Tributes to Glasgow rugby stalwart

THE Glasgow sporting community gathered this week at the High School of Glasgow to pay tribute to Charlie Forsyth, who died recently whilst on holiday in Spain, aged 72.

A service, attended by more than 600 people, was held in the school, with poignant memories and plenty of nostalgia, humour and a range of musical contributions, for a man who was well-loved across the rugby world in particular.

Charlie was part of the fabric of Old Anniesland, whether as a player with Glasgow High and GHK, a teacher at the High School of Glasgow or as a coach and video man with Hawks in recent years.

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A product of Jordanhill College, who learnt to speak Russian while on National Service, Charlie was one of the first players to join Glasgow High when Glasgow HSFP went open in 1971. In his teaching and coaching capacity, he always gave encouragement and helped the less gifted. Charlie was involved with Hawks in various roles since the birth of the club in 1997.

His son, Andrew, led the tributes, along with John Roxburgh, a leading light in rugby coaching development, former Glasgow Hawks coach Kenny Hamilton and Colin Mair, as well as Charlie's friend, Donald Goldie, who led the service and gave his own reflections of a great man who will be sadly missed.

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