Sam Hutchison

The club are sad to learn of the death on Monday 29th June of Sam Hutchison. Sam’s funeral will be held at Dunfermline Crematorium at 11.30 on Wed 8th July.

Sam spent many decades at East End Park in a variety of roles - from groundsman to serving half-time tea to referees.

A long serving employee he was a steward at the club from 1963 until 2010/11 when he was given an honorary membership to the Rennie Suite. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005/06

He was first lifted over the turnstile by his dad in the 1920s as a four-year-old and thereafter took his favourite position at the half-way line on the old railway side (now the North Stand).

Sam worked for the then Fife County Council water department and as a janitor at Blacklaw Primary School before joining the East End groundstaff, working under older brother Daniel.

He was very proud of being honoured in the DAFC Hall of Fame during the 2005/06 season.

He took his place that year alongside fellow nominees who included Jim Leishman, Harry Melrose and several members of the legendary 1968 Scottish Cup-winning side.

He said at the time:- "Mr Leishman called me into his office to tell me I was getting nominated for the Hall of Fame - I thought he was kidding! It was a great honour and the highlight of my life. Dunfermline are the one and only team."

Jim Leishman paid tribute to Sam:- "I've known him since I started at the club and he's been a great servant."

On behalf of the club, Ross McArthur said:-

"Everyone associated with our club is extremely sad to hear of the death of Sam. Very few non football people are inducted into our club's Hall of Fame, but Sam was one of them, in recognition of his tremendous service to DAFC. He epitomised everything that our club should stand for, and dedicated so many years of his life to The Pars. Our thoughts are with his family at this time".

Sam’s funeral will be held at Dunfermline Crematorium at 11.30 on Wednesday 8th July.