A dedicated Tartan Army foot soldier has been remembered as a 'gent who always had a story' after he passed away suddenly on his return from a trip to Norway to watch the national team play last week.
Michael Pace, 67, from Leith in Edinburgh, returned from Oslo on Sunday, June 18, having watched Steve Clarke's men claim a famous 2-1 victory two days beforehand. However, family and friends were left devastated after he passed away suddenly in his sleep that night.
While a family friend said he struggled with the heat on the trip, his exact cause of death remains unknown.
Michael, also known as Pasty, followed Scotland's national team for over 40 years, enjoying countless trips to countries across the world, making lots of pals along the way.
Speaking to the Record, his friend and fellow Scotland fan, Diane Doig, said: "He was just a loveable wee man. He called me his sister because I used to try and keep him in order.
"Pasty was always up to something but everyone loved him. It just won't be the same without him on trips anymore. My husband says he hopes God gets enough of his antics up there and just sends him back down to us. "
After the news of his death broke, the Tartan Army lined up to pay their respects, many having just seen Pasty partying days ago in Oslo.
One punter said: "Pasty is one of the characters I met on my first trips in the mid 90s and he was always there. I was never sure how he got back from each trip in one piece.
"Guaranteed he lost something; be that cash, passport or just himself! But rest assured, he’d be standing at the bar next time round with plenty of stories."
One commented: "On one trip he didn't have a clue where he was, so some of us eventually figured out what hotel he was in and got him back there, only for him to reappear back at the pub about an hour later!"
Another commented: "He was a lovely guy, we met him numerous times over the years on our travels, always a gent with a story to share."
Someone said: "I remember on one trip years ago, a six-and-a-half foot tall basketball player carrying a worse for wear Pasty around a pub, over his shoulders, asking if anyone knew him."
Someone else added: "One of those recognisable faces at away games. Sad loss for his family and for the Tartan Army."
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