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Tributes paid to Gordon Highlanders veteran after sudden death

Tributes have been paid to Morven Blackhall, a former Gordon Highlanders soldier, who died suddenly. (Picture submitted by family)
Tributes have been paid to Morven Blackhall, a former Gordon Highlanders soldier, who died suddenly. (Picture submitted by family)

A north-east army veteran, who served with the Gordon Highlanders, has died suddenly.

Morven Blackhall, 40, died at his Aberdeen home earlier this month.

The exact circumstances of his death are unknown at this stage but his shocked family have said it was unexpected.

Mr Blackhall, who served in Northern Ireland with the Gordons, was single and did not have any children but he left an indelible mark on those who knew him best.

Younger sister Kenna Anderson, 35, said: “There’s many words to describe Morven, but to me, I’d say, intelligent, funny, cheeky, unique, reckless, loving and impulsive. Morven was a sociable person and like me, loved to be surrounded by people.

“Controversy always followed him around – but deep down, he was a very soft loving person – which his thorny exterior could often camouflage. Every week he met my mum and wished her off with a huge hug, saying how much he loved her. I know she will always treasure that.

“What will I miss about him? I’ll simply always miss my big brother. I had looked forward to the day I could introduce him to my children, and one day me to his; I thought we had the rest of our lives to make more memories.”

The oldest of Kenneth and Sheena’s four children, Mr Blackhall was born on October 11, 1975, and grew up in Kirkton of Skene, where he attended the village primary school.

As a youngster, he was an accomplished sportsman, and was captain of the local football team.

He was a keen golfer and an avid fan of Aberdeen FC.

At 17, Mr Blackhall joined the Gordons and began training with the junior leader infantry.

He celebrated his passing out parade later that year, where he was the colour sergeant.

Mr Blackhall’s first posting with the regiment was in Berlin, before he served two tours in Northern Ireland.

After leaving the army, he worked offshore for a number of years before working as a storeman.

Mr Blackhall died on July 7. His funeral, which will be attended by regiment representatives, will take place on Wednesday at WM Gilchrist Kaimhill Chapel at 10.30am.