Andrew Smith, known as Andy, was almost 93 and had become a familiar face among Rabs supporters after decades following the club.

Following his death, his family have paid tribute to a man who they say lived a life “you would want to lead”.

Andy grew up on a farm in Kirkintilloch before going into the Army, where he finished his service as a sergeant.

(Image: Supplied)

After leaving the Army, he became a bus driver, where he met the woman who would become his wife.

He later worked as a recovery driver, while the couple went on to have four children and seven grandchildren.

(Image: Supplied)

Football, and Kirkintilloch Rob Roy in particular, remained a huge part of Andy’s life throughout the years.

His support for the Rabs stretched back more than six decades, with Andy becoming a familiar presence at matches both home and away.

The connection to the club also ran in the family, with Andy’s brother Bobby having played for Rob Roy during the 1960s.

Andy’s son-in-law Martin, who is married to one of Andy’s four children, said he was well known around the club after spending so many years following the team.

But away from football, Martin said it was Andy’s character and the way he approached life that stood out most.

He said: “If I was to describe the way he approached things, he was an absolute gentleman.

“He lived a life that you would want to lead.”

Andy was diagnosed with cancer around two years before his death, but Martin said he continued to show remarkable resilience throughout his illness.

He added: “He was terribly robust, he just kept going through it all.

“He faced his illness really well and had almost 93 years on earth without any health complaint.”

His long association with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy has also been marked by the club following his death.

Before a recent match, a minute’s applause was held in memory of Andy, who the club described as a long-time supporter and club member.

(Image: Kirkintilloch Rob Roy FC)

The club has also shared details allowing friends and fellow supporters to pay their final respects.

Andy’s funeral takes place at 10am today at Daldowie Crematorium.

Afterwards, mourners are invited back to the Kirkintilloch Rangers Club to celebrate his life.

Donation boxes will be available at both the crematorium and the club for Marie Curie.

The tribute from the club provides a fitting final chapter to Andy’s more than six decades supporting the Rabs, while his family will remember a much-loved father and grandfather whose life stretched far beyond the football terraces.

As Martin simply put it: “He was an absolute gentleman.”