Obituary: Lindsay Stewart OBE, 86

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Lindsay Stewart OBE, a former president of the Scottish Golf Union, who died suddenly at the weekend aged 86.

Lindsay was 12 when he began attending George Heriot’s school in 1939, and despite leaving five years later to join the navy, he maintained a relationship with the institution throughout his life. He served as a governor from 1976 to 1996, with a spell as finance convener in 1981, and as vice-chairman from 1984 until his retirement in 1996.

Alistair Hector, Heriot’s headmaster, said: “He made a substantial donation towards the costs of building our wonderful Heriot’s Centre for Sport and Exercise, which opened in March this year, and this support is acknowledged by the naming of the main space in the sports centre as the Lindsay Stewart Sports Hall.”

After the Second World War, Lindsay trained as a chartered accountant, graduating in 1952 and joining Ethicon Edinburgh, where he served for more than 37 years, 17 of which he spent as managing director.

During his time at the company he was recognised by the Queen with an OBE for services to export.

Current managing director Colin Morgan said: “It was with real sadness that we learnt of his very sudden and untimely passing. He will be greatly missed.”

Following his retirement, Lindsay became more involved in offering consultation and support to various educational institutions, including Napier University, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London, which all granted him honorary fellowships.

Karen Goodman, from Edinburgh Napier, said: “Lindsay Stewart poured a huge amount of his energies into the university in a variety of roles. He was present at every stage of the institution’s transition from college to polytechnic and then, finally, to university.

“He was one of Edinburgh Napier’s staunchest supporters and champions, and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Mr David Tolley, president of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, said: “Mr Stewart was a true friend of the college, an exceptional man whose commitment and support has been outstanding and we, as well as many within Edinburgh and our profession, mourn his passing.”

Lindsay, a Merchants of Edinburgh member for nearly 60 years and former Scottish Golf Union (SGU) president, will also be mourned by many in the golfing community.

Hamish Grey, chief executive of the SGU, said he would be “sorely missed”, and these sentiments were echoed by Jim Harwood, chief administrator of Merchants of Edinburgh.