It is with great sadness that Heriot’s Rugby Club must announce the passing of one of our great club stalwarts, Douglas Hill ( James Douglas Moffat Hill) who passed away on Thursday 9th March. Douglas was a real family man who is survived by his wife, Lillian, daughter Alison, grandson Rhuairi and brother Blair, with whom he attended George Heriot’s School.
Douglas’ dedication to Heriot’s was outstanding and he was, amongst many things, treasurer of Heriot’s Rugby Club for 25 years. Douglas also served as a governor of George Heriot’s School for 20 years.
Douglas was for many years the Chief Accountant and Company Secretary of the Scotsman newspaper.
Douglas was respected by so many for his tireless work for, and the knowledge and experience he gave to, Heriot’s Rugby Club where he was a familiar face on “gate duty” on Saturdays.
He enjoyed every minute of what he did for Heriot’s, especially the Saturdays where he enjoyed watching so many great players while at the same time, doing so much behind the scenes. He became the club’s renowned statistician and would often confirm milestones in a player’s career such as numbers of tries scored or 100th / 200th appearances for the 1st XV. Douglas continued to serve the club, even well into his eighties, latterly as a club steward.
Douglas was a true unsung hero.
Our thoughts are with Lillian and the rest of the family.
The funeral will take place on Thursday 23rd March at 11am at Warriston Crematorium. Friends and family are invited afterwards to Goldenacre for a ‘chat’ and if desired club ties should be worn.
Very sad news. A lovely man who was always welcoming and always had a friendly word and a smile. He’ll be missed by all.
Dougie was such a charming man, always greeting you with a friendly smile.
A great Herioter and will be sadly missed.
Love to Lillian and the family.
Douglas was the best of Herioters.
Dedicated to the School and the Club for so many years, he was also a useful prop forward in his day !
One of the kindest knowledgeable men I have known. He was a Herioter through and through.
My thoughts are with Lillian and the family at this very sad time.
Douglas was a great Herioter and a perfect gentleman. It was always a pleasure to meet him. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time
Sad news. Just a lovely man and true gentleman. Always a welcoming smile and time to share. Great support of the Junior Section and Committee so appreciated. God bless.
Heriot’s FP rugby club has been blessed with a number of players who can rightly be placed in the giants of Heriot’s and Scottish rugby categories.
Dougie Hill was equally as important to Heriot’s and Scotland’s rugby history in his capacity as one of the greatest administrators in our game. Again, we were truly blessed.
Dougie will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with Lillian and her family.
I’m saddened to hear this news. Douglas was indeed a lovely man. I had the pleasure of assisting him for several years at the Goldenacre turnstiles and always enjoyed our Saturday afternoon chats. My thoughts are with Lillian and family.
Sad news indeed. Dougie had time for everyone and always with a smile. We enjoyed plenty of good banter together…a life to celebrate. Sincere condolences…
My kind thoughts are with Lillian and Alison at this time, he was such a kind generous man who always had a kind word and smile.
I will always remember the support and encouragement he gave me , a true gentleman
One of the greatest Herioter , he will be missed by many
Kind thoughts Kenny
I was lucky to have a calm, knowledgeable and reliable hand on the finances of our company. Douglas was always on top of everything. I remember our first (and I think only) VAT inspection. The inspector asked a few times for particular documents, and Douglas had presented the folder opened at the appropriate page before each question was finished. The inspector was rightly impressed.
We have lost a true gentleman.
Dougie was an archetypal Heriot’s gentleman. I had the privilege of playing with him occasionally, and of later admiring his administrative skills at Goldenacre, where he was a constantly reassuring and friendly presence. Our Club is hugely the poorer for his passing.
I am distraught at having had to miss his funeral. RIP, Dougie.
Very sad news. Douglas was a lovely man. Will always remember the help he gave me when I moved to The Scotsman almost 50 years ago. A true gentleman. RIP Dougie