrew (27) and David (20), and a young nephew Euan (3).
Andrew described how buying his motorbike had given his brother a new sense of freedom, and Gordon’s Bebo internet page stated he was saving up to ride across America on his motorbike.
Andrew said, “He came down to Sunderland to see me on his bike and would often go on long rides exploring places – he would say he was going off on a magical mystery tour.”
Gordon’s death has allowed three people to live as both his kidneys and liver were donated to save the lives of people waiting for an organ transplant.
Alan said, “We had had discussions before and Gordon said organ donation was something he wanted to do. He always thought of others, he maybe didn’t really show it but he was always a caring child.”
Many tributes have been posted by friends on Gordon’s Bebo page.
Sophi Morton wrote, “It was an absolute delight to have known you and to have had you as part of my life. I will never forget you.”
And Simon Strain wrote, “Friends since we were seven and now you’re gone. I’m so sorry mate, so sorry you’re gone. I hope you’ve found peace.”
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'Gentle' son dies in motorbike tragedy