Tributes have been paid to a diehard St Mirren supporter who shunned the Old Firm to become the biggest of Buddies, writes Kyle Gunn.
Pat Moorhead, 80, was described as “much loved” and “a lovely guy” after passing away on Saturday morning.
He followed the Paisley side for over 70 years, travelling both home and away to watch his beloved side in action.
However, his love affair with the side was born out of being taken along to Love Street by his father... but little did he know his dad didn’t share his affection for the side in black and white stripes.
Pat’s daughter Stephanie explained: “His father was actually a Celtic fan but didn’t want to take him to Parkhead.
“So, he took Pat to Love Street instead. Pat didn’t know his father was a Celtic fan until years after but by then a life-long Buddie had been made.
“He will be sorely missed – he was a massive part of my life.”
Pat, who lived in Kilbarchan, was a well known face among the St Mirren support. A member of the Cockles Wilson Supporters Club, he used the club’s supporters bus to travel the length and breadth of the country to watch the Saints.
Cockles Wilson regular and close friend, Gary Reid said: “Pat was a lovely guy. Even all the younger members liked him.
“But from my point of view, when all the younger members went to the pub, Pat and myself would go to a coffee shop or somewhere quiet for a blether along with Allan Picken.
“Like me, Pat loved St Mirren and dogs. He was just a genuinely decent human being and I will miss him.”
St Mirren are on their travels tonight as they return to action for a league clash against St Johnstone.
And the Cockles Wilson Supporters Club bus will, as always, hit the road to back the side – albeit with a heavy heart.
The club took to Twitter, adding: “Pat travelled everywhere to watch his team and was a well known face to everyone.
“The bus won’t be the same without you, auld yin. Rest easy. Forever a Buddie.
“Hopefully there will be three points for him on Wednesday.”
