Tributes paid to lifelong Raith Rovers fan Alex Condie

Raith Rovers is mourning the loss of committed fan Alex Condie.

Mr Condie, who was 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday March 2.

He was a well known face at Stark’s Park, first on the Kirkcaldy club’s terraces and later in the south stand.

He was also a familiar presence in the boardroom, where he served as the supporters’ director on the board.

He joined in the summer of 2006, serving for two years.

In paying tribute, the club said he had a distinctive voice in the south stand and was a lively presence during matches.

“He was a fan of the Rovers all his life, but his support for the club peaked when Frank Conner arrived as manager in 1986.”

Mr Condie was in Iceland and Munich during the club’s UEFA Cup campaign under Jimmy Nicholl after the side won the League Cup in 1994.

Away from Raith Rovers, Mr Condie was heavily involved in the local housing sector.

He was a past chairman of Fife Special Housing Association and had been appointed to the board of the Scottish Housing Regulator.

He was made an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for his services to social housing in Fife. He was also chair of Fife Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations. Mr Condie had a varied career.

He carried out his national service in the Royal Navy and worked at Burntisland shipyard and as an engineer. He also taught.

The club said his favourite anecdote was about the time he turned Sandy Lyle down for a job as an engineer – telling him to “stick to the golf”.

Rovers director Ali More, whom Mr Condie succeeded as supporters’ director in 2006, said: “Eck was a passionate Rovers fan.

““He was very supportive, full of advice and always willing to help.

Mr Condie leaves behind wife Wilma, sons Graeme and Alisdair and grandsons Harris and Arran.

Mr Condie was a Stark’s Park regular.