TRIBUTES have been paid to a father-of-three who was a key figure in coaching budding footballers in Haddington for more than a decade.

Robert Lyon passed away on Thursday, August 9, with his funeral taking place at Haddington’s West Church on Thursday at 10am.

His sons, 28-year-old Robert, Gary, 26, and Mark, 23, were among those paying tribute to their dad.

They told the Courier: “He was always happy.

“He was football daft – mainly Rangers [Football Club].

“He was a coach at King’s Meadow Primary School and lots of teams in Haddington as well.”

Robert, who lived on Haddington’s Seggarsdean Court, previously worked as a removals man but had to retire due to ill health.

The 61-year-old was a founding member of the Haddington Loyal Rangers Supporters Club and would travel home and away to see his team play.

A message on the supporters’ club Facebook page said: “Everyone associated with Haddington Loyal RSC was absolutely devastated at the news of the sudden passing of one of our much-loved founding members, Robert ‘Hacker’ Lyon, on Thursday afternoon.

“Anyone who ever set foot on our bus or spent any time at all with Hacker will never forget him.

“The first to arrive with a well-natured jibe for anyone, his jokes and laughter brought us all together.

“He took more than his fair share of stick himself. . . but took it all with a smile on his face.

“Even when we left Ibrox under the weather after a poor performance or a bad result, Hacks always tried to lift the spirit on the bus, usually by tormenting someone!

“He loved Rangers with a passion and he’ll always be a massive part of the Haddington Loyal.

“The bus will be much quieter without you but we all know you’ll watch over us all and keep us right.”

Robert’s passing has led to tributes being paid on social media.

His sons said: “The response has been brilliant.

“We are just overwhelmed by it all really, to be honest.

“The amount of text messages we have all had and the support we have had has been brilliant.”

A tribute also took place at Nungate Gala, which took place on Saturday afternoon.

A minute’s applause was held ahead of the crowning of the Gala Queen, with Simply the Best playing in the background.

Kate Cowan, chairwoman of the gala committee, told the Courier: “That is what the gala and community are all about – community and helping out each other when possible.

“The gala wanted to do that for the boys straight away.”

Haddington and Lammermuir ward member Councillor Tom Trotter also offered his condolences.

He said: “We used to go to the football together.

“I am friendly with his family and he will be sorely missed – he was a bit of a character.”

Meanwhile, at Ibrox during Rangers’ 2-0 win over St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, August 11, plans for a minute’s applause in the 61st minute were replaced by the fans singing The Blue Sea of Ibrox, Robert’s favourite song connected with the club.

Robert’s three sons added: “He had three loves in his life: his wife Sheena, his children and Rangers.”

A crowdfunding page has been set up to support the family at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hacker-lyon