Gilbert Clark was a truly special local hero of Edinburgh – Donald Anderson

Funerals are always sad occasions. Often we’re paying tribute to people who have been taken too soon. However, there are times when a funeral takes place for that special breed, a person who has had that incredible combination of an amazing life and a ‘good run’. The funeral for Gilbert Clark, who died at the ripe old age of 97, was a very special occasion.

Gilbert Clark was a uniquely energetic individual who helped establish the Better Burdiehouse Burn project back in the 1980s, which evolved into the Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park. Gilbert was also a leading light in his church and the Edinburgh Allotment Holders Association. His hard work and dedication helped turn a park that was largely known for being a dog toilet into a Green Flag Park and nature reserve.

Gilbert was also famously and fabulously rude at times, but it was always well-humoured and well-intentioned. He could puncture pomposity in an instant. At one Friends committee meeting, he asked whether the speaker for the forthcoming AGM was a volunteer or a professional. “A volunteer,” replied secretary Bruce Bennet, “why do you ask?” “Ah well, if it’s a volunteer I shall have to be polite, shan’t I,” came the response with an accompanying twinkle in Gilbert’s eye.

Gilbert’s funeral was packed. For someone who lived to 97, that’s as remarkable as the man himself. His sons Gilbert junior and Chris were clearly sad, but you could also see and sense their enormous pride that their father had lived such a long life and was appreciated by so many. Edinburgh has many local heroes, but few have worked as long and hard. Gilbert was truly special and will be greatly missed.