The sister of a Dunkeld man who died in New Zealand has paid tribute to her ‘hilarious gentle giant’ brother.
Duncan Gordon died in a bridge accident on Christmas Day, leaving his two sons.
The 39-year-old left Perthshire 15 years ago, settling in Dunedin after “falling in love” with New Zealand while travelling.
Duncan’s sister Sarah Marr said his family and friends have been left devastated by his death, understood to have been caused by him falling backwards from an overbridge.
He died at the scene.
Sarah said: “Everyone was so shocked.
“It didn’t feel real.
“We spoke to him and the boys on Christmas Day, then all of a sudden he was gone.
“He was going to be 40 this year. You don’t expect someone that young to die.
“He was such a big personality. He was hilarious and a great character, just a big gentle giant.”
Duncan had three other younger siblings including Sarah – Colin, Fiona and Catriona.
They were raised in Murthly before moving to Dunkeld.
Describing her brother as a youngster, Sarah said: “He was the eldest so kept us all in check.
“As annoying as he could be, he was very protective of us.
Duncan attended Murthly Primary School and then the Royal School of Dunkeld, later attending Breadalbane Academy in Aberfeldy.
After leaving school, the St Johnstone fan took up labouring jobs and studied countryside management at Oatridge College in Broxburn.
In 2008 he went travelling with brother Colin before settling in Dunedin.
Sarah said: “He never came back.
“He fell in love with the place.
“He said it was like home and Dunedin is like Perthshire, everyone is chilled and relaxed.”
Duncan then met his former partner Hinewai and had two boys, Ossian and Kahu.
Duncan’s accident happened at about 7.40pm local time on Christmas Day when he went to meet some friends after spending the day with his children.
A New Zealand Police spokesperson confirmed the death is being dealt with by the coroner and said they were unable to comment further.
As Hinewai is half-Maori, a traditional funeral for their culture was held on January 3.
Those in Scotland wanting to pay their respects to Duncan can attend a service at Little Dunkeld Church on January 20, where they are asked to not wear black.
Sarah said: “It was a lovely service.
“It’s a Maori tradition to write on the coffin before cremation which everyone did.
“Then after the person conducting the service finishes speaking, anyone can take the floor.
“People were saying how great a guy he was and how much they are going to miss him. We don’t know many of his friends there so it was lovely to hear.”
Online fundraising for Duncan’s family
Two fundraisers have been set up to support Duncan’s family.
One, created by childhood friend Philip Louden, has raised more than £7,000 from people in the UK.
The other is for donations from New Zealand.
Phillip, who knew Duncan for three decades, said: “During the weekends we would stay together and go watch St Johnstone with our dads.
“Duncan was very fond of St Johnstone and we went to every game together.
“He would wear St Johnstone shirts in New Zealand.
“He would have appreciated that all the money raised will go to his boys, it will possibly help them for the future.
“They may even be able to come to Scotland and see where their dad grew up.
“It’s not surprising to see so many people help out because he knew so many folk.
“People loved his personality, he was a gentle giant and loved to laugh.
“He was always so popular and it’s great to see so many people pulling together to raise money.”
Conversation