LIFELONG ‘Jambo’ Tom Harvey, from Musselburgh, died suddenly on Saturday, June 13, at the age of 88.

An avid Heart of Midlothian Football Club fan, he passed away at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from a condition not related to Covid-19.

Born in Wallyford, the son of Walter and Georgina Harvey, he had elder brothers John; Walter; Ebenezer, who was known as Abe; George and William, and a younger sister Janette who lives in the Stoneybank area of Musselburgh.

The family moved to Whitecraig Road in Whitecraig where Mr Harvey attended school at Cowpits before moving on to Crookston School and Musselburgh Grammar School.

Mr Harvey worked as a milkman with Musselburgh & Fisherrow Co-operative Society (M&F Co-op) for 40 years.

He joined the company after leaving school to take up a job as a milk lad, delivering milk in Musselburgh on a horse and cart.

He then got his own round in the Woodburn area of Dalkeith in Midlothian.

He met his wife Isabella, a clerkess at M&F Co-op in Musselburgh, after they were introduced by a mutual friend in Musselburgh High Street one day. Love blossomed and the couple were married at Inveresk Manse in 1954.

They set up home in New Street, Musselburgh, welcoming their eldest daughter Elaine in 1956, before moving to the Wimpey estate and celebrating the birth of their daughter Rhona in 1960.

They moved to Deantown Avenue, then Whitecraig Park, in Whitecraig, and the birth of their son Neil in 1962 completed their family.

Mr Harvey undertook a period of National Service during his youth and was also Scottish billiards champion.

A lifelong Hearts supporter – known as a Jambo – he was a Tynecastle season ticket holder and tried never to miss a game. His cousin John Harvey was a Hearts coach, and Elaine and Rhona are season ticket holders.

He always loved greyhound racing and, when he retired in 1995, was responsible for the handicapping procedure at Wallyford greyhound track.

Mr Harvey cared for his wife for 30 years after she developed multiple sclerosis and the couple moved to Eskdale Mews in Musselburgh in 1989.

Mrs Harvey passed away 15 years ago.

Hearts supporters were invited to turn out with their maroon and white scarves to pay their last respects to Mr Harvey as his funeral cortege made its way through Musselburgh for a service at Inveresk Cemetery on Wednesday.

Only a limited number of mourners could attend the humanist service due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Mr Harvey, who has nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, is survived by his daughters Elaine, who lives in Jedburgh; Rhona, who lives in Lanark; and son Neil, a Doncaster resident.

Well-wishers also took to social media to pay their respects.

Billy Malinen said: “Sorry about your loss. I worked with your dad at Wallyford dogs, we had some good laughs. RIP Tam.”

Willie Jarvie added: “Sorry to hear about your dad. I knew him very well as a Jambo, and I worked with him as a youngster when he was in the Co-op creamery. Rest in peace Tommy.’

Anne Selcraig said to the family: “Aw your mum and dad were a lovely couple. RIP Tom xx.”