The family of a Brechin shop worker have told of their shock at his sudden death aged just 31.
Matthew Grant collapsed after taking unwell at a friend’s flat in the town in the early hours of Sunday.
The cause of his death is not yet known.
The Celtic and Brechin City fan was a familiar face for many locals, having spent 15 years working at the Scotmid shop.
Older brother Michael has told how his “fun-loving” and “happy-go-lucky” brother had aspirations of making strides in his retail career.
He told The Courier: “Matthew was always up for a good time, always smiling and making a joke – happy to wind you up.
“He had a big heart and will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.
“He attended St Margaret’s Primary School in Montrose and then Brechin High School.
I think he’ll be remembered as someone who was always up for a good time and a laugh
“When I left Brechin he took my job, so he started at the Scotmid about 15 years ago and, in the last year or two, he had been doing apprenticeships at work and trying to work his way up into management.
“I think he’ll be remembered as someone who was always up for a good time and a laugh.
“You could always count on him to prop up the bar.”
Matthew was also an uncle of four, and served as the best man at Michael’s wedding.
As well as football he loved a number of other sports including UFC and Moto GP
Matthew’s mum, Noreen, was informed of his death in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Michael says it came as “such a shock”.
‘It still doesn’t feel real’
He said: “The morning was a complete blur.
“You always assume – especially myself – that because you’re the oldest it should be you.
“There’s not an age limit on death but you always think you’ll go first, before everyone else.
“It still doesn’t feel real. It’s like he’s about to pop in and ask what we’re up to.”
Matthew is survived by sisters Noreen-Marie Geddes, 34, and Esther Grant, 44, brother Michael, 36, and mum Noreen, 63.
He also had nephews Charlie, 24, William, 6 and Luka, 1, and niece Aurora, 4.
Michael added: “He was very close with his family, adored by all.
“Life will not be the same without him.”
