IT was said that Davie Wilson loved Rangers with every breath. That affection was reciprocated and the same was true of Wilson for a generation of supporters.
Those fans have now lost a hero, a man who epitomised the club on and off the park. Wilson was a gentleman, a true Ranger in every sense, and his passing, at the age of 85, is another bond broken between one of the all-time great teams and the fans of today.
For those who witnessed their skill and their success, the names rhyme off the tongue with metronomic precision. Starting with Ritchie, Shearer and Caldow, the three of Millar, Brand and Wilson end the recital.
The decades may have elapsed, but the memories of Wilson at his flowing finest are recalled with clarity by those fortunate enough to have stood on the terraces and seen the winger in action. For others, the grainy, black and white footage of the time is all the evidence they have of Wilson's mercurial talents.
A video segment posted online by Rangers on Tuesday morning was just 90 seconds long but it was enough to remind and to educate. It is easy for supporters to hail the feats of modern day idols, but true icons of Ibrox live on forever.
Wilson is now sadly gone, but he will never be forgotten. The pictures and videos are from a bygone era, yet his achievements - both individually and collectively - stand the test of time and mark Wilson out as one of the finest to ever pull on the famous jersey.
That was never a chore for Wilson, a fan who lived the dream. Until ill-health sadly curtailed his visits to Ibrox, he was a regular face on a match day as he assumed the role of a supporter once again.
The Covid-enforced lockdown denied Wilson, like so many of his fellow Bluenoses, the chance to take his seat and changed his routine, like it did for those - friends Bobby Tait, Ken Macleod, Alan McGraw and Ian McDonald - that he followed on with.
Title 55 was the final league crown that Wilson would see Rangers win. It was a success that was cherished by a man who had written his own chapters in the Rangers story and delivered eleven major honours.
An Ibrox career of 373 appearances returned 158 goals. Those statistics tell of Wilson's individual influence, but his impact on the team was more profound than that and his part in that famous forward line alongside Millar and Brand forms a significant part of his legacy.
Rangers, under the guidance of Scot Symon, reached the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1960 and the Cup Winners' Cup final the following season. A side of such standing and quality was unable to lift the silverware as Fiorentina emerged victorious over two legs, but Wilson's domestic efforts were rewarded with medals.
Four League titles, five Scottish Cups and two League Cups were lifted during an eleven year spell at Ibrox. Ten goals were scored in an international career of 22 appearances and he holds a rightful place in the Hampden Hall of Fame - alongside those at Ibrox and Tannadice - as his deeds for club and country are forever enshrined.
After leaving Rangers in 1967, he enjoyed four years at Dundee United before moving to Dumbarton, where he had two spells as manager. A stint in charge of Queen of the South was his last official role but the game remained close to his heart.
More specifically, Rangers remained in his heart. Wilson was described by the Former Players Benevolent Fund as 'a world class footballer and a real Rangers man' and both descriptions are more than apt for a player and a person who dedicated his life to his club.
A statement on Tuesday morning read: "The thoughts of the directors, staff and players of Rangers are today with the family and friends of Davie" as the Ibrox board paid tribute to one of their greats.
The family that is so often spoken about has lost a much-loved figure. Wilson bravely battled Alzheimers and dementia in his final years and his death leaves a void that can never be filled at Ibrox and amongst those closest to him.
Defenders could not get near him. In life and in death, there are few who come close to Davie Wilson.
