The family of Highland League legend Gordon Inkster, who died in July, have shared details of the formative years of the remarkable sportsman.
His 12-year spell with Inverness Thistle is well documented but Gordon had a rich hinterland as part of the community in Inverness.
He served as a Kirk elder and was an officer in the 8th Inverness Company The Boys’ Brigade.
Gordon was also an accomplished golfer, an enthusiastic singer and a welcoming host to visitors to the family home.
In later life, Gordon developed an affinity for Reading Football Club, the town where his daughter Hazel had made her home.
Gordon was born in Bunchrew, Kirkhill parish, in 1931, the youngest son of Elizabeth and Robert Inkster.
He had three brothers, Jack, Bert and Hamish and went to the primary school in Bunchrew before progressing to Inverness Academy.
When he left school, Gordon began training as a motor mechanic with Inverness Ford dealer Chapman.
He remained with the firm from 1947 until 1952 when he was called up for National Service with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
During his time serving in Germany, Gordon was promoted to corporal in charge of vehicle inspection and was a maintenance instructor.
When he returned to Chapman, Gordon moved into the sales and service of tractors and farm machinery before joining Partco as sales representative for the north of Scotland and Orkney.
He met his future wife, Margaret, in 1949 and discovered they shared a love of sport.
She was a supporter of Lovat Shinty Club but soon began following Gordon’s football career.
The couple married at Old West parish Church, Inverness, in 1955 and went on to have two daughters, Hazel and Avril.
They moved into a house in Ruthven Road, which was to remain the family home, and developed close friendships in the neighbourhood.
Gordon remained a loyal follower of Inverness Thistle long after his playing career had ended and, in later years, golf became a big part of his life.
He joined Inverness Golf Club in 1967 and went on to serve on the committee, as house convener, had a spell as club captain and was made an honorary member in 2015.
Gordon was predeceased by Margaret and celebrated his 90th birthday last year with close family and friends.
He was also very close to his granddaughters, Kenzie and Marley.
At Gordon’s funeral, £713 was donated to the British Heart Foundation.
You can read the family’s announcement here.
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