Laurie Rogers

Forfar Athletic officials were saddened to hear at the weekend of the passing of Laurie Rogers.

Laurie was 93 and utilising phraseology from another sporting sphere ‘what an innings he had.’

Laurie’s association with the ‘Loons’ came mainly during his four decades as the Chief Courier correspondent in the town, during which times he reported on Forfar Athletic’s home games as well as newsworthy items about the club and there were many for all the DC Thomson publications.

He also covered the Athies matches for quite a few Sunday titles over the period.

Laurie also joined the officials and players on occasions for vital away fixtures, for example being the Courier’s ‘Man with the Team’ at both Scottish Cup Semi-final matches in 1982 where he with pleasure gave the inside view on two notable occasions for the ‘Loons.’

His experience was utilised in the early days of programme production at Station Park, ‘ghost’ writing the manager’s column one of his duties back in the mid seventies and he also gave valuable assistance and advice to Doug Soutar and David McGregor when they were penning the club’s Centenary Book.

When retiral beckoned, Laurie turned to being simply a supporter, still a ‘weel kent’ and welcome face around Station Park and a season ticket holder till the pandemic struck.

Laurie an ‘adopted’ Forfarian, was a well known figure around the town, a great raconteur with a vast knowledge on many subjects both local, national and otherwise.

It was simply always a pleasure to be in his company.

He was a committed member of many a local organisation or institution in his time.

In the official notice in today’s Courier it states that Laurie was a ‘friend to many.’

How true that statement is and thankfully for many, many people of all walks of life in the ‘toonie’ over the years it was an honour to be classed as one of them.

At this time our thoughts and condolences  are with Margaret, the ‘Good Lady’ as he always referred to her in company, his sons Mark and Graeme and their families.

At his own request Laurie’s funeral is to be private.